The Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute (CAARI) in Nicosia was established by the American Schools of Oriental Research in 1978 to provide scholars and students of all nationalities with the services and facilities on Cyprus comparable to those offered by other American overseas research centers in the Mediterranean region and the Near East. It is now housed in a large, attractive, centrally located building which offers economical, hostel-style accommodation in the J.R. Stewart Residence, twenty-four hour access to a wellstocked library for residents and CAARI members, and a computer network for internet access, scanning and word processing.

CAARI is the only academic organization of its kind on the island. It serves as a vital meeting place for all researchers specializing in the archaeology, history and culture of Cyprus, foreign and Cypriot alike, as a clearinghouse for information, guidance and advice on all matters relating to the investigation of the island’s past, and as an agency for promoting American and other foreign contributions to the knowledge of Cypriot civilization. As befits the island’s strategic location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, CAARI’s library has not only an exceptional collection of works relating to the human and natural history of Cyprus, but also covers the archaeology of the neighboring regions which have had such a marked impact on the culture and destiny of its inhabitants. CAARI’s fellowship program plays an essential role in furthering the aims of the organization. Other programs include regular lectures and in-house seminars and the annual summer archaeological workshop, held in conjunction with the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus, where news of recent fieldwork and related activities are presented to a public audience.