ANATOLIAN CULTURE & ARTS FESTIVAL
Music, Folk Dancing, Art Exhibition and Food
27/02/2010

Melbourne will be hosting another magnificent cultural event at Docklands Waterfront City on 14 March 2010.
The Sunday event consists of a rich program that includes concerts by popular Turkish celebrity singers, Ottoman art exhibitions, traditional folk dancing, march of a historical military band, Turkish and Kurdish music performances, whirling dervishes, traditional Turkish wrestling exhibition and many, many stalls of Turkish food. The event is organized by Australian Istanbul Cultural & Arts Centre and Melbourne Young Businessmen Association. The organizers are expecting over five thousand people and welcome all Melbournians.  

Date: 14 March 2010
Time: 12.00pm till 11.00pm
Venue: Docklands Waterfront City, Melbourne Australia
Click for more

EXHIBITION AT THE JEWISH MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA
Women in Bible: Tricksters, Victors & Mothers
7/10/2009

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

5/10/2009

AUSTRALIAN INTERCULTURAL SOCIETY FAREWELLS EMRE CELIK

5/8/2009

Australian Intercultural Society organized a farewell program to Emre Celik, former General Coordinator of the AIS. Emre Celik has moved to a new position in the US.
In his farewell speech Celik said, "I would like to thank the Governor and all the guests for honouring me and attending this evening. The work I have been involved in is a team effort and I thank all at the AIS for their enthusiasm and hard work. I also want to thank the many people who have opened their homes, attended our activities and have shown great interest and supported me. I look forward to the opportunity in meeting you all again. Please remember me in your good wishes and prayers".
The AIS appreciates the valuable work done by Emre Celik over the years and acknowledges that he will be dearly missed. Celik's enthusiasm and bubbly character will also be missed by many other people from the dialogue community, academia and government bodies. Many prominent figures including the Governor of Victoria, Prof David de Kretser, Members of the Parliament, community leaders and academics attended Mr. Celik's farewell program.
During the program, the AIS also introduced its newly appointed General Coordinator, Mr. Ahmet O. Polat. 

     

MEDIA RELEASE – Australian Intercultural Society

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4/8/2009

 

 

“A Muslim cannot be a terrorist; a terrorist cannot be a Muslim: Islamic Scholar Fethullah Gulen”

 

This morning we commenced our day with anxiety and distress due to the news we heard in the media. Just like all Australians, we were concerned about the unpleasant developments, only our concern as Australian Muslims were doubled in comparison to the rest of the Australian society. Once again, we were listening to news regarding a devious plot where the name of Islam was used. First of all, as Australian Muslims we would like to state that we condemn and denounce these type of actions that cannot be justified by any religious teaching or common ethics, no matter what the aim or objective they serve. In the name of Islam, we feel ashamed and afraid of these people who claim to be Muslims. 

 

As an Australian Muslim and a social activist we feel threatened by these allegations of terror plots conveyed by the media. No one can justify the act of harming innocent citizens of this wonderful nation by arguing that it was retaliation for the war crimes and genocides committed in various regions of the world. Moreover, no Muslim, who has a basic knowledge about the doctrines of Islam would support such an act. 

 

Currently, nations that are battling with constant conflicts and wars are the victims of a global fight for interests. There is no place for Islam in these bloody and dirty conflicts that aim to serve only the interests of certain ideologies that wish to use Islam as a tool of propaganda. These devious minds who had previously used anarchist movements such as the Leninist, Marxist and right-extremist sects for their filthy plans, are now using ignorant Muslim individuals and minorities - who are weakened with prejudgments - to achieve their evil goals.

 

We would like to thank the Prime Minister and in particular Simon Overlander, Chief Commissioner of Victoria for their sagacious statements. An entire community cannot be held accountable for a crime committed by one or a few of its so called members. Also a crime cannot be associated with the individual’s faith or racial identity. The best analogy in this case would be that the entire police force cannot be condemn due to a few police officers who take bribes or it would be great injustice to denounce the science of medicine because some of its members are charged with malpractice. It is evident that all societies have certain individuals that possess various obsessions, extreme views and obnoxious ideologies. These types of people also exist in Muslim communities. Without doubt, this is a serious problem that occurs due to lack of proper education and ignorance.                            

 

War and humanitarian crimes committed in nations like Somalia and Afghanistan are handled and investigated by international authorities and judiciary systems. Those who commit crimes against humanity and violate human rights or commit an act of terror will be punished accordingly by laws and the judiciary system. Therefore, no individual or group has the right to declare themselves as the Judge, jury and executioner to pass judgment on others. Those that claim to act in the name of Islam should study the judicial system of Islam. They will see that these rules also apply to them.

 

A few additional words for some individuals who are employed by the Australian media and other organizations: It is imperative that certain individuals who are obsessed with Muslims to preserve their objectivity. Creating chaos by adding personal views and ideologies into the news will not solve the problem and it will threaten the many educated Muslims who are trying to adapt to the conditions and who work for the benefit of this nation. The problem of terror and crime concerns the whole of humanity and it is an issue that the mainstream Muslim society strongly opposes. This repugnant problem can only be solved by working together to abolish ignorance, and establish mutual understanding and respect. These are the days where all of us need to gather around the table of universal ethics and morals.        

 

We say, come on Australia! Let us support all forms of positive social and educational activities and events that will help Australian Muslims to integrate more rapidly.

 

In the Quran, the holy book of Islam there is a verse which states: “Oh Lord! Will You punish us for the foolishness of those amongst us”. We would like to answer this question with the following prayer: “Oh Lord! Give us wisdom and compassion. Turn us away from the ignorant and do not test us with them”. Our role model is the Prophet of Islam the religion of peace and humanity.  On one occasion, Muhammad stood up out of respect as a group of people were carrying a coffin. One person in the crowd said, “He is a Jew”. The Prophet answered, “He is a human being”.     

 

Another important message that the Quran states is: “Killing an innocent human being is like killing the entire humanity”. True Muslims who possess knowledge of the Islamic references should not allow these people to stain the pure name of Islam with their filthy hands filled with political doctrines that serve other interests. Correcting the wrongs and distributing good and peace is an advice conveyed to us by the Prophet, hence this noble duty stands before the Muslims of today. 

MEDIA RELEASE – Australian Intercultural Society

11/07/2009

ISLAMOPHOBIA: Fear of the Other & Vision of Gulen and Muslim-Christian Relations

ACU National and Monash Universities will be holding two major international conferences in July

The first of the international conferences, The Vision of Gulen and Muslim-Christian Relations – will take place on Wednesday the 15^th and Thursday the 16^th of July 2009 at the ACU National. This conference "From Dialogue to Collaboration: The Vision of Fethullah Gulen and Muslim-Christian Relations" aims to explore, through the prism of Fethullah Gülen’s personal and theological profile, his worldwide contribution to Islamic studies, education, philanthropy,  and interreligious dialogue.  Gülen’s vision of dialogue and Muslim-Christian relations will be brought into relation with developments in the Catholic Church and other Christian Churches since Vatican II’s  Nostra Aetate (1965)

The second international conference titled, Islamophobia will be held at Monash University on Saturday the 18^th and Sunday the 19th July 2009. The conference rationale is as follows: In 2003, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) commenced a project called Isma: National consultations on eliminating prejudice against Arab and Muslim Australians. During this project the Commission consulted with over 1400 Arab and Muslim Australians around Australia. Participants described their experiences of racial and religious discrimination, vilification and abuse since the September 11 attacks in 2001 and the Bali bombings in 2002. Consultation participants throughout the Isma Project expressed strong views about the need for more effective community action as well as government action to tackle anti-Arab and anti-Muslim prejudice and discrimination. Isma identified several strategies for addressing these issues, including improved networking between diverse community groups, stronger community leadership, and better education within communities as well as the broader public about issues affecting Arab and Muslim Australians, as well as providing greater support for individuals who were seen to be particularly at risk of discrimination and vilification (such as women, young people and newly arrived migrants and refugees).

There is a need to bring these issues to academic discourse and critical enquiry so that meaningful discussion can take place and real progress can be made. Although the public debate will not or should not end, this conference will make a significant positive and progressive contribution to the discourse. At the same time, this conference will provide an opportunity for the humanities and social sciences departments in our universities to enquire into real issues impacting on our society. This conference will also create a platform for the research already done in the field as well as spark new research.

Prominent figures from the Australian Society and international/local academics will be participating in both events. Special addresses will also be delivered by Sir James Gobbo, former Governor of Victoria – George Lekakis, Chair, Victorian Multicultural Commission  – James Merlino, MP, Minister for Sport, Recreation, Youth Affairs and Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs -  Paul Ramadge, Chief Editor of The Age.

More Info and registrations

MEDIA RELEASE – Australian Intercultural Society

22 May 2009

La Trobe University School of Economics & Finance: Islamic Banking and Finance Symposium

MEDIA RELEASE – Australian Intercultural Society

22 May 2009

Racial attacks on Indian International Students Condemned

MEDIA RELEASE – Australian Intercultural Society

26 March 2009

Visit to Sunshine Mosque

MEDIA RELEASE – Australian Intercultural Society

02 March 2009

MEDIA RELEASE – Australian Intercultural Society

16 February 2009

Muslims to pray for rain

On Sunday 14 February Muslims gathered at newly established Serenity Foundation facilities to pray for rain. Internationally renowned Islamic scholar Mehmet Ali Sengul who recently arrived to Australia lead the prayer for Victorian bushfire victims and rain. Large crowd of local Muslims gathered with their families and young children to offer their prayers for the bushfire victims. The event was co-organized by the AIS and Serenity Foundation. Support from local Muslims for the bushfire victims have been immense. Many people and companies from the Broadmeadows area rushed to Whittlesea with money, clothing and food. Isik College Students also joined the rush for help by fasting one day to save their daily allowance so that they could donate the money to the bushfire appeal.

MEDIA RELEASE – Australian Intercultural Society

11 February 2009

The Parliament of World's Religions pre-parliament event
08 February 2009

The Parliament of World's Religions, held its pre-parliament event on Sunday 8 February 2009, at the Melbourne Town Hall. The theme of the event was "Making a Difference". The event commenced with opening remarks by Aunty Dianne Kerr, who spoke on behalf of the Aboriginal people. She said, "Religions and Cultures need to listen and understand each other in order to achieve genuine reconciliation." The event continued with a special prayer for the bushfire victims, offered by religious representatives of Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism. Following the prayer, Aboriginal dancers from the Wagga Wagga Clan performed a traditional dance. Tom Calma from the Human Rights Commission spoke about the importance of reconciliation and how all faiths and cultures can have an input. The event continued with Indian music and a panel. Mr Laurie Ferguson MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services also spoke during the program. The Parliament's main program will commence 3 December 2009.  
                               

Victims of war and ethnic cleansing are turning a blind eye to a humanitarian tragedy
19 January 2009

Bloodshed, conflicts and wars have existed on earth since Cain the son of Adam slaughtered his brother Abel in the beginning of history. In particular, the deaths of 50 million human beings during the World War II, is a great shame for humanity. Some of the witnesses of this terrible tragedy are still amongst us, yet atrocities and genocides continued to occur in the twentieth century. It seems that those who had been subjected to such horrific treatments have not learned their lesson hence the shame continues to cast its dark shadow over humanity.

In an age where high-tech weapons, smart bombs, push-button destruction mechanisms have taken control of our greed for power, we sit in our comfortable lounges and watch shamelessly as thousands of our fellow human beings perish under merciless bombs, weapons, famine and poverty. The horrific scenes we watch on our TV only touches the hearts of those who still have a little mercy and compassion left in them. With empathy we remember and understand the suffering and pain that Jews had gone through in the heart of Europe not long ago. It is quite important to note that all nations have the right to protect themselves from terrorist attacks, and by the same token nations that have been invaded by others also have the right to protect themselves. 

Double standards, injustice and power are a bad combination

The tragedies taking place in Gaza, Lebanon, Africa and recently in Bosnia are all our shame. The barbaric murders of women, children and the elderly, and the fruitless resolutions of the UN Security Council should seriously be taken into consideration by non-government organisations. All organisations, no matter which faith, race or culture they belong to, must take responsibility and act with non-bias, non-prejudice manner and make a stand in the name of humanity.

Prime Minister Rudd and Julia Gillard

We thank our Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard for their sensitive approach to the humanitarian crisis taking place in Gaza and for their attempts to find a solution. The people of Australia have conscience and our society is sensitive to humanitarian crisis no matter which part of the world it occurs in. We urge religious organisations such as St Vincents and Brotherhood of St Laurence to reflect the conscience of the Australian people by organising humanitarian aid campaigns to Gaza.

A caution to Muslim Communities of Australia

The Australian Muslim Communities should take extreme care in refraining from provocations and abstain from bringing the conflicts of the Middle-East into this beautiful nation. Muslims should work with government officials, leaders of the other faiths and support the positive approach of the Prime Minister and Julia Gillard in finding a quick solution. We must not establish a connection between the tragedies in Gaza and a particular faith. This would seriously damage the social harmony of our society. We must remember that this is a moral issue not a religious one. No religion would permit the killing of innocent women and children. The guilty parties should be kept separate from religion, race or nationality. It is a tyranny to blame a faith or a race for the crime its members are committing. The Quran states: “Killing an innocent human being is like killing the whole of humanity”. Muslims should be just and fair in their behaviour. Islam does not permit its members to act in an unlawful manner using the name of Islam. 

It is time to take joint action and launch aid campaigns

We live in a time where humanity is threatened by global economic crisis, social unrest, and global terrorism and wars. Each day, the media floods our homes with negative messages. These days the need for social interaction, joint response, partnered aid campaigns and dialogue projects is more than ever. It is imperative that as part of the Australian society, we act in unity. The AIS have always been on the side of dialogue, mutual understanding, respect, and social harmony. We have proven this by initiating the only 9/11 commemoration event in a Mosque for the past 8 years. We condemn all forms of terror and atrocities no matter who commits them or in the name of which ideology or faith they are committed. We pray so that the common conscience of humanity prevails and puts an end to sufferings endured by our fellow human beings. We invite the members of all faiths, religions and cultures to join our prayer for humanity. International laws apply to all nations of the world. All nations must obey and act by international law because they too may need its justice one day.

Parliament of the World's Religions    
07

YEAR OF INTERFAITH ACTION KICKS OFF IN MELBOURNE

Hundreds of people from different cultural backgrounds will gather at Melbourne Town Hall on Sunday February 8^th for an afternoon of colourful and inspirational entertainment, from a variety of religious and spiritual communities.

“Melbourne:  Making a Difference” will feature culturally diverse music, dance, ritual and cuisine, as well as highlighting the issues of reconciliation and climate change.

Tom Calma, Aboriginal Elder and Australian Human Rights Commissioner, will be one of several Indigenous speakers and performers, from Australia, New Zealand and the United States. 

Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Don Henry will discuss the challenge of climate change with a panel made up of members of the Jewish, Buddhist and Catholic communities including, Wilfred Muller from Pacific Island nation,  Kiribati and Sister Geraldine Kearney, who spent four years working in Kiribati, which is being threatened by rising sea levels.

Melbourne’s Sikh community will serve a traditional Indian vegetarian meal as an act of community service.  Sikh community representative Gurdarshan Singh says, “Eating together is central to the Sikh religion, because it symbolises our equality as human beings regardless of religion, colour, gender or social status.”

Azmeena and Hazeem Hussain of “Salam Cafe” fame will host a range of Indigenous and world music performers including local Indigenous dance group Wunsyaluv, native American singer Joanne Shenandoah, world Indigenous musician Pero, classical Indian flautist Vinod Prasanna and Yiddish folk band Klezmania.

“Melbourne: Making a Difference” is a preparatory event for the Parliament of the World’s Religions, the world’s largest global interfaith gathering, to be held in Melbourne at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 3 - 9 December, 2009.   The Australian Intercultural Society is a board member of the Parliament if the World's Religions 2009 Melbourne - Australia.  View Flyer

Date: Sunday 8 February, 2009

Time: 4.00pm – 8.30pm

Location: Melbourne Town Hall

Swantson St, Melbourne

For further details and registrations contact 1300 852 156 or info@parliamentofreligions2009.org, alternatively you can visit www.parliamentofreligions.org.

AIS New Year's Message    
03 January 2009

Peace amongst the nations of the world and between different cultures can only be achieved through empathy and justice. The AIS whishes that the year 2009 brings peace, serenity, harmony and joy to Australians and people all around the globe. Throughout the last year, AIS have worked vigorously to strengthen the bonds of friendship between different cultures and religions. Our only objective was to enhance social cohesion and harmony in Australia, through social interactions and dialogue activities. The financial crises towards the end of 2008, humanitarian drama and the tragic developments in the Middle East has deeply affected and saddened everyone who possesses a conscience. The lives of all human beings are equally important, noble and precious no matter which race, culture or religion they belong to, hence no excuse can be presented as valid argument to take a human life. Respecting human life is respecting God. Religion, ideology or system cannot be used as valid reasons to take the lives of human beings. It is an act of injustice and tyranny to punish the family members of a criminal for the crimes they have not committed. With the same token, it is unjust to punish a race, culture or religion for the crimes that have been committed by a small, ignorant minority of its members.

Humanity have suffered enough at the hands of wars, genocides, racial, religious and ideological conflicts. Fighting evil and challenging injustice starts within our own soul and mind. It is about time that we question ourselves, what has been taught to us and what the media has led us to believe. Am I being pushed into senseless phobias? Are my phobias pushing me into unjust behaviour? How much empathy do I have towards my fellow human beings? As a human being, what are my responsibilities towards other human beings and what role do I have in bringing peace to the world?

It is imperative that the dialogue between religions and cultures move into a new phase where cultures and faiths work cooperatively and produce partnered, long-lasting projects. We must establish mutual platforms to fight famine, poverty, injustice, ignorance and vilification. Hatred between cultures should transform into understanding and empathy. In order to achieve this we need to give great importance to social and humanitarian projects.

Once Again, we would like to wish that 2009 brings peace, tranquility, prosperity and joy to the people of all cultures, faiths and traditions in Australia and in the world.

AIS Board of Directors  
 

AIS Visits Consul General of Indonesia   
14 December 2008

Orhan Cicek, Executive Advisor of AIS and Emre Celik, General Coordinator visited the Consul general of Indonesia. The Indonesian Consul General was briefed on the activities and future projects of the Australian Intercultural Society. The AIS Directors were warmly welcomed by the Consul General. Mr Cicek presented the Consul General a traditional Turkish hand painted plate signifying the bonds of friendship. 

Mumbai Terror Attacks  
5 December 2008

Muslims can not be Terrorists, Terrorists cannot be a Muslim or even human

The AIS strongly condemns the recent planned terrorist attacks in India . As global citizens, we face challenging circumstances; however, perhaps more than ever the evil forces of terror are feeding of the blood and violence directed at innocent victims by displaying acts of terror in an attempt to achieve personal gains. Since 9/11, the anti-terror stance of the AIS has been witnessed widely by the Australian public. The 9/11 tributes and collective prayer sessions organised by the AIS for four years following the New York attacks is testament to the anti-terror lobbying conducted by the AIS. We have strived to educate Muslims and the wider population about terrorism and collectively work towards the elimination of the common enemy. We, as the AIS again declare our stance of absolute condemnation of terrorism in light of the Mumbai attacks. Terrorism cannot be isolated to any single religion or race. The Mumbai attacks targeted westerners and has been thought to have been executed by Muslim terrorists. It is important to note that amongst the victims are a number of Turkish Muslim tourists. These attacks should not be viewed as being fuelled and stimulated by religion. Followers of all faiths must make it known that religion will never be permitted to be used as a tool to cover the evil intentions of terrorist activity. We again declare that Islam does not, under any circumstances permit terrorist activity.  

The AIS sincerely sends its condolences to all the victims of terrorism.

We as Australians offer our condolences to all, in particular fellow Australians who have been touched by these cowardly attacks. As conscientious world societies, we must be able to see through the superfluous religious motivations put forward as motives and understand the true driving force behind these ruthless attacks. Different religions have been used to shroud terrorist attacks in history and it seems that Islam in recent times has been targeted. Labelling terrorist attacks as work of a religious group has the undesirable affect of marginalisation. To soften the blow of the attacks on communities, we must break the barriers of ignorance and prejudice through increased social interaction and work towards the common good of mankind as a unified global society. This is the leading principle of the Australian Intercultural Society. The objective commentary by the Australian media and government offices and mature evaluation of events by the wider community to isolate Islam from the Mumbai attacks has been extremely well received as a symbol of strengthened social cohesion by Australian Muslims. We commend all Australians for their intelligent analysis of this disaster and invite Muslim and non Muslim religious groups to join us in denouncing all forms of terrorism.
 

Whirling Dervishes - Sheb Arus Sema Performance
28 November 2008

Each year, on the 17th of December, the Australian Intercultural Society organizes  a special Sema ceremony offered by the Mevlevi Order of Australia to celebrate Hazreti Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi’s ‘Sheb-i Arus’ or ‘Wedding Night’. It is the traditional night in the modern era when the Mevlevi Order of Sufis, the whirling dervishes, and the many lovers of Mevlana celebrate and remember his union with his Beloved, ‘Wedding with Eternity’.

Date: 17 December 2008    Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm   Venue: Malvern Town Hall, Corner Glenferrie Rd & High St, Malvern - Melbourne

All those interested are welcomed to the event. Please register online through the link provided below:

Registrations       Previous Gallery       Watch Video      View Flyer

Freedom of Religion & Belief in the 21st Century
21 October 2008

Click here for detailed information

The Imam & the Pastor: from mortal enemies to Peace Partners
17 October 2008

Initiatives of Change (IOFC), which are an international interfaith and peace group and have a local 'chapter' based in Toorak, have arranged for Imam Ashafa and Pastor James, both from Nigeria who have been involved in the inter-religious conflict and subsequent reconciliation. They have established the Youth Christian Association of Nigeria. This association has been formed after many years of bitter fighting between the Christians and the Muslims in Nigeria. During the fighting, Imam Ashafa's spiritual mentor and his two cousins were killed. Pastor Wuye lost his hand and increased his hatred for Muslims in general, and Ashafa in particular, during this difficult time. The two men were brought together in 1995, and after months of soul searching, decided to work together to end the violence. Their story has engaged large audiences in many parts of the world. The film of their work together, The Imam and the Pastor, was premiered at the United Nations in New York and subsequently shown in the British House of Commons.
The NCEIS invites those interested to attend the following upcoming event.                                                  Click to view flyer (pdf)

Public Lectures by Professor Joseph Camilleri
8 October 2008

On Wednesday the 8th of October, Professor Joseph Camilleri will deliver a public lecture on the topic "Climate Change and the Dialogue Of Cultures". Camilleri's lecture will address two important questions, "Is culture destined to be part of the problem or part of the solution" and "how well prepared are we to bring the 'Dialogue of Cultures' to bear on the Great debate. The lecture will commence 6:30 pm at Copland Theatre, Economics and Commerce Building, Melbourne University. See flyer for details.

Click here to view flyer

UN International Day of Peace in Bacchus Marsh
30 September 2008

AIS representatives Emine and Arzu visited Bacchus Marsh on Sunday the 14th of September to participate in the UN international day of peace event. The program commenced at the Moorabool Peace Pole and continued at Bacchus marsh public hall supper room. There were several speakers including two young women who
spoke of their experiences at the World Youth Day . Four girls from Bacchus Marsh Grammar School described their perspectives of peace. Emine and Arzu spoke about 'the contribution young people can make to understanding of peace', 'peace in Islam' and 'how the AIS contributes to overcoming prejudice through social cohesion'. It was a pleasant day for the guests who had the opportunity to socialize in a warm, friendly atmosphere. One participant said, "it was an inspiring event and speeches were quite informing."
The event concluded with the serving of refreshments assisted by soothing music.                                                  View gallery
 

Students from Melbourne Girls Grammar visits Mosque
14 September 2008

Students from Melbourne Girls Grammar visited Sunshine Mosque on the 5th of September, 2008. Mr. Ibrahim Dellal, hosted the visit providing significant information for the visitors. The girls were very eager to learn about various features of the mosque and Islam in general. The visit falling into the first week of Ramadan (month of fasting for the Muslim community), extra emphasis was placed on the self-discipline and submission required to perform such an act of worship. The five pillars of Islam and the six principles of faith were the main topic after the detailed explanation regarding the features of a Mosque. The girls then left for Isik College for some interaction with their own peers, and shared an Iftar Dinner (breaking of fast) with them.  The visits are organised as part of the AIS's dialogue between schools program which bring various schools together throughout Melbourne. 
 

Ramadan : a chance to overcome barriers and build friendships
08 September 2008

As Muslims the world over began the fasting month of Ramadan last week, the Australian Intercultural Society began Ramadan in what has become an accepted tradition in Melbourne by hosting various community and private home Iftar dinners. Ramadan for Muslims is a month of self-restraint and discipline, increase in personal spirituality and community worship, a means for developing empathy with those that are less fortunate and a means to share the blessed Iftar dinner with family, friends and neighbours. As in previous years, the Australian Intercultural Society (AIS) has taken the lead role by bringing people together around shared Iftar meal in the hope of increasing social cohesion and community harmony. Orhan Cicek, the Executive Advisor of the AIS said 'Sharing an Iftar meal is a tradition within the Muslim community. It is considered both an honour and a blessing to sit with others and 'break bread' together. It comes to us from Prophet Abraham who is well known for his hospitality. According to the Islamic tradition it is said that Abraham never sat for a meal on his own - even if it were a stranger he would always share his meals with others".

Following in this tradition the AIS this year is helping to organise various community Ramadan Iftar Dinners- including: Government House, Victoria Police, Turkish Consulate, Mildura Sunraysia Tafe, Anglican community, Hindu community, Melbourne Catholic Archdiocese, Council for Christians and Jews, Freemasons Victoria amongst numerous other organisations and community groups. Along side these larger gatherings the AIS is hosting numerous VIP guests in Muslim family homes. Guests include Diplomats, heads of Government Departments and public servants, academics, civic and community leaders, clergy and religious leaders,  businessmen and others. The AIS believes just gatherings are very important means for people to overcome misunderstanding and prejudice and helps to increase relations and community harmony. "Such opportunities for social interaction may be rare and entering a Muslim's home to experience the personal contact is an important way for people to learn from one another and also benefits Muslims who sometimes can feel isolated from the wider community" said Orhan Cicek.
 

Government House Iftar Dinner
05 September 2008

The Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser AC will host a Ramadan Iftar Dinner at the Government House on 17 September 2008. Since the year 2000, the Australian Intercultural Society has been organizing formal Ramadan Iftar Dinners in partnership with various Government departments, religious organizations and community groups. The Iftar programs include Victorian Police, Federal and State Parliaments of Australia, Jewish, Christian, Hindu and Buddhist organizations. This year for the first time Governor of Victoria will host an Iftar Dinner. The Ramadan Iftar Dinner at the Government House is organized by the Australian Intercultural Society and sponsored by the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Ramadan Iftar Dinners play an important role in achieving social cohesion.  

Visit to Consulate-General of the Republic of Turkey
25 July 2008

Mr Orhan Cicek, Executive Advisor of the Australian Intercultural Society recently visited the newly appointed Consul-General of the Republic of Turkey. Mr Aydin Nurhan, the new Consul-General welcomed Orhan Cicek and congratulated the AIS members for their achievements in Australia. Mr Cicek briefed the new Consul-General about the future projects and the upcoming events organised by the AIS. Mr Aydin Nurhan  said that important issues such as dialogue, social cohesion and education should be supported by all, including government departments. Mr Cicek then presented the new Consul-General, a gift of appreciation from the Australian Intercultural Society.   

AIS Receives Community Grant
22 July 2008

Australian Intercultural Society recently received a Community Grant for its ongoing projects. The Community Grant was handed over to Mr Emre Celik, General Coordinator of the Australian Intercultural Society by Hon. James Merlino, the Minister for Sports, Recreation and Youth Affairs. The AIS has a number of ongoing projects in the fields of education, interfaith dialogue, social cohesion and youth affairs. The AIS believes that Australian diverse cultural and pluralistic democratic society would be enriched with social interaction and educational awareness projects. Since its establishment, the AIS has built community partnership projects to achieve those goals in cooperating with faith communities as well as government and community organizations and institutions.
 

Monash University Launch a new department
04 July 2008

Monash University last Monday held the launch of its 'Islam in the Modern
World' Department. VIP guests included the Parliamentary Secretary for
Multicultural Affairs Laurie Ferguson MP who also officially launched the
centre. Richard Larkins, Rae Frances, Greg Barton and Salih Yucel from
Monash and AIS Executive Advisor Orhan Cicek all spoke at launch. The AIS
sponsors an Islamic Studies lectureship at Monash University.
 

View Gallery

Visit from International theologians
24 July 2008

The AIS and the Fethullah Gulen Chair hosted two VIP theologians from
Turkey. Mehmet Emin Ay and Mustafa Demirci are esteemed theologians and are
also famous Sufi 'ilahi' singers. Stewart Sharlow from APCID and Emre Celik,
AIS General Coordinator gave a briefing on various interfaith activities and
projects.

Guests were welcomed at APCID office, Australian Catholic University. The group then socialized over lunch at a local restaurant.

Dinner with Imams
22 July 2008

The Australian Intercultural Society organized an Imam's Dinner program last Tuesday at the head office of the AIS. The main objective of the event was to interact with the Imams of the Islamic community to share our projects and to benefit from their experiences. The Imam's were briefed with the previous activities and projects of the Australian Intercultural Society. The Imam's then shared their experiences within their communities, over a friendly dinner. New plans and projects were discussed and suggestions on ways of reaching the wider Muslim community were presented. It was a warm, friendly atmosphere that produced many ideas on various projects. 
 

Interfaith Youth Pilgrimage

13 July 2008

The Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission of Melbourne organized the Interfaith Youth Pilgrimage on Sunday at Federation Square in Melbourne. The event was part of the Days in the Diocese program. There were many enthusiastic participants, including youth from Hindu, Buddhist, Bahai, Muslim, Jewish, other Christian, Indigenous, Brahma Kamari, Sathya Sai, and Sikh communities. The event was a commitment to unity, forgiveness, reconciliation and love for one another for the sake of peace on behalf of the youth of the different faiths.  Cardinal Rodriguez was excellent as the main speaker of the event. The pilgrims really got into the spirit of the thing and added joy and life to the event.

View Gallery