In 1992, political scientist Samuel Huntington put forth the theory of the Clash of Civilizations. He suggested that since the cold war clash of ideologies had come to an end, that in the future, conflict would instead be focused around the concept of differing cultures and religions. He delineated several different areas of the world as particular 'cultures' that might face conflict with each other. Among those he listed as potential enemies were the West and the Muslim World. Given the current state of world affairs, as well as our goals as an interfaith dialogue organization, this theory needs closer examination.
(March 4,2010,Tulsa,OK)
Conference
Clash of Civilizations Panel Discussion-March 4th The Clash of Civilizations theory, proposed by politicalscientist Samuel Huntington in 1993, argued that the clash of civilizationswill dominate global politics and the fault lines between civilizations will bethe battle lines of the future. After the tragedy of September 11th, thistheory set the agenda for world politics.
The Interfaith Council of Boston Avenue Methodist Church invited the TheInstitute of Interfaith Dialog for a discussion on Gulen Movement. Kamil Celik,Tulsa area director of IID talked about the early stages and development of theGulen Movement and the global initiatives. Mr. Celik primarily focused on themotivational speeches of Mr. Gulen that encouraged the people of Turkey. Themain focus was on two major initiatives by the movement; education andInterfaith Dialog.
On January 21, The Institute of Interfaith Dialog hosted an event with Tulsa's Catholic community. The topic for the evening was Mother Mary in Islam and Catholicism. Monsignor Patrick Gaalaas presented the audience with the Catholic point of view. He explained Mary's position as mother of humanity and talked about the reverence and devotion Catholics direct toward her. Melek Oyludag presented the Islamic point of view. She talked about Mary as a woman of the highest virture and her special place in Islam. Some of the guests were surprised to learn how important Mother Mary is to both religions and realized we have a lot more in common than we do different.
Dinner
The Institute of Interfaith Dialog and Raindrop Turkish House of Tulsa hosted FBI special agents The Institute of Interfaith Dialog and Raindrop Turkish House of Tulsa hosted FBI special agents for an educational fun night on Wednesday, November 18th. The program started with a Turkish dinner and followed by a presentation about FBI by special agent Ken Kuminski. Mr. Kuminski gave a detailed information about the history of FBI and the roles of FBI when it comes to the security of people. He described the differences between other agencies and FBI. The agents answered all the questions from the community. We thank FBI for their help with educating the members of IID and Raindrop Turkish House. (November 18,2009,Tulsa,OK)
On January 7, The Tulsa chapter of IID hosted the "Faith Club Committee." This interfaith group of Tulsa women organized in 2008 to bring the authors of the book The Faith Club to Tulsa for a presentation.
The Tulsa chapter of The Institute of Interfaith Dialog hosted its 6th Annual Intercultural Dialog and Friendship Dinner on October 8, 2009. The theme of the dinner was "celebrating democracy as a key to living together." Kamil Celik of IID welcomed guests along with a moment of silence for Jerry Lasker who past away a few weeks ago. The master of ceremonies, Dr. Tom McKeon gave an introduction to IID and the Gulen movement. He said Mr. Gulen did not like the movement called Gulen Movement and he preferred to call it as "Humans united around high human values".
The Institute of Interfaith Dialog and Raindrop Turkish House of Tulsa joined the Jewish Federation of Tulsa for a Ramadan Fellowship Dinner on Wednesday, September 9th at the Schusterman Center. Kamil Celik of The Institute of Interfaith Dialog gave a small presentation about the significance of fasting and the month of Ramadan. He discussed the social, spiritual, and emotional aspects of what fasting means for Muslims. He also gave information regarding the month of Ramadan. Alice Blue from the Jewish community enlightened her guests with Jewish high holidays including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Pass-over. She talked about fasting in Judaism, and how Jews observe the fast.
The Tulsa chapter of The Institute of Interfaith Dialog hosted the Alumni of Turkey Trips from Tulsa for a re-union dinner on August 16th.The dinner took place at the Tulsa office of the Institute. Several participants from different trip groups participated in this wonderful dinner program. The dinner was totally Turkish food to help the participants refresh their memories about the good times they spent in Turkey. 2009 Turkey trip participant Tom McKeon, President of Tulsa Community College described his experience in Turkey as outstanding. He said the trip broadened his vision about the Gulen Movement and he added that not only the people of Turkey but also everybody in the world including the U.S. have a lot to learn about Mr. Gulen and his ideas.
Tulsa 
In 1992, political scientist Samuel Huntington put forth the theory of the Clash of Civilizations. He suggested that since the cold war clash of ideologies had come to an end, that in the future, conflict would instead be focused around the concept of differing cultures and religions. He delineated several different areas of the world as particular 'cultures' that might face conflict with each other. Among those he listed as potential enemies were the West and the Muslim World. Given the current state of world affairs, as well as our goals as an interfaith dialogue organization, this theory needs closer examination.
The Clash of Civilizations theory, proposed by politicalscientist Samuel Huntington in 1993, argued that the clash of civilizationswill dominate global politics and the fault lines between civilizations will bethe battle lines of the future. After the tragedy of September 11th, thistheory set the agenda for world politics.
The Interfaith Council of Boston Avenue Methodist Church invited the TheInstitute of Interfaith Dialog for a discussion on Gulen Movement. Kamil Celik,Tulsa area director of IID talked about the early stages and development of theGulen Movement and the global initiatives. Mr. Celik primarily focused on themotivational speeches of Mr. Gulen that encouraged the people of Turkey. Themain focus was on two major initiatives by the movement; education andInterfaith Dialog.
The Institute of Interfaith Dialog and Raindrop Turkish House of Tulsa hosted FBI special agents for an educational fun night on Wednesday, November 18th. The program started with a Turkish dinner and followed by a presentation about FBI by special agent Ken Kuminski. Mr. Kuminski gave a detailed information about the history of FBI and the roles of FBI when it comes to the security of people. He described the differences between other agencies and FBI. The agents answered all the questions from the community. We thank FBI for their help with educating the members of IID and Raindrop Turkish House. (November 18,2009,Tulsa,OK)
The Tulsa chapter of The Institute of Interfaith Dialog hosted its 6th Annual Intercultural Dialog and Friendship Dinner on October 8, 2009. The theme of the dinner was "celebrating democracy as a key to living together." Kamil Celik of IID welcomed guests along with a moment of silence for Jerry Lasker who past away a few weeks ago. The master of ceremonies, Dr. Tom McKeon gave an introduction to IID and the Gulen movement. He said Mr. Gulen did not like the movement called Gulen Movement and he preferred to call it as "Humans united around high human values".
On September 17, members of Boston Avenue United Methodist Church and The Institute of Interfaith Dialog came together to share a Ramadan dinner. The Methodists hosted IID at their beautiful and historic church in downtown Tulsa.
The Institute of Interfaith Dialog and Raindrop Turkish House of Tulsa joined the Jewish Federation of Tulsa for a Ramadan Fellowship Dinner on Wednesday, September 9th at the Schusterman Center. Kamil Celik of The Institute of Interfaith Dialog gave a small presentation about the significance of fasting and the month of Ramadan. He discussed the social, spiritual, and emotional aspects of what fasting means for Muslims. He also gave information regarding the month of Ramadan. Alice Blue from the Jewish community enlightened her guests with Jewish high holidays including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Pass-over. She talked about fasting in Judaism, and how Jews observe the fast.
