In June 2023, a group of like-minded alumni from the Middle Eastern Studies Department of Yerevan State University (YSU) established Ex Oriente - Union of Armenian Orientalists.
The Department of Middle Eastern Studies at YSU was considered one of the preeminent leaders in Arab, Iranian, and Turkish studies in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Department’s resident leadership, with the assistance of a number of accomplished repatriate scholars, produced intellectual undertakings contributing not only to academia but also to the establishment of Armenian statehood, along with its institutions. Their contribution has been particularly prominent in the foundation of the diplomatic cadre of the independent Armenia.
The goal of Ex-Oriente crystallized after the Second Artsakh war in 2020. The war’s fallout, coupled with problems in the educational system in Armenia and Artsakh, propelled this group to harness the potential of all interested alumni for a public initiative to help develop the capacity of Armenian students in scientific research and related activities. The objective of this initiative is to bring the knowledge, capabilities, and invaluable experiences of the alumni to the service of Armenia and Artsakh.