German Archaeological Institute

The German Archaeological Institute (Deutsche Archäologische Institut – DAI) participates in international research projects all over the world. DAI researchers promote intercultural understanding in a variety of ways and make a valuable contribution to Germany's cultural relations and education policy.

The DAI was founded in Rome in 1829 by a group of friends comprising scholars, artists and diplomats. Initially it was based in Villa Caffarelli on Capitoline Hill, the home of the German envoy Christian Karl Josias von Bunsen.

Since 1833 its headquarters have been in Berlin. As well as its three large commissions in Germany, it maintains key departments in Rome, Athens, Madrid, Istanbul and Cairo as well as offices in Baghdad, Tehran, Sana'a and Damascus.

The DAI is the only institution directly affiliated with the Federal Foreign Office. Together with their partners around the world DAI researchers undertake a wide range of joint projects in the field of archaeology and related disciplines. With their internationally acclaimed expedition, excavation and publication activities, they make a valuable contribution to dialogue and exchange in the wider context of Germany's cultural relations and education policy.

In recent years the Institute has undergone extensive modernization, a process that will continue under its new President, Prof. Hans-Joachim Gehrke, who took up his post in March 2008.

To support its work as an internationally renowned research centre, the DAI has been promised special research funding under the Federal Government's Genshagen education, research and development programme.

Research focus on the Near and Middle East

DAI researchers are involved in international cooperation projects in many parts of the world. The Near and Middle East have long been a focus of its archaeological ventures. It is active in Afghanistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia and has recently started work in Libya, too. The reopening of its Baghdad office has not been possible to date.

In 2007 a research unit was established in Ulan Bator as well as a new association in the United States, American Friends of the DAI; with the opening of its new office in Beijing the Institute is now also acquiring a higher profile in China.

Contribution to intercultural dialogue

In many countries archaeology is considered a matter of national significance. As a tool for defining and communicating a nation's cultural identity, exploring its past is deemed a task of considerable political importance. By fostering greater understanding between different cultures DAI researchers make a valuable contribution to intercultural dialogue, which in turn does much for Germany's standing in the world. They are active not only in countries that have long attracted archaeological interest but also in crisis regions and conflict zones around the world.

The DAI's former President, Prof. Hermann Parzinger, now represents Germany on the relevant ICOMOS committee for Afghanistan.