IRCICA is a subsidiary organ of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). IRCICA was established in 1979 as the first cultural centre of the OIC (then named Organisation of the Islamic Conference) (www.oic-oci.org). The 57 Member States of the OIC are also members of IRCICA. IRCICA undertook activities relating to research, publishing, training and information on a wide range of subjects concerning the Islamic civilization and Muslim cultures. Its subjects of interest include the history of Muslim peoples, the history of science, archaeology, architecture, fine arts and traditional handicrafts, preservation of cultural and architectural heritage, and cultural development issues. The Centre tries to encourage exchanges and cooperation between cultural institutions, universities, scholars, researchers and art circles of the Muslim world and beyond, for the purpose of promoting scholarly and artistic endeavours.