As part of the US Department of State International Visitor Program, seven Imams from Turkey visited Washington on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, and met with leaders of American Muslim organizations as well as representatives of the Interfaith community in the metropolitan Washington area. The meeting was held at the Islamic Center of Washington, DC, and focused on the role of American Muslim organizations, particularly in the area of interfaith relations.

 

Participants in the round table discussion included the following Turkish Imams: Mr. Mustafa Copursuz, Mr. Mustafa Demir, Mr. Suat Koca, Mr. Ramazan Kutlu, Mr. Mahmut Sevket Ozturk, Mr. Hafiz Osman Sahin, Mr. Ali Topal

 

Others from the US included: Imam Yahya al Hindi, Reverend Mark Hoelter, Reverend Jane Homes Dixon, and Dr. Abubaker al Shingeiti.

 

Dr. Abubaker al Shingeiti, Regional Director of IIIT, briefed the Imams on IIIT, its mission, history, current research and publication work and its support for interfaith activities.