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The peaceful coexistence of cultures, religions and human beings, especially between Muslims and non-Muslims, benefits all society and every individual. This being not a new revelation, too little has been done in recent history to take action and put this principle in practice. Confrontations and setbacks occur time and again – not just in unstable regions of the world, but also and especially in Germany. This is a clarion call for us to work harder towards peaceful coexistence.

For decades and centuries, tremendous social, economic, political and intellectual changes have occurred and they continue to sweep through the world. Will Muslims be able to deal with today’s challenges? If so, how? The answers to these questions will inevitably affect other cultures.

As early as the18th century, Goethe knew that the East and the West were inseparable. However, today’s society has not been able to fulfill Goethe’s dream, although plenty of time has passed since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Societies remain trapped in prejudices and stereotypes that strengthen the view of a separate East and West. European enlargement has made this even more pronounced and overwhelming. But fortunately, today there are voices in the world which inspire courage; voices which are not given due attention in this country, voices which, nevertheless, have for years promoted a different world view and have successfully served people and the public good.

One such voice is the voice of Turkish-islamic scholar Fethullah Gulen. He is the mentor of a movement based on moral values; a dynamic movement that originated in Turkey but has now spread worldwide.

The University of Potsdam’s Institute of Religion and FID BERLIN e.V. (Forum for Intercultural Dialogue Berlin) in cooperation with the German Orient-Insitute, the Abraham Geiger College at the University of Potsdam and the Protestant Academy Berlin are organizing an international conference entitled “Muslims Between Tradition and Modernity – The Gülen Movement as a Bridge Between Cultures.”

The aim of the conference is to examine the activities of the Gulen Movement objectively and rigorously. Therefore, national and international scholars will present their opinions on various aspects of the movement during conference sessions.

We look forward to seeing you at our conference.

Sincerely yours
Prof. Dr. Admiel Kosman
Ercan Karakoyun