The symposium, being held for the fifth time this year, will take place in Kocaeli between May 8–10. The opening day program began with strong attendance at the Kocaeli Congress Center. More than 30 speakers from 15 countries will participate in 10 sessions throughout the event. The symposium is jointly organized by the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli University Faculty of Theology, Aleppo University, Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, Kocaeli Mufti’s Office, Kocaeli Provincial Directorate of National Education, Kocaeli Theology Foundation, INSAMER, the Earth Lawyers Association (WOLAS), the Migration and Diaspora Foundation, and the Digital Memory Association.
“If Muslims Become Influential, the World Will Live in Justice”
Speaking at the opening program, Prof. Dr. Abdullah Kahraman, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Kocaeli University and Chairman of the Symposium Organizing Committee, said: “There are two types of minorities: in terms of population and influence. Although the Muslim population in the world is increasing, unfortunately we see that their influence is declining, which truly saddens us. Muslim influence is not merely a political or ideological matter. If Muslims become influential not only in population but also in power and influence, the world will live in peace, harmony, and justice. There would be no bloodshed, tears, oppression, or sorrow.”
“We Hear the Cries of Gazan Children”
Kahraman noted that the first Muslim minority community was the Muslims who migrated to Abyssinia during the Prophet Muhammad’s era. He emphasized that those who wish harm upon humanity benefit from the weakening influence of Muslims. “Unfortunately, today’s world is left in the hands of arrogant oppressors who devalue humanity every day, just as currencies lose value. That is why we witness the cries of innocent children every day, the destruction of women, and the trampling of values. Every morning and evening, we hear the cries of Gazan children on television. We must awaken and regain our strength, increasing our influence for the sake of humanity.”
“We Have Responsibilities Toward Other Muslims”
Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad Shashou, Dean of the Faculty of Sharia at Aleppo University, stated that Muslims have responsibilities toward fellow Muslims.
He continued: “Allah the Almighty says: ‘The believers are but brothers.’ I hope that through this symposium, the problems and difficulties faced by Muslim minorities will be discussed and solutions will be sought.”
“A Special Center Should Be Established to Defend the Rights of Muslim Minorities”
Dr. Abdurrezzak Ahmed, Special Advisor to the Malaysian Foreign Minister, stated that IHH had not only provided humanitarian aid in Patani and Mindanao but had also acted as a mediator promoting peace. “IHH’s humanitarian diplomacy efforts have shown us once again that protecting minority rights is not solely the responsibility of governments; civil society organizations must also participate. I would like to make a call to the international community from here. A special center should be established that can collect data on Muslim minorities, conduct research, and defend the rights of these communities.”
“If We Identify the Problems, We Can Also Create Solutions”
IHH President Attorney Bülent Yıldırım said: “This is a very important meeting. The most significant part of this gathering will take place tomorrow and the following day during the workshops. If we can identify the problems of Muslims, we can also develop solutions. Especially in recent years, with the increase in migration movements, we have witnessed growing interaction between Muslims and people of other faiths all around the world.”
“The Sumud Ships Are on the Way”
Recalling that people of different religions and cultures lived peacefully together during the Ottoman era for 400 years, Yıldırım said: “But after World War I, authority passed into the hands of others, and now there is bloodshed and tears all around the world. We are currently experiencing World War III, and they are trying to escalate it further. I ask for your prayers — the Sumud ships are on the way. Israel intervened right at Europe’s border and effectively said: ‘I am a terrorist organization, not a state, and I will make the world accept this.’ They intervened 600 miles away, thinking we would give up. We are not giving up; we will continue on our path with God’s permission. The ships are regrouping in Crete, more participants will join from Turkey, they will gather in the Mediterranean, and we will head toward Gaza. This is not only an operation to break the blockade on Gaza, but also an operation to dismantle the barriers of global Zionism.”
“Muslims Have Produced Important Civilizational Contributions Throughout History”
Deputy Governor of Kocaeli Salih Bıçak stated: “I believe this symposium, organized this year under the theme of Muslim Minorities, addresses an extremely important and multidimensional issue. Millions of Muslims continue their lives in different geographies and within different political and cultural systems. Throughout history, Muslims have produced significant civilizational achievements not only in regions where they were the majority, but also where they were minorities.”
“It Is Important to Examine Muslim Minority Experiences Academically”
Kocaeli University Rector Prof. Dr. Nuh Zafer Cantürk said: “At a time when globalization is accelerating, migration movements are increasing, and social balances are being reshaped, it is important to examine the experiences of Muslim minorities from an academic perspective. In this respect, I believe the symposium will provide the basis for significant studies and scientific evaluations covering a broad spectrum ranging from religious life and legal systems to social psychology, politics, culture, and art.”
Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Associate Professor Tahir Büyükakın added: “It is impossible to discuss this issue without addressing Islamophobia. We must approach the matter from a broad perspective, remembering that wherever anger and violence toward minorities increase, there is also a form of phobia involved.”
Conference and Panel Held
Following the protocol speeches, the first day’s program continued with a conference by Prof. Dr. Bülent Şenay, former OSCE Special Representative on Combating Islamophobic Hate Crimes.
Afterward, a panel titled “Geopolitical Muslim Minority Regions” was held. Moderated by IHH Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Hüseyin Oruç, the panel featured speakers including Ömer Kesmen, IHH representative for Moro; Kasturi Mahkota representing the Patani United Liberation Organization (PULO); Dr. Müzzemmil Eyyûb Thakur representing the World Kashmir Freedom Movement (WKFM); Enver Arakani representing the Arakan Rohingya National Council (ARNC); and Associate Professor Yaşar Çolak from the TDV Center for Islamic Studies.
The first day of the symposium concluded following the panel session.
