About Uddiyana Study Center
Director Message
Prof. Dr. Ghani-ur-Rahman is a renowned scholar in the field of Gandhara Art, holding a PhD from Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, Italy. He has been serving as the Director of the Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations (TIAC) at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, since 2016. In addition, he is the Director of the Regional Integration Centre (RIC) and the Uddiyana Study Centre (USC) at the same university, positions he assumed in 2023 and 2024, respectively. As the Editor-in-Chief of the HEC-recognized Journal of Asian Civilizations since 2007, he oversees significant academic contributions to the field as conducted filed works in Taxila, Gilgit and Gandhara, especially the extensive work on Shangla.
Luca M. Olivieri Academic Research Councilor
Associate Professor of Archaeology and Cultures of Gandhara and the Silk Roads, and of History and Material Culture of Buddhism (South Asia/Southeast Asia) at Ca’ Foscari University, Venice.
Dr. Abdul Samad Academic Research Councilor
Ph.D. from the Free University Berlin, Germany, and completed a Fulbright post-doctorate at the University of Wisconsin, USA. Presidential Civil Award-Winning professional archaeologist from Pakistan
Mission
USC is dedicated to advancing research on the historic region of Uddiyana and its cultural and historical connections with China. Our core initiatives include:
• Publishing scholarly books and a dedicated academic journal focusing on the history and archaeology of Pakistan, with particular emphasis on the Gandhara-Uddiyana Buddhist civilization.
• Producing high-quality documentaries to showcase Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage to a global audience.
• Organizing international conferences, seminars, and cultural events to foster dialogue and collaboration.
• Facilitating visits for international scholars, students, and heritage enthusiasts to explore key Buddhist archaeological sites across Pakistan.
Through these efforts, the Uddiyana Study Centre strives to preserve, promote, and share the rich Buddhist legacy of Pakistan with the world.
Vision
The Uddiyana Study Centre envisions a world deeply connected to its historical roots, particularly the transformative legacy of South Asian Buddhism in general and Uddiyana-Tibetan Buddhism in particular. As a leader in archaeological preservation and education, we employ cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary approaches to uncover and share the narratives of our collective past. Our vision is to cultivate a global community that values and actively participates in the preservation of cultural heritage, recognizing the enduring significance of historical sites and artifacts. By bridging the past with the present, we aspire to ensure that the profound teachings of Buddhism and other historical insights continue to inform and inspire future generations.
Our Partners
