“The Art of Coexistence” discussed in Madagascar


Date posted: October 6, 2013

Co-organized by Ravinala Culture and Dialogue Institute and Antananarivo State University, a symposium entitled “The Art of Coexistence” was held on Sep 30 thru Oct 1, 2013, at Antananarivo State University, in Madagascar.

In attendance of the event were Turkey’s ambassador to Antananarivo, Artemiz Sumer; Antananarivo State University Rector, Ramanoelina Panja; South Africa Turquoise Dialogue Center Director, Ayhan Cetin; several deputies along with numerous academics.

Additionally, coordinator of Madagascar Interfaith Dialogue Platform Nahoda Amana; Catholic University Vice-Rector Ratongavao Charles Raymond; former Madagascan minister of education, Aristide Velompanahy; former minister of culture Tsilavina Ralaindimby; dean of Ankatso University Faculty of Arts, Richard Ranarivony were present to deliver their presentations.

In his inaugural address, the Turkish ambassador Artemiz Sumer underscored the contributions of the Turkish schools active worldwide to global peace and further thanked Ravinala Culture and Dialogue Institute for its efforts in Madagascar. Sumer noted that Turkey, with its long-established past, has been a home to remarkably diverse nations coexisting in peace.

Antananarivo State University Rector Ramanoelina, in his speech on significance of coexistence, dialogue and mutual tolerance, said “I would like to express my sincerest thanks to Ravinala Culture and Dialogue Institute. Currently, there exist 18 different ethnic communities in Madagascar. We, Madagascans -as members of various animist faiths alongside Islam and Christianity- have been living in harmony. Terrorist incidents are taking place around the world. They do not happen in Madagascar, yet, we have to raise a strong awareness among our youth.”

Turquoise Dialogue Center Director, Ayhan Cetin, briefed the attendees on their dialogue efforts across Africa. Speaking of the recent terrorist attacks, allegedly, in the name of faith, Cetin further read out Fethullah Gulen’s message condemning the attacks:

“The most brutal scenes are on stage in the name of Islam, in a vast area ranging from Syria to Pakistan and Kenya. Perpetrators are bombing mosques and churches, slitting throats by alleging that it’s Quran’s command. Is it possible to explain the atrocity and terrorism by certain organisms worldwide with solely external powers and motives? I condemn them all. The image reflects the truth, yet, it is, in addition, an image that embarrasses us. It is like a tar stain sprayed on Muslims’ faces.”

Closing the symposium, the attendees remarked that number of similar events should increase, and that any efforts for the sake of establishing peace, dialogue and tolerance in Madagascar and the world at large should be promoted.

Source: HizmetMovement.Com , October 6, 2013


Related News

Ramadan Feast: Community Bonding at Its Best from the Turkish Cultural Center

Dignitaries, clergy, and everyday citizens, Jews, Christians and Muslims gathered Thursday night at Tarrytown’s DoubleTree Hotel by the invite of the Turkish Cultural Center for a Ramadan dinner, speeches, and entertainment. State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins praised the far-reaching outreach and inclusivity of this group and the peacefulness of their mission.

Turks in US Ditto: Dialogue

The interfaith dialogue symposium organized by the Niagara Foundation, a Turkish community foundation in the United States, began on Thursday. The Chicago Interfaith Gathering sponsored by several American academic institutions and non-governmental organizations met at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Turkish-Americans in Tennessee worry about their homeland

If you haven’t heard much about the Turkish-American community in middle Tennessee, its no surprise. Now they feel compelled to talk about bridges that are in danger. They are worried about their own country and its failing democracy.

Niagara Foundation Nebraska bestows Peace and Dialogue Awards

Niagara Foundation’s Nebraska chapter honored the recipients of “Niagara Foundation 2013 Peace and Dialogue Awards” at an award giving ceremony at Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, on November 15th. The ceremony was attended by over 100 guests, including the state’s high profile figures, who also had the opportunity at the event to get informed on Turkey and Anatolian people.

Nelson Mandela’s wife Graça Machel receives Fethullah Gulen Peace and Dialogue Award

FORMER president Nelson Mandela’s wife Graça Machel last night assured South Africans that Madiba was getting better. Machel made the assurance after receiving the Fethullah Gulen Peace and Dialogue Award during the sixth annual Ubuntu Lecture and Dialogue Awards ceremony that was held in Sandton, Johannesburg, last night.

Connecticut chapter of Peace Islands Institute promotes peace by bringing people together

Erdogdu is director of the Connecticut chapter of Peace Islands Institute, an organization founded “to facilitate a forum of mutual respect and collaboration, both welcoming and accepting varied viewpoints and voices,” according to its mission statement.

Latest News

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

In Case You Missed It

In Conversation with Fethullah Gülen (Interview in Asharq Al-Awsat-I)

Municipality shuts down three reading halls in Adıyaman

Hizmet rejects claims it is linked to graft probe, says democracy is antidote to chaos

IFJ representative denied permission to visit journalist Karaca in prison

Erdoğan government opposes democratic values: detained Turkish journalist

CCTV shows school principal being ‘abducted’ as post-coup crackdown in Turkey spreads to Malaysia

HAPPENING NOW: Police await outside hospital to detain woman who just gave birth

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News