JHU SAIS to Co-Host Conference on Islam, Secularism and Democracy: The Turkish Experience
The Johns Hopkins Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and Turkey's Journalists and Writers Foundation will co-host a two-day conference, "Islam, Secularism and Democracy: The Turkish Experience," on Monday, 04/19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, 04/20 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The conference will examine the relevance of Turkey's secular, Muslim and democratic attributes for the larger Islamic world in today's post-09/11 environment. The conference serves as this year's "Abant Platform," a forum that since 1998 annually brings together prominent Turkish intellectuals from diverse ideological backgrounds to discuss political and social matters and international dynamics in the spirit of dialogue and reconciliation. This year is the first time the "Abant Platform" will be held outside of Turkey, and Turkish participants will be joined by American colleagues.
During Monday's session, Mehmet Aydin, Turkey's minister of State in charge of Religious Affairs, will give the keynote address at 9:30 a.m. On Tuesday, Ali Babacan, Turkey's minister of State in charge of Economic Affairs, and Kemal Dervis, vice chairman of the Republican People's Party, will give the day's opening remarks.
Monday, 04/19:
9 a.m. - Welcoming remarks
9:30 a.m. - Keynote speech by Mehmet Aydin
10:45 a.m. - Panel 1: "Turkish Islam"
1:30 p.m. - Panel 2: "Turkish Secularism"
3:15 p.m. - Panel 3: "Turkish Democracy"
Tuesday, 04/20:
More than 40 panelists will participate in roundtable sessions exploring "The Relevance of the Turkish Experience for the Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucasus."
9 a.m. - Opening remarks by Ali Babacan and Kemal Dervis
9:30 a.m. - Roundtable Session 1
1:30 p.m. - Roundtable Session 2
4 p.m. - Closing remarks
The event, which is open to the public, will be held in Kenney Auditorium located on the first floor of the school's Nitze Building, 1740 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. SAIS will provide on-demand Web video coverage of the conference shortly after completion of the event. Go to
www.sais-jhu.edu to access the Webcast.
For more information, contact Felisa Neuringer Klubes in the SAIS Public Affairs Office at 202.663.5626 or fklubes@jhu.edu.