Intercultural dialogue
Relations between Western and Islamic societies are often dominated by misunderstandings and stereotypes. Moreover, in most Islamic countries, Islamism, an ideology aiming to imprint the laws of Islam on state and society has become more popular in recent years. The political concepts of democracy, universal human rights and pluralism are often rejected as "Western" and by extension "un-Islamic".
Read more: Achieving greater understanding together
In our concept for the dialogue with Islam we seek an exchange about values, standpoints and opinions, and we are not afraid of controversy. Political talks at the highest level are not in themselves enough if this concept is to be realized. Rather, concrete projects are intended to help replace fossilized clichés with differentiated perceptions.
Read more: Dialogue with Islam in concrete terms
In September 2006 Federal Minister Steinmeier and Abdullah Gül, Turkey's foreign minister at the time, launched the Ernst Reuter Initiative (ERI) at a ceremony in Istanbul. Working with partners from the world of business, the media, art and culture, education and research, the Initiative aims to expand German-Turkish cooperation and intensify intercultural dialogue between the two countries.
Read more: The Ernst Reuter Initiative for Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding
