The role of social movements and civic engagement in social reform and betterment of democracy cannot be denied. The Hizmet Movement has played a crucial role in helping Turkish citizens embrace democratic values. The movement’s success in enlightening the people of Turkey also proved that Islam (or any other religion for that matter) can juxtapose with democracy without having to compromise. This lecture  brings forward an important point: the example Turkey might set for the rest of the Muslim world with its strong democracy achieved through its citizens’ civic initiatives.

Dr. Y. Alp Aslandogan is the President of the Institute of Interfaith Dialog (IID), a non-profit educational institution that aims to create opportunities for members of various faiths to learn about each other directly, without intermediaries. In this volunteer position Dr. Aslandogan oversees the organization of academic as well as grassroots activities of the institute around topics such as shared values of humanity, social cognition and conflicts, the art of living together, foundations and methodology of interfaith and intercultural dialog, and the role of religion in public life, democracy and education. Dr. Aslandogan recently co-edited a book entitled “Muslim Citizens of the Globalized World: Contributions of the Gulen Movement”, published by IID. Dr. Aslandogan also serves on the boards of the Fountain magazine and the Journal of Interreligious Dialogue.

Registration required
E cais@anu.edu.au
T 02 61254982

This lecture is free and open to the public.