Central Asian Research Center (ORASAM) was established in September 2011 under the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. The main objectives of ORASAM are:
- To provide and conduct organization and coordination on the promotion and implementation of scientific research at the national and international levels concerning the political, diplomatic, strategic, economic, social, educational and cultural relations between the Central Asian region and its surrounding countries;
- To provide consultancy services to international organizations, public and private institutions in the Kyrgyz Republic and Turkey in political, strategic, social, economic and cultural issues in the region;
- To help and provide partnership to individual and institutional researchers who are working on issues related to the Central Asian region and its surrounding countries;
- To encourage publications of academic researches, books and reports at the international level in the context of political, strategic, social, economic and cultural issues related to the Central Asian region and its surrounding countries;
- To provide support in the organization of joint strategic activities, promote scientific studies and projects, contribute to the development of academic and student exchange programs among the Central Asian region and its surrounding countries particularly with the participation of Kyrgyzstan and Turkey;
- To contribute to the improvement of information and experience exchange between Turkey and Kyrgyzstan.
The areas in which ORASAM operates towards these objectives are determined as following:
- To cooperate with universities, research centers, non-governmental organizations, government and international institutions in Central Asia and its surroundting countries in accordance with the aims of the Center;
- To provide consultancy services to international and national institutions and organizations on issues related to Central Asia, conduct interdisciplinary research studies for the Central Asian region, develop, implement and coordinate related projects;
- To publish international academic periodical journal, reports and books about Central Asia, establish an electronic library, archive and electronic communication network in the related field and work on bringing together related publications to the university;
- To organize congresses, symposiums, workshops, conferences, forums, panels and other kinds of academic activities at the international, regional and national levels;
- To conduct various educational programs in accordance with the Center's objectives and with the cooperation of Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University (seminars, lectures, courses, certificate programs, summer schools, etc.) and evaluate the research proposals from faculties and departments in this direction;
- To plan and organize scientific, artistic, sportive and cultural activities jointly with universities, research institutes and centers working on the Central Asian region and its surrounding countries;
- To organize joint trainings, internships and exchange programs for universities, research institutes and centers, academicians, administrative staff and students working on the Central Asian region and its surroundign countries;
- To support and encourage the education of students and university teaching staff from Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and other Central Asian Universities who are willing to conduct joint researches and projects on related topics;
- To establish working groups and research commissions on various topics in accordance with the Center's objectives and fields of activity,
- To carry out decisions of Central Executive Board and other activities in accordance with the purpose of the establishment.
ORASAM has established five working groups to carry out its work: Political Science and International Relations, Economics, Sociology, Education and the Media.