European Muslim Initiative

Forum for Future of European Democracies and Muslim Communities

“European Muslims gather in Turkey to discuss their future”

10-11 May 2012 – European Union Day

 Objectives of the Forum

European democracies are encountering deep socio-economical, political and societal crisis. European democracies, which have been known for respecting the fundamental rights of its citizens, are experiencing the rise of racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and violent extremism. This unfortunate development is not only causing fear and restlessness among the ethnic and religious minorities but also resulting in the prohibition of positive movement towards cohesiveness as well as the restriction of basic freedom.

Political leaders such as the French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the British Prime Minster David Cameron and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel are on record as saying that multiculturalism is dead and they designate Muslim communities as the main cause of this failure. Needless to say that such statements are not backed by any scientific research or data collection but because of populism and voter’s consideration as well as curtail the presence of Muslim communities through draconian laws and xenophobic reactions. At the same time, the democratic demands from the Muslim communities are being ignored. There is very little acknowledgment of the contributions of Muslim communities to European development in the fields of labor and service market, business, culture, sports, demographic changes and indeed in many other sectors.

In this difficult situation, it is clear that Muslim communities need moral and political support in convincing decision makers in Europe to change their anti-Muslim discourse and consider them as co-citizens. Such recourse must have a real political legitimacy based on a mutual dialogue. As part of the European continent and a candidate for EU membership, Turkey is the only country in the Islamic world that meets these criteria. While this issue can be treated in the context of EU-Turkey and Turks in Europe, it is inevitable that Turkey through its good offices will also play a major role in bringing closer the Muslim communities in Europe and the majority societies.

To achieve this objective, it is necessary that Turkish government strengthen its relations and co-operation with Turkish NGOs and representatives of Muslim communities in Europe who are involved in helping the minorities. To assist this vital effort, we are putting in motion, the Annual Forum for the Future of European Democracies and Muslim communities.

Debuting in 2012 as part of the Europe Day, the theme of this year will be “European Muslims gather in Turkey to discuss their future.” This event is would be in partnership with the Department of the European Union, the University of Commerce of Istanbul, and EMISCO and COJEP International, which are two important forums for the major European Muslim communities.