A stroll through the history of Inalco

The Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales was founded in 1795. For over two centuries, under different names, the "Langues O'" have undergone countless upheavals and changes. In these "Flâneries", we take you on a short journey through the rich history of our institution.

Illustrated with documents from our archives, each month they will highlight a singular episode in the lives of students, teachers and staff alike. A cycle of historical narratives proposed by the Scientific Information, Archives and Heritage Department (SISAP), in support of the "History of Inalco" project manager.

Les Langues O' and the Paris Commune

In 1870, as the French and Prussian armies clashed, the École impériale des langues orientales went through a period of transformation and found itself caught up in the turmoil of the double siege of Paris.

visite du personnel médical aux malades, dans le lycée Janson de Sailly transformé en hôpital

Langues O' during the Great War

When the Great War broke out, the ֤École was quickly called into action.

Plan de Paris dessiné par Louis Bretez et gravé par Claude Lucas (détail de la Bibliothèque du roi), 1739

Langues O' at the Bibliothèque nationale

While students and teachers at Inalco can now take advantage of two buildings entirely dedicated to the study of oriental languages and civilizations, this was not always the case.

Etudiantes du cours de chinois, année 1926-1927

Who are the first Langues O' graduates and teachers?

In 1888, the first female students graduated from the École des Langues Orientales: Florence Groff in Persian and Marie Talbotier in Literal Arabic and Vulgar Arabic.

Chauffage à l'air chaud par calorifère, Nouvelle encyclopédie pratique du bâtiment et de l'habitation. Volume 10, René Champly, 1910-1914

Heating at Inalco through the centuries

With the onset of winter, the question of heating the classrooms is on our minds. This is not a new problem; it was already a problem when the school moved to 2 rue de Lille.

apport présenté au ministre de l’intérieur au 27 nivôse an 9, 17 janvier 1801

The difficult task of creating a secretary for the École des langues orientales

Valérie Liger-Belair now occupies the position of "Director General of Services", but it is an old one, created just three years after the school was founded.