The Indian Ocean is a centre, not a periphery, for the understanding of Muslim cultures since the sea was a link historically between cities, ports, and peoples in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.  ​​​We support the protection, conservation and heritage management of Indian Ocean cultures, and focus in our research on texts, objects, cities and monuments. ​​​Current topics involve many international partnerships and include Muslims and the sea, trading networks, Sufism, and Islamisation.​​​​​