The Société asiatique was founded in 1822 during the rush of enthusiasm that followed the first triumphs of scholarly endeavors in the field of Middle Eastern studies. These include the deciphering of writing systems, the restoration of monuments, and the comparison of languages. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries the Société asiatique worked to accomplish its mission of gathering and diffusing knowledge related to the vast field of Middle Eastern and Asian studies that covers the area from North Africa all the way to the Far East. To this end, the Société used a multidisciplinary and scholarly approach that studied oral and written records of all the cultures concerned.

The Société asiatique unites more than 700 members in France and around the world. Its principal publication is the Journal asiatique, which has been published without interruption since 1822. The fact that Middle Eastern and Asian research is becoming progressively more diversified due to its progressive specialization, reinforces the importance of the federative character that the Société has had over two centuries.

The Société asiatique is located at the Palais de l'Institut in a site reserved for it by the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres (tel. and fax: 01.44.41.43.14, dial 33.1.44.41.43.14 from outside of France). Its monthly meetings take place on the second Friday of the month at 5:00 PM in the Hugot Hall of the Palais de l'Institut, 23 Quai Conti, 75006 Paris.

Its library is open every afternoon and includes 90,000 volumes and close to 200 current periodicals. It is a member of the ensemble of the libraries of the Instituts d'Asie in the Collège de France, situated at 52 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris (tel : 01.44.27.18.04, dial 33.1. 44.27.18.04 from outside of France).