Thursday, 01-20-2005

Cultural Islam in Central Asia (Part 1 of Beyond Islam: Understanding the Muslim World)

For centuries, Central Asia -- a center of trade and ideas -- served as a cultural crossroads between the East and West. Come hear Professor Ali Igmen, Lecturer with the Department of History at the University of Washington, present an informative lecture on the role of Islam in Central Asia. He will focus on the lives of Muslims living in Central Asia today by highlighting the unique rich culture of this region. Professor Igmen’s talk will be followed by a panel of students from the region to answer any cultural or religious questions. Finally, Outreach Coordinator Marta Mikkelsen will share useful curriculum and resources for teaching about Central Asia.

Register Now!
Last chance to register for all four Beyond Islam programs and receive a special certificate for your commitment to understanding the Muslim world.


About Beyond Islam: Understanding the Muslim World

The United States’ interests in the Muslim world are too great to allow the chasm developing between the peoples of the Muslim and non-Muslim world to grow. While it certainly could be argued that Americans knew too little about the Muslim world before September 11, 2001, the events of that day had a profound effect, for the worse, on Americans’ understanding of the Muslim world today. Americans went from having little knowledge to too much knowledge of fringe extremists. Mainstream Americans continue to lack a basic understanding about the everyday lives of mainstream Muslims living in countries like China, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzebekistan.

Thanks to a grant from the United States Institute on Peace, the World Affairs Council is partnering with the UW Jackson School of International Studies Outreach Centers, and FIUTS to provide an in-depth look at Muslim culture throughout Asia. The programs will be held at the UW.

Other Beyond Islam programs include:

Muslims in China Today (February 10)
Islam and Politics in Malaysia (March 24)
Islam, Asia, Modernity (May 5)

Note: Teachers who complete all four sessions will receive a special certificate for their commitment to understanding the Muslim world.

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The Mechanical Engineering Building is located near the Student Union Building (HUB) on the east side of Stevens Way, next to Loew Hall. Sessions will be held in MEB Room 246.