Head of the department - Bekkin Renat Irikovich.

Since July 1, 2014 according to the Order No. 01-06/500 of 18.04.2014. "About change of structure of Institute of the International Relations, History and Oriental Studies of KFU" there was a merger of departments of Area studies and Islamic studies (it was founded in 2010) and History and culture of the East (it was founded in 2003). The new department of Oriental and Islamic studies was formed on the basis of two departments.

The department is the leading division of Institute of the International Relations, History and Oriental Studies of KFU providing training of specialists in the following training field: Oriental and African Studies, skills profile: History of Asia and Africa".

The department cooperates with the leading higher education institutions and research institutes of the world, international organizations, and also builds partnership with large commercial corporations for the purpose of employment of graduates of Institute of the International Relations, History and Oriental Studies of KFU.