The forum, which was sponsored by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, was organised under the theme "New Generation Fight Against Islamophobia" by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), Presidency of Religious Affairs, Erciyes University, Ankara Science University, and SETA.
During his opening remarks, RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin stated that Islamophobia is spreading like cancer cells throughout the world, particularly in the West, and that an effective fight against Islamophobia is indispensable.
Stating that the fight against Islamophobia is not limited to Türkiye, Şahin said, "Under the leadership of our President, our country, the forerunner of the entire Islamic geography, is carrying out very important work in the fight against Islamophobia. The purpose of this forum is to help determine new generation approaches to fighting Islamophobia."
Şahin stated that Islamic values are under threat in the world, racism and Islamophobia are spreading rapidly in countries that are ostensibly the cradle of democracy, an insidious plan is regularly implemented against Islam, and Muslims’ hearts are torn out by anti-Islamic attacks on the sacred values, and added, “countries considering themselves the owner of the civilisation are provoking these attacks instead of reacting to these atrocities.”
Pointing to attempts to marginalise Islam through systematic hate speech and disinformation activities, Şahin said that this approach in Europe has turned into a destructive trend, endangering social peace. He said, "Hate speech directed at Islam should never be classified as 'freedom of thought’. Social networking sites of Western origin ignore hate speech directed at Muslims while easily accommodating terrorist organisations' black propaganda. With such attitudes, they are literally torturing humanity.”
Şahin indicated that the media plays the most important role in the creation and dissemination of negative perceptions and behaviours towards Islam and Muslims in the Western world, particularly in Europe, and he added that Islamophobic circles could more easily spread their agenda of hatred, racism and Islamophobia by actively using the digital medium.
"The anti-Islamic mindset has turned digital media, along with conventional mass media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, and television, into a weapon," said Şahin, emphasising that the media in the geography of Islam had critical responsibilities in the face of the Western media.
RTÜK President also noted:
"We need to strengthen cooperation in the field of the press. Establishing a new media order that can correct misconceptions about Islam, tell the truth, and respond instantly is critical. In this regard, we value the critical role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Media Forum, which was established under the leadership of our President. Our media should be at the forefront of the fight against Islamophobia, warning society and supporting statesmen and politicians who develop international strategies in the face of this insidious threat. The media should explain to approximately 8 billion people worldwide that Islamophobia, not Islam, is a global threat."
"Humanity should appreciate this blessing"
President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş emphasised that Islam is the common name of the revelation sent by Allah to all prophets and that Islam, which is a blessing for all humanity, seeks to "establish world peace", and added, "Humanity should appreciate this blessing, not just Muslims."
Emphasising the immunity of a person's faith, mind, property, life and progeny, and the importance of protecting them, Erbaş said, "In fact, our Prophet describes a Muslim as someone whose actions and words are trustworthy to others. It is a principle of life that requires defending the right to live freely and humanely."
Erbaş stated that Muslims who adhere to this principle regard defending human rights and freedoms and fighting for this cause as a religious obligation, and continued as follows:
"Throughout history, when Muslims guided life with Islamic principles, the world learned about human values, and peace, security, and well-being prevailed. Numerous beauties, such as justice, peace and coexistence, had been experienced in every place where Islamic civilisation reigned. However, since the 18th century, the world has witnessed radical changes and largely come under the West's political, military, economic, and cultural hegemony. Unfortunately, constant wars, occupations, terrorist incidents, hunger, poverty, and social problems have made life miserable for the majority of the world's population during this period. The social engineering of global powers for their imperialist ambitions has dragged the world into unprecedented disasters."
Erbaş stated that the Western world, which has influenced the entire world scientifically, politically, financially, and culturally throughout this period known as the information age, fails to find solutions to even the most basic human issues, let alone a solution to the search for meaning. “They use every chance to try to denigrate Islam, the religion of compassion, which they regard as an impediment," he said.
"The media is also a driving force behind anti-Islamic acts"
Erbaş stated that the recent stance of many European countries toward respect for faith is alarming for humanity, and some politicians' irresponsible use of hate language serves as the driving force behind racist attacks on the beliefs, sanctities and values of Muslims. “Indeed, racist content produced for imperialist purposes is spreading through the media, laying the groundwork for anti-Islamic actions worldwide," he said.
Emphasising the need for institutional and civil mechanisms as well as initiatives in Europe that will allow intellectuals, activists, non-governmental organisations and members of the media, who care about the rule of law, respect for human rights and social peace, to respond to open attacks on Islam and violations of rights, Erbaş noted:
"On the other hand, the reality of new media, which represents a significant opportunity in the fight against Islamophobia in this day and age, must be considered. With the advancement and digitalisation of mass media, new media tools with capabilities such as instant interaction and sharing have shown to be more effective than conventional media. As a result, new media outlets have a tremendous possibility and potential to reach vast audiences with the global message of Islam, Islamic thought and morals. For this reason, it is essential to build an accurate and healthy link between the truth and universal values of Islam and the new media. This sphere needs to be used in a conscious, planned and effective way if we are to impart the values and moral principles of Islam to people's minds.
The book of the first forum was presented to the Minister of Culture and Tourism Ersoy
Erciyes University Rector Prof. Fatih Altun and Ankara Science University Rector Prof. Yavuz Demir also delivered speeches at the forum's opening. The opening ceremony of the event was attended by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, First President of the Court of Cassation Mehmet Akarca, AK Party Deputy Chairperson Leyla Şahin Usta, TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı, and many other guests.
At the end of the opening ceremony, RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin presented Minister Ersoy with a commemorative plaque as well as a book on the first International Media and Islamophobia Forum. Minister of Culture and Tourism Ersoy also awarded the participants with a plaque.
