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THIRD ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ON THE MUSLIM WORLD 2014
“Minorities in the Muslim World”
26 - 30 OCTOBER 2014
MARMARA UNIVERSITY SULTANAHMET CAMPUS - ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Sponsored by Marmara University, The Program in Islamic, Turkish, and Near Eastern Studies at
Washington College, The World Academy for Local Government and Democracy, the Istanbul
Metropolitan Municipality and Creative Learning Inc., Washington DC.
PROGRAM
Arrival to Istanbul: October 26TH Sunday, 2014
Sunday, October 26th, 2014
Registration: 13:00-14:00
15:00-18:00: Opening Ceremony
Welcoming Speeches Conference Organizing Committee & officials of Religious Authorities of
Minorities, universities (vice-Chancellors) and national & local government representatives
Dr. Nuri Tınaz, Associate Professor at Marmara University and Chair of the local organizing
committee
Dr. Ali Murat Yel, Professor of Communication at Marmara University and Co-chair of the
local organizing committee
Dr. Tahir Shad, Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies Faculty
Advisor, African and Near Eastern Studies
Dr. Talip Kucukcan, Director of Middle East Institute Marmara University
Mehmet Duman, World Academy for Local Government and Democracy President
Dr. Kadir Topbaş, Mayor of Istanbul
William Kruvant, President of Creative Learning Inc
Rahmi Yaran Grand Mufti of Istanbul
Vasip Şahin, Governor of Istanbul
Jack. S. Griswold, President of Washington College
Professor Mehmet Akalın, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Marmara University
Dr.Ibrahim Kalin, Vice-Secretary General of the Presidency of Turkish Republic &
Ambassador at Large
18:30-21:30: Dinner, Topkapi Social and Recreational Services, Istanbul Metropolitan
Municipality
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Monday, October 27th
7:00-8:30: Breakfast at Hotel
8:45 : Participants will depart from Hotels to the Conference Venue, Marmara University,
Sultanahmet Campus, in Historical peninsula & Questions/concerns will be addressed.
Session 1A: 9:00-11:25: Minorities & Human Rights
Chair: Christine Wade, Washington College (USA)
Discussants: Masoumeh Velayati, Al-Maktoum College (UK)
Ali Murat Yel, Marmara University (TURKEY)
A. Syed Farıd Alatas, National University of Singapore (SINGAPORE)
The Persecution of Shi’ites in Malaysia
B. Mehmet Pacacı, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University (TURKEY)
Islam and the Rights of other Religious Communities
C. Deborah Blue Carey, American University (USA)
The Stigma against Mental Illness Treatment in Tehran
D. Tarik Dautovis, Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (BOSNIA AND
HERZEGOVINA)
Discrimination of Bosniaks in Republika Srpska entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina
E. Alison Mae-Percich, Washington College (USA)
The Internally Displaced of Yemen: How Displacement Contributes towards Yemen’s
Failed Attempts at Political Development & Security
Session 1B: 9:00-11:25: Minorities & Human Rights
Chair: Cengiz Tomar, Marmara University (TURKEY)
Discussants:
A. John Ghio P. de Leon, De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde (PHILIPPINES)
Observance of Minority Rights of Kurdish People in Iran, Syria and Turkey
B. Mirza Asmer Beg, Aligarh Muslim University (INDIA)
Minority Rights in India- A Study of Educational Rights
C. Osman Can, Marmara University (TURKEY)
The Status of Minorities in Turkish Constitution and Legal System
D. Murtaza Bedir, İstanbul University (TURKEY)
The Place and Legal Rights of minorities in Islamic Jurisprudence/Islamic Law
E. Jeric Michael Go, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (PHILIPPINES)
Turkey's Migration Policy and its Domestic Implications: A Case Study on Syrian
Refugees in Turkey
F. Büşra Nur Söylemez, University of Deleware (USA)
Social Networks, Living Conditions, and Uncertainty: Vicious Cycle Trapping
African Migrants in Tarlabaşi
Analysis led by Discussants
Tea & Coffee Break: 11:25-11:40
Session 2: 11:40-13:05: Minorities & International Politics
Chair: Aykut Toros, Yeditepe University (TURKEY)
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Discussants: Seyed Javad Miri, Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies Tehran
(IRAN)
Anna Rhodora Solar, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (PHILIPPINES)
A. Thomas Eli Banghart V, University of Denver (USA)
How the Sahwari Independence Movement Shows International Growth Despite
Western Blockades
B. Claire Lawson, McDaniel College (USA)
Al-Muhamasheen and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula: A Push to Radicalization in
Yemen
C. Cheryl Mariani, University of Delaware (USA)
Shia Militancy in the Muslim World: The Changing Face of Jihad
D. Xinhua Jiang, University of Delaware (USA)
China’s Muslim minority: Does it Impact China’s Foreign Policy in the Middle East?
E. Joseph Alagha, Haigazian University (LEBANON)
Popular Culture as Soft Power
F. Süleyman Elik, Istanbul Medeniyet University (TURKEY)
Minority and Religious Minorities in Turkish-Iran Political Relations
Analysis led by Discussants
Lunch Break and Keynote Address: 13:05-14:05, at Topkapi Social and Recreational
Services, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
Session 3A: 14:05-16:20: Economics Social & Cultural Capitals
Chair: Ismail Demirezen, Istanbul University (TURKEY)
Discussants: Joseph Alagha, Haigazian University (LEBANON)
Mohammad Mas’oed, Gadjah Mada University (INDONESIA)
A. Joseph Alagha, Haigazian University (LEBANON)
Minorities and Bourdieu's Capitals
B. Joseph Prud’homme Sr., Independent Scholar (USA)
Oil Policy and Society
C. Rebecca DeSantis, Washington College (USA)
African Minorities in the State of Israel
D. Agil Shirinov, Baku State University(AZERBAIJAN)
Socio-Cultural Characteristics of Traditional Jewish and Christian Groups in
Azerbaijan
E. Jacqueline Torkelson, Washington College (USA)
Falling out of Favor: The Decline of Jewish Social and Economic Prosperity during
the Seventeenth Century under Ottoman Rule
Session 3B 14:05-16:20 Economics Social & Cultural Capitals
Chair: Ahmet Uysal, Marmara University (TURKEY)
Discussants:
A. Mohamed Tavakol, University of Tehran (IRAN)
Minorities, Marginalization, and the Opportunities and Challenges of Social
Networks and Information Society in the Islamic World
B. Zeinab Shafiei, University of Tehran (IRAN)
Minorities Social Networks in Iran
C. Sayed Nader, University of Tehran (IRAN)
The Network of Schools for Afghani Immigrants’ Children as a Social Network
D. Tahsin Ozcan, Marmara University (TURKEY)
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Some Notes on Economic & Social Life of Non-Muslims in the Ottoman Society,
Hasköy Case
E. Müleyke Barutçu, Fatih University (TURKEY)
Islam and Conservatism: Turkish Case
Analysis led by Discussants
Tea & Coffee Break: 16:20-16:35
Session 4: 16:35-17:05: Roundtable: Democratization
Chair: Himmet Taşdemir, Harvard University (USA)
Discussants: Ali Murat Yel, Marmara University (TURKEY)
Joseph Alagha, Haigazian University (LEBANON)
Dinner 18:00-21:00, Topkapi Social and Recreational Services, Istanbul Metropolitan
Municipality
Tuesday, October 28th
7:00-8:30: Breakfast at Hotel
8:45 : Participants will depart from Hotels to the Conference Venue, Marmara University,
Sultanahmet Campus, in Historical Peninsula & Questions/concerns will be addressed.
Session 5A: 9:00-11:35: Religious & Cultural Rights (Education & Language etc.)
Chair: Dr. Khosrow Bagheri Noaparast, University of Tehran (IRAN)
Discussant: Dr. Mohamed Tavakol, University of Tehran (IRAN)
A. Samim Akgönül, University of Strasbourg (FRANCE)
Religious Minorities: Are they Religious?
B. Mehr Mirzaei Rafe, University of Tehran (IRAN)
Education of Minorities in the Muslim World, Based on Practical and Administrative
Decisions
C. Zohreh Khosravi, Al-Zahra University (IRAN)
Psychosocial Pathology of Minorities: The Case of Afghan Immigrants and Refugees
in Iran
D. Aydın Topaloğlu, Istanbul 29 Mayis University (TURKEY)
Bulgarian Muslim Minorities’ Education & Employment Rights
E. Samira Alireza Beigi, University of Tehran (IRAN)
Education of Minorities in the Muslim World
F. Lutfi Özşahin, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (TURKEY)
Minorities from Caucasus in Turkey, The Case of Georgians
G. Janet Sorrentino, Washington College (USA)
The Practice of Ziyara to Shi'ite Italy Spaces in Sunni-held Sultanates in two
Medieval Muslim Travel Accounts
Session 5B: 9:00-11:35: Religious & Cultural Rights (Education & Language etc.)
Chair: Mehmet Ali Doğan, Istanbul Technical University (TURKEY)
Discussant:
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A. Khosrow Bagheri Noaparast, University of Tehran (IRAN)
A Reflection on the Nature of Human Differences in Islamic View
B. Hossein Godazgar, Al-Maktoum College (UK)
Diversity and Education in Iran
C. Nuri Tınaz, Marmara University (TURKEY)
Turkey’s Legally Unprotected & Unrecognized New Religious Communities
D. Ertuğrul Şahin, Frankfurt Goethe University (GERMANY)
Turkish Migrants – Their Religious & Cultural Problems in Germany
E. Süleyman Kızıltoprak, Mimar Sinan University (TURKEY)
Ibadis in Libya, Distinctive Sectarian Community
F. Evrim Ersan Akkılıç, University of Vienna (AUSTRIA)
Islam in Austria
G. Adile Agush, Marmara University, (TURKEY)
The Pomaks, as a Muslim Religious Minority in Both Bulgarian Society and Muslim
Community
Analysis led by Discussants
Tea & Coffee Break: 11:35-11:50
Session 6: 11:50-12:20: Roundtable: Domestic & International Migration
Chair: Ferhat Kentel, Istanbul Sheir University (TURKEY)
Discussants: Talip Küçükcan, Marmara University (Turkey)
Jo-An Gross, The College of New Jersey (USA)
Mohamed Tavakol, University of Tehran (IRAN)
Lunch Break. 12:20-13:30, at Topkapi Social and Recreational Services, Istanbul Metropolitan
Municipality
Session 7: 14:00-15:40: Minorities and Ethnic/Racial/Cultural-Religious Tensions
Chair: Nurullah Ardiç, Istanbul Şehir University (TURKEY)
Discussant: Anouar Boukars, McDaniel College (USA)
A. Seyed Javad Miri, Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies Tehran (IRAN)
Sectarianism and its Cultural Roots: Overlooking the Problem of Islamic Extremism
in the Middle-East
B. Shima Vezvaei, Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies Tehran (IRAN)
An Empire without the Emperor: Escaping Islamic Fundamentalism in the MiddleEast with an Alternative Global Approach
C. Rana Nassri Abu-Mounes, Al- Maktoum College (UK)
Majority-Minority Relationship between Tolerance and Tension: Damascus in the
Nineteenth Century as a Case Study
D. Terence Gilheany, University of Delaware (USA)
The Influence of Ibn Tamiyyah and Al-Ghazali on Contemporary American Muslims
E. Fatma Durak, Marmara University (TURKEY)
Muslim Women’s representation in Turkish Islamic Magazines
Analysis led by Discussants
15:40-16:00 Tea & Coffee Break
16:15-17:30 Keynote Address - by Yasin Aktay, Yıldırım Beyazıt University, (TURKEY)
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Minorities, Ethnicity and Democratisation
19:00-21:30: Dinner, at Topkapi Social and Recreational Services, Istanbul Metropolitan
Municipality
Wednesday, October 29th
7:00-8:30: Breakfast at Hotel
8:45 : Participants will depart from Hotels to the Conference Venue, Marmara University,
Sultanahmet Campus, in Historical peninsula & Questions/concerns will be addressed.
Session 8A: 9:00-11:25: Minorities and Nationalism - Citizenship & Domestic Politics
Chair: Masoumeh Velayeti, Al-Maktoum College (UK)
Discussant: Jo-Ann Gross, The College of New Jersey (USA)
A. Mariel Ann Shilling, Washington College (USA)
Headscarves, Secularism, and the Republic of Turkey: An analysis of the Headscarf
Ban in Turkey
B. Lee Ken Teo, National University of Singapore (SINGAPORE)
Nationalism and Dissent: The Intellectual-Political Minority in Malaysia
C. Cody Philip Coyote Knipfer, McDaniel College (USA)
Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia: Sectarian Politics
D. Sarah Cassim Madha, The College of New Jersey (USA)
The Racialization Project of British Colonials in Burma and the "Muslim Problem"
E. Musa Tasdelen, Sakarya University (TURKEY)
Ethnicity and Ethnic Communities in Turkey- an Overview
F. Muqtedar Khan, University of Delaware (USA)
American Muslims Exceptionalism: The New Face of Muslim Politics in America
Session 8B: 9:00-11:25: Minorities and Nationalism - Citizenship & Domestic Politics
Chair:
Discussant: Talip Küçükcan, Marmara University (TURKEY)
A. Samedin Kadić, University of Sarajevo (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)
Constitutional Framework and Discrimination of Minorities
B. MA. Shena Daryl Sunico, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (PHILIPPINES)
Religious Minorities and Their Role in Democratization: A Case Study of Egypt and
Yemen's Democratic Transition
C. Melih Çoban, Marmara University (TURKEY)
Jews of Turkey: From Subjects to Citizens of the Nation State
D. Ferhat Kentel, Istanbul Sehir University (TURKEY)
Citizenship Rights of Minorities in Modern Turkey
E. Ismail Safa Ustun, Marmara University (TURKEY)
Ethnic and Political Movements in Iran
F. Tahir Abbas, Fatih University (TURKEY)
British Muslim Minorities: Immigration, Identity Politics, Multiculturalism and
Radicalization
Analysis led by Discussants
Tea & Coffee Break: 11:25-11:40
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Session 9: 11:40-12:10: Roundtable: Minorities and Popular Culture & Media
Discussants: Mirza Asmer Beg, Aligarh Muslim University (INDIA)
Joseph Alagha, Haigazian University (LEBANON)
Ali Muırat Yel, Marmara University (TURKEY)
Lunch and Keynote Address: 12:00-13:00
Muqtedar Khan, University of Delaware (USA)
The Challenges that Muslims Face as Minorities in the West
Session 10A: 13:00-14:40: Minorities and Ethnic/Racial/Cultural-Religious Tensions
Chair: Nurullah Ardiç, Istanbul Şehir University (TURKEY)
Discussants: Mehmet Ali Doğan, Marmara University (Turkey)
Anouar Boukars, McDaniel College (USA)
A. Katherine Marie Wellington, Washington College (USA)
A Divided Holy Land: The Christian Minority of Palestine
B. Alparslan Nas and Yalcin Luleci, Marmara University (TURKEY)
Minorities in Turkish Cinema
C. Ekta Panigrahi, Washington College (USA)
Shite Minority in Saudi Arabia
D. Joseph Prud’homme, Washington College (USA)
Christians in the Muslim World
E. Kyle Matthew Smith, McDaniel College (USA)
Causes of Ethnic Conflict in the Arab World
Session 10B: 13:00-14:40: Minorities and Ethnic/Racial/Cultural-Religious Tensions
Chair: Melih Çoban, Marmara University (TURKEY)
Discussant:
A. Katherine Young, Washington College (USA)
Armenians in Iran
B. Liselot Koenen, Georgetown University (USA)
Social Segregation in the Netherlands: The Tension between Dutch Natives and the
Muslim Minority
C. Anja Zalta, University of Ljubljana (SLOVENIA)
The Situation of Muslims in Slovenia (Past and Present)
D. Nurul Fadiah Binti Johari, National University of Singapore (SINGAPORE)
Anti-Shiite Prejudice on Singapore and Malaysia: A Preliminary Study
E. Yosra Gendi, American University (EGYPT)
The Integrationist Approach to Minority Rights in Egypt: Case of the Copts
Tea & Coffee: 14:40-15:00
15:00-18:30 - Cultural Visits to Museums:
1453 Panorama
Miniaturk
Koc Museum
Topkapi Museum
19:00 - 21:00: Dinner, Topkapi Social and Recreational Services, Istanbul Metropolitan
Municipality
Thursday, October 30th
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7:00-8:30: Breakfast at Hotel
8:45 : Participants will depart from Hotels to the Conference Venue, Marmara University,
Sultanahmet Campus, in Historical peninsula & Questions/concerns will be addressed.
Session 10: 09:00-11:00: Gender
Chair: Hossein Godazgar, Al-Maktoum College (UK)
Discussant: Vice Chancellor Carmelita Lazatin, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
(PHILIPPINES)
A. Caitlin Ann Dailey, Washington College (USA)
B. Shannon Eileen Kane, The College of New Jersey (USA)
Reforming the Fragrant Concubine: Gendered Articulations of Difference in SinoUyghur Relations
C. Masoumeh Velayati, Al-Maktoum College (UK)
D. Ayu Diasti Rahmawati, Gadjah Mada University (INDONESIA)
Miss Alya's Quest for God: The Redefinition and Reclaiming of the Religious
Freedom of Muslim Transgender Women in Indonesia
E. Margaret Lamb, Villanova University (USA)
Christian Women and Political Participation in Egypt
Analysis led by Discussants
Closing Session: 11:00-12:30: (Dr. Nuri Tinaz & Dr. Ali Murat Yel, Marmara University) and
(Dr. Tahir Shad, Washington College)
Publicity & Publication: 12:30-13:00
This select, invitation-only academic conference will be a small, interactive gathering of the
world’s distinguished scholars of international affairs to explore systemic transformations in the
Middle East and their implications for not only the affected countries, but also for Europe and
the rest of the world. Select papers presented at the conference will be published in a peerreviewed book series. The book series will be published by the highly regarded international
press, Peter Lang Press.
Lunch - 13:30-15:00, Topkapi Social and Recreational Services, Istanbul Metropolitan
Municipality
Departure Shuttles to Airport
&
Free for private interests & shopping
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The Scientific Committee:
-Tahir Shad, Washington College USA
-Nuri Tinaz, Marmara University, TURKEY
-Ali Murat Yel, Marmara University, TURKEY
-Muqtedar Khan, University of Delaware, USA
-Syed Farid Alatas, National University of Singapore, SINGAPORE
-Hossein Godazgar, Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education, UK
-Seyed Javad, Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, IRAN
-Mehmet Duman, World Academy for Local Government and Democracy, TURKEY
Local Organizing Committee:
-Nuri Tinaz, co-president, Marmara University
-Ali Murat Yel, co-president, Marmara University
-Lutfi Özşahin, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
-Süleyman Kızıltoprak, Mimar Sinan University
-Fatma Durak, Marmara University
-Melih Çoban, Marmara University
-Yalçın Lüleci, Marmara University
-Alparslan Nas, Marmara University
-Hülya Alper, World Academy for Local Government and Democracy
Conference Partners:
-Marmara University
-Washington College
-Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
-Creative Learning
-World Academy for Local Government and Democracy
-Ensar Vakfı, Değerler Eğitimi Merkezi (Ensar Foundation, Center for Values Education)