Universitat de Barcelona

The main objective of the Observatory on Tibet and Central Asia (OTAC) is to study the peoples and cultures of Central Asia. This geographic region encompasses Tibet, Mongolia and Turkestan, as well as the areas located in the mountain chains of the Himalayas, the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Pamir.

The Observatory works in two main areas: research and dissemination. All of the research projects are interdisciplinary. Studies analyse the present political and social climate of the peoples and countries of Central Asia and the cultural and religious traditions, with a special focus on literary, historical and religious aspects.

In terms of dissemination, the Observatory aims to establish links between our society and these cultures of remote Central Asia. It organizes academic courses, seminars, conferences and exhibitions that contribute to a greater general knowledge of the region.