Maryland Institute for Dialogue completes its August 4-11 fact-finding trip to Turkey. During a week-long trip which covered Istanbul and Ankara, the MID delegation undertook a series of visits and meetings in order to learn about the contemporary Turkey as well as its historical and cultural heritage. The MID fact-finding trip has been attended by the distinguished guests from Washington's policy circles. The trip consisted of meetings with experts, academics, businessmen, journalists, and religious representatives, local and governmental officials. The meetings and their contents had been arranged in a way to help the trip participants observe fully the political and social aspects of the contemporary Turkey and be able to evaluate them from the US-Turkish relations point of view.

The trip started off with the visits and briefings at the Topkapi Palace, which served as the Headquarter to the Ottoman Empire for four centuries. The meeting helped the participants understand social and political aspects of the contemporary Turkey. For the foreign observers, it is quite important to view the contemporary Turkey with its Ottoman background in order to understand the geostrategic position of the country and its relationship to the broader Middle East. Later on, the MID delegation has been received by His Excellency Muammer Guler, Governor of Istanbul, at the grand reception hall of the historical governorship building. Governor Guler informed the delegation about the city of Istanbul in terms of its historical and cultural centrality to Eurasia and its contemporary role as the financial and cultural hub in the region, and answered the questions from the delegation members.

The MID delegation's program in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, included meetings with His Excellency Dr. Bardakoglu, the Head of the Religious Affairs Directorate; Dr. Yusuf Halacoglu, Head of the Turkish Historical Society; the American diplomats at the US Embassy in Ankara; the Turkish diplomats at the Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Huseyin Celik, Minister of Education; as well as several deputies of the Parliament.

The MID delegation's program in Istanbul included also the meetings with the head of Dolmabahce Palace and the director of the Quintcentennial Jewish Foundation. The delegation was briefed at the Dolmabahce Palace about the Palace's significance during the late Ottoman and the new Republican period. At the Quintcentennial Jewish Foundation, the delegation was informed about the Jewish community living in Turkey, and the long-lasting friendly relations between the Muslim and Jewish communities. In addition, the MID delegation has been received by the Armenian Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan at the historical Armenian Patriarchate which was built in 1460 by then the Sultan Mehmed II. His Excellency Patriarch Mutafyan noted that the very fact that the building was commission by a Muslim ruler and it has been operational ever since its construction signifies the good relations between the Muslim and Christian Armenian communities living in the country. The MID delegation also met with the leaders of the civil society organizations, media representatives, journalists, businessmen, and academics. The trip has been quite successful to foster the awareness for intercultural dialogue in general and the necessity for the improvement of the Turkish-American relations in particular.

New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) welcomes the delegation from Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit in his Capitol Hill office. During the meeting, the MID delegation and Congressman Pascrell have discussed the necessity of dialogue in the contemporary world. Congressman stressed that most of the problems today in the world, especially between the West and the Muslim world result from the very fact that the Western societies do not know enough about Islam and the Muslim societies. In this regard, he noted that he finds crucially important every intercultural activity that promotes multicultural awareness and understanding among different cultures.

The MID delegation informed Congressman Pascrell about the vision and activities of Maryland Institute for Dialogue to build bridges of understanding among different cultures. More specifically, the MID associates have informed Congressman about the Institute's intercultural trips to Turkey and different parts of the world throughout the year. Congressman has found the intercultural trips and their contents quite unique and useful to acquaint the participants with the local cultures.

Maryland Institute for Dialogue continues its goodwill visits with community leaders to foster awareness for the necessity of intercultural dialogue. Mary Louise Preis, Vice President of CITI Financial for Community Relations, welcomes the delegation from Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. The MID delegation and Ms. Preis discussed the necessity of intercultural dialogue and its role in solving the contemporary social problems during the meeting that took place in the CITI Financial headquarter in Baltimore. The parties agreed that despite the ethno-religious and cultural differences people do have commonalities around which they can come together and tackle the common problems facing them today. Ms. Preis noted that socio-cultural activities that aim promoting intercultural understanding are needed today more than ever since the globalization and advances in communications and transportation bring the farthest communities closer to each other. She mentioned that the intercultural exchanges she experienced in different communities help her better understand the contemporary phenomena. The MID associates informed Ms. Preis about the Institute's socio-cultural activities that aim increasing intercultural awareness and knowledge in community.

MID delegation also came together with Mr. Jan Houbolt, Executive Director of the Leadership Program of the Greater Baltimore Committee at the Committee's headquarter in Baltimore. During the meeting, the parties express their dedication and belief in promoting intercultural dialogue within the community. Mr. Houlbolt explained the accomplishments of the Leadership Program in terms of bringing together community leaders and business executives through various programs and seminars and helping them develop sense and skills to attain community service. On a similar goodwill visit, MID representative met with Ms. Rachel, Executive Director of MACRO (Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office) and Ms. Ramona Buck, MACRO's Public Policy Director. During the meeting the parties informed each other their respective organization and activities. The parties pledged their commitment to promoting intercultural dialogue and awareness for multicultural understanding.

Maryland Institute for Dialogue participated in a day trip-seminar organized by the Baltimore Jewish Council, which included visits to U.S. Congress, Embassy of Israel and Embassy of the Kingdom of Jordan. Respectively in each place of visit, the officials briefed the delegation consisting of Muslim and Christian representatives about the contemporary situation in the Middle East and the prospects for a sustainable peace in the region.

The BJC delegation's first place of visit was the U.S. Senate where Maryland 's Senator Benjamin Cardin welcomed the delegation and thanked the participants for their effort to promote intercultural understanding. Following Senator Cardin's welcoming remarks, Nicole Shampaine, the Deputy Director of the Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs in the State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA), informed the delegation about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The delegation's next stop was the Embassy of Israel, where during the luncheon, Martin Peled-Flax, Counselor for Domestic Political Affairs, briefed the delegation about the recent developments in the region and the prospects for a sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The delegation's last stop was the Embassy of the Kingdom of Jordan, where Samer Naber, First Secretary and Political/Legal Officer, briefed the delegation about Jordan 's recently launched Interfaith Dialogue Initiative.

Maryland Institute for Dialogue co-hosted with DACOR, Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired, special forum and reception featuring Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem as a key note speaker. Prominent Turkish industrialist and intellectual, Dr. Erdem spoke about Turkish-American relations in light of contemporary domestic and international developments. Dr. Erdem's address followed the remarks by His Excellency Ambassador Nabi Sensoy, Turkish Ambassador to the United States. Following the address, DACOR and Dr. Erdem exchanged gifts as a symbol of goodwill and friendship between Turkey and the United States. The event which was attended by about a hundred guests continued with a reception.

During his speech, Dr. Erdem provided a brief overview of Turkish-American friendship dating back to the 19 th century. Respectively, he mentioned the occasions in the 20th century witnessing US-Turkish partnership, “1n 1946 Turkey became the member of the United Nations with the support of the U.S. In 1950, Turkey fought in the Korean war side by side with the United States, after which it was accepted to NATO, again with the support of the United States. We resisted the pressure from Russia during the Cold War with the help of the United States. In 1999, America played a big role in EU's decision to announce Turkey as a candidate. The U.S. and Turkey worked shoulder to shoulder in wars in Korea, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan.” Dr. Erdem concluded his remarks stressing that the US-Turkish cooperation is vital to peace and stability in Middle East in particular and in global scene in general.

Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem is the Chairman of Board of Directors at several corporations which include respectively Erdem Holding Inc., Gen-Pa General Marketing Inc., Ertel Erdem Telecommunications Inc., Erdem Computer Inc., Erdem Petroleum Ltd. Co., ERMEKS-ER Distribution and Foreign Trade Co,. Erdem Insurance Co., Erdem Golf and Tourism Investments Co., and AGDAS Natural Gas Distribution Co. Dr. Erdem also serves as the Honorary Consul of Spain in Marmara Region of Turkey, Honorary President of TABA AmCham (Turkish-American Business Association), Chairman of Turkish-Spain Business Council, Honorary Consul General of Sudanese Republic in Istanbul, Secretary General of Turgut Ozal Research Foundation, and Member of the Executive Board of DEIK – Foreign Economic Relations Council, the Board of Turkish-French Business Council, the Board of Turkish-Iraqi Business Council and of Turkish-Belgian Commercial Association. Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem is a member of the Global Advisory Board of the George Washington University.

Former U.S. Ambassador William Milam welcomes Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. During the meeting that took place at the Woodrow Wilson Center, the nation's one of the most prestigious think-tank organizations, the Ambassador and the MID delegation exchanged views on the necessity of intercultural dialogue. The MID delegation informed Ambassador Milam about the vision of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue and about its activities to promote understanding among different cultures. The parties agreed on the benefits of intercultural trips to provide the participants with direct exposure to a new culture and hence help them better understand it. Ambassador Milam stressed that Turkey is a unique country to provide mosaic of different cultures. He noted that Islam has been successfully internalized within modern daily lives of its observers in Turkey. In that sense, he suggested, Turkey presents a successful example to the nations in the broader Muslim world. The parties affirmed their belief and dedication to dialogue.

William B. Milam is a Senior Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington DC. Prior to joining the Wilson Center, he was a career diplomat. He retired from the U.S. Foreign Service at the end of July 2001. His last post before retirement was as Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan where he served from August 1998 to July 2001. Ambassador Milam served as U.S. Chief of Mission in Liberia from November 1995 to August 1998. He was designated as Chief of Mission instead of Ambassador because the U.S. Government did not recognize the interim government in Liberia. From November 1993 to September 1995 he was U.S. Special Negotiator for Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the Department of State. In that capacity, he led the U.S. delegation that successfully completed negotiations on the 1994 Desertification Treaty. He was U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh from August 1990 to October 1993. From September 1985 to August 1990, prior to his appointment to Bangladesh, Ambassador Milam was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Finance and Development. He represented the United States at the Paris Club, the international forum for rescheduling official debt, U.S. Government, and with the other official creditors, programs for debt reduction of the poorest countries. From the Department of State, Ambassador Milam received the James Clement Dunn Award, as the outstanding Class I officer (1981) and a Superior Honor Award (1983). He received a Presidential Meritorious Service Award (1990) and a Presidential Award for Outstanding Service (1991).

Former U.S. Ambassador Cynthia Schneider welcomes the MID delegation on a goodwill visit. During the meeting, the MID associates informed the Ambassador about the vision of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue and the activities that the Institute carries out in order to promote intercultural dialogue and awareness for intercultural learning. The delegation informed the Ambassador about the past and upcoming events organized by the Institute. Ambassador Schneider commended Maryland Institute for Dialogue for its dedicated efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and seek to eradicate the lack of understanding between the West and the Muslim communities. The parties have expressed their belief in the necessity for continuous dialogue in order to solve the current and likely future problems that may result from cultural misunderstandings and the lack of dialogue.

Dr. Schneider served as the 61st Ambassador of the United States to the Kingdom of the Netherlands from August of 1998 to June of 2001. Ambassador Schneider led initiatives in the fields of public diplomacy, and culture, biotechnology, cyber security, education In addition to her work with the Dutch government and the international institutions in The Hague, such as the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, Ambassador Schneider was an advocate for the U.S. military in The Netherlands, which earned her the Office of the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award, the highest civilian award given by the Pentagon.

Dr. Cynthia P. Schneider is Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy and Director of the Life Science and Society Initiative (LSSI) and at Georgetown University. A member of the Georgetown University faculty since 1984, Ambassador Schneider has taught both in the College of Arts and Sciences and Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.

Maryland Institute for Dialogue completes its March 1-11 intercultural trip to Turkey. During the 10-day trip, the MID guests have enjoyed visiting the most attractive touristic sites, museums as well as meeting with local people at various levels. The trip started off with a boat tour of the Bosphorus, sailing between Europe and Asia, and a dinner-on-board. The next day was the day of the Big 3; Hagia Sopia Museum, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque - Sultanahmet Mosque - as well as the Basilica Cisterns. Following the touristic visits in the Sultanahmet area, the MID delegation has been received by His Excellency Muammer Guler, the Governor of Istanbul. During the meeting that took place in the Governor's Office, the parties have exchanged opinions on the necessity of intercultural dialogue, and the Governor Guler informed the MID delegation about their efforts to promote dialogue among different faith communities in Istanbul and in the world. In the evening, the MID delegation has been hosted for dinner by the prominent Erdem family in their residence. Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem, the Chairman of Turkish-American Business Association and the Honorary Consul of Spain in Turkey's Marmara region, welcomed the distinguished guests of the MID for their dedication to dialogue.

After two days in Istanbul, the MID delegation flew to Ankara, the nation's capital, to meet with local people and officials. The delegation was received respectively by His Excellency Bulent Arinc, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly; Dr. Ali Bardakoglu, Head of the Directorate of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey; and Dr. Yusuf Halacoglu, Chairman of Turkish Historical Society. The MID delegation came together with a group of ranking bureaucrats, retired generals, and diplomats at the dinner. The day was ended with a visit to a local family.

The MID delegation returned to Istanbul after a week-long Anatolia tour which included the cities of Izmir, Konya, Nevsehir and Kayseri. The delegation was welcomed by the Journalists and Authors Foundation back in Istanbul. During the meeting that took place in the Foundations headquarter; the Vice-President Cemal Usak informed the MID delegation about the Foundation's efforts to promote intercultural dialogue in Turkey and abroad. Present at the meeting, Monsignor George Marowich, Vatican 's Representative in Istanbul, informed the MID delegation about the intercultural and interfaith dialogue activities that have taken place in Turkey. In the evening, the MID delegation was joined by His Excellency Kadir Topbas, Mayor of Istanbul, at the dinner meeting with a local family. During their time in Istanbul, the guests also visited Fatih University, Zaman Newspaper and Samanyolu TV all of which have been the leading institutions to promote dialogue and tolerance in their own fields. The trip reached its end with the guests' shopping in the historical Grand Bazaar.

Community College of Baltimore County and Maryland Institute for Dialogue joined together to co-host a three-day photography exhibition and reception series on CCBC's Dundalk, Catonsville and Essex campuses. The event featured the MID photography exhibition titled "Turkey : Europe in the Middle East". MID Program Coordinator Mehmet Kurum noted that the event aimed to provide the audience with an opportunity to observe modernity and tradition together as manifested in daily life in Turkey. Kurum emphasized that the photography exhibition was not a mere cultural promotion of Turkey. In addition, Gayona Beckford-Barclay Ed.D., College-wide Assistant Director of International Education and Multicultural Learning, noted that the photography exhibition has been quite useful for the students to improve their multicultural understanding and to learn about different cultures. The faculty members who participated in the event expressed that cultural events such as photography exhibitions and lectures are crucial for students to familiarize with other world cultures.

Maryland Institute for Dialogue completed its first DubaistanbuL Intercultural trip. The MID DubaistanbuL trip consisting of travels to both cities of Istanbul in Turkey and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates included extensive intercultural exchanges with the local people along with a rich variety of touristic visits. During the week-long trip, Maryland Institute for Dialogue had the privilege to host the prominent members for Maryland leadership. The MID DubaistanbuL trip delegation included internationally renowned attorney Sheela Murthy, President and Managing Attorney of the Murthy Law Firm; Larry Walton, Chief Executive Officer of the United Way Central Maryland; Mrs. Connie Walton; Dr. Arthur Abramson, Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council; Lynn Katzen, Director of Middle East and Israeli Affairs at the Baltimore Jewish Council; Patricia McHugh Lambert, Principal Attorney at the HP&K Law Firm; and Mike Posko, Chief Administrative Officer of S truever Bros. Eccles & Rouse. The distinguished participants of the MID delegation from business, non-profit, and legal sectors of Maryland contributed greatly to enriching the intercultural exchange aimed with the MID DubaistanbuL trip.

Exploring the Heritage of Istanbul

 

The MID DubaistanbuL trip started off in Istanbul with an unforgettable boat trip in the Bosphorus sailing between Europe and Asia and enjoying the sunset. The following three days in Istanbul, the imperial capital of the Ottoman Empire and the financial and cultural capital of the modern Turkey, included visits to the world renowned historical sites such as Hagia Sophia Museum, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Basilica Cistern, Quincentennial Foundation Jewish Museum. In the meantime, the MID delegation was hosted by the institutions which have been the leading organizations in their respective fields to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding. These institutions included Fatih University, Samanyolu TV, Zaman Newspaper, and Journalists & Authors Foundation.

Dubai : the New Face of the Middle East

The MID delegation arrived at the Dubai International airport after midnight where it was welcomed by the Turkish businessmen who have been involved in promoting intercultural dialogue besides conducting their successful businesses in Dubai. The delegation headed directly to the five-star hotel looking over the Deira Creek. The lights of the Dubai's high-rise buildings and world famous hotels were about to leave their job to the rising sun in a couple of hours.

Breakfast at Burj al Arab - Dinner in Desert

The MID delegation started off the day in Dubai with an elegant breakfast at the Burj al Arab, the world's only seven-star hotel. The city tour following the breakfast included visits to the Jumeirah City, the Nakheel Project Center, Miraj Islamic Art Center, and Ibn Battuta Mall. In the Nakheel Project Center, the MID Delegation was informed about the ongoing world-renowned projects such as the Palm and the World. Later on, the delegation toured the Miraj Islamic Art Center where the various master pieces of Islamic Art were exhibited. The MID delegation continued its tour at the famous Ibn Battuta Mall which was designed to reflect Chinese, Indian, Persian, Tunisian and Moroccan cultures and architecture. Ibn Battuta Mall was the last stop for the delegation before it was picked up by the giant SUVs to head to the Desert Safari. The bumpy safari adventure marked by the never-lowering adrenaline was concluded by a dinner in the middle of the desert under a tent before the MID delegation headed to the residence of a Turkish family for a tea conversation.

Skiing in the Middle of Desert

The day after, the MID delegation toured the Emirates Mall, which gives shoppers an opportunity to ski in the middle of a desert. Some in the group preferred to ski while others wandered to check out the shops selling the world's most expensive brands. All in all, Dubai was not fitting to the classical definition of the Middle East. In many ways, it was Los Angeles, Las Vegas or Florida with Arabic scripture on the signs. Nevertheless, it represented a new direction for the rest of the oil-rich Middle Eastern countries in the new century. The MID delegation took off from the Dubai International Airport afternoon to catch its dinner appointment with a Turkish family in Istanbul.

Meeting a Happy Family

According to the trip participants, their dinner experience with the traditional Turkish family in which grandparents, parents and children all lived together was another highlight of the MID DubaistanbuL trip. After the introductions that took place over the dinner, the hosts, Necmettin Bey and Fatma Hanim received many questions about their daily lives and their involvement with the dialogue & tolerance movement. Larry Walton of the MID delegation later on noted that he has never seen such a happy man, "he was happy with his family, happy with his business, happy with what he is doing for the Tolerance School in Moldova. You could read his happiness on his face."

The last meeting of the MID delegation was with Mr. Cemal Ussak, Vice President of the Journalists & Authors Foundation at the JAF headquarter near Taksim. The in-depth intellectual exchange took place during the meeting and the short video presentation about the Foundation telling about the JAF's Honorary President Fethullah Gulen and the role of the Foundation in promoting dialogue elucidated what the delegation had observed throughout the trip. Mike Posko, Chief Administrative Officer of SBER Inc. noted that he was especially impressed by the tolerance schools inspired by Gulen, and that he thought these schools could bring stability and peace many regions in the world from Africa to the Middle East suffering the conflicts stemming from ethno-religious differences.

	Maryland Institute for Dialogue holds its orientation dinner together with the upcoming March trip participants, the previous trip's participants and the institute associates at the Levante's Restaurant in Bethesda, Maryland. The event aimed to bring together the upcoming trip participants together before the day of departure for Turkey in order to provide them opportunity to get know each other. The previous trip's participants, Mrs. Ann Peck and Former U.S. Diplomat Robert Krill, provided the attendants with their insights and memories from their trip to Turkey last summer. Peck and Krill emphasized that the trip is a unique opportunity to observe the Turkish culture and the dialogue & tolerance movement. They noted that the interactions with local people and visits with the institutions that the dialogue & tolerance movement has established are quite helpful to better understand the contemporary Turkey. Among the participants were the Honorable David Newton, former-U.S. Ambassador to Iraq; the Honorable Albert Fairchild, former- Deputy U.S. Ambassador to Niger, and his wife Parvin Fairchild; and Dr. Terry Walz, Executive Director of Council on National Interest Foundation. The participants emphasized the importance of the continuous dialogue between the West and the Muslim world, and noted that they are excited for the opportunity to visit Turkey, and learn about the culture.

Maryland Congressmen Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) and Elijah Cummings (D-MD) welcome the delegation from Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit in their Capitol Hill offices. During the meetings that took place in Congressmen Gilchrest's and Cummings' offices in the Rayburn House Office Building, the MID delegation and the Congressmen discussed the necessity of dialogue in the contemporary world.

Congressmen Gilchrest and Cummings both stressed that most of the problems today in the world, especially between the West and the Muslim world result from the very fact that the Western societies do not know enough about Islam and the Muslim societies. Congressman Cummings noted that people mostly talk about each other instead of talking to each other. In this regard, they noted that every intercultural activity that promotes multicultural awareness and understanding among different cultures is more important than ever.

The MID delegation informed Congressmen Gilchrest and Cummings about the vision and activities of Maryland Institute for Dialogue to build bridges of understanding among different cultures. More specifically, the MID associates have informed Congressmen about the Institute's intercultural trips to Turkey and different parts of the world throughout the year. Congressmen Gilchrest and Cummings found the intercultural trips and their contents quite unique and useful to acquaint the participants with the local cultures. Congressmen Gilchrest and Cummings expressed that they would be happy to help anytime with promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.

Active with frequent goodwill visits and cultural events, Maryland Institute for Dialogue held a photography exhibition & reception at the University of Maryland, College Park. A participant of one of the earlier MID Intercultural trips, and professor of anthropology at the University of Maryland, Dr. William T. Stuart shared with the audience his experiences and observations during the MID intercultural trip to Turkey last summer in July 2006.

The exhibition featuring 57 photographs from Turkey, the cultural bridge between the East and the West, was enjoyed by the University of Maryland students all day. The photographs depicting some of the most magnificent natural beauties of the world and views from daily life in Turkey took the audience to a romantic journey to the country where the notion of tolerance finds its real and practical meaning in every day life. The exhibition presented numerous examples of commingling between modernity and tradition and of the peaceful coexistence of different religious traditions.

A day long photography exhibition was followed by a reception participated by the UMD graduate students and faculty members. The participants socialized while discussing the importance of intercultural dialogue.

Dr. William Stuart's address to the audience, in which he reflected on his recent intercultural trip to Turkey, followed a brief slide show featuring various photographs from the trip. Dr. Stuart started his address mentioning the wonders of Turkey, which included Hagia Sophia Museum Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Ephesus, Cappadocia, and the tomb of Rumi, the great poet who has been the symbol of intercultural dialogue ever since 12th century.

Dr. Stuart focused on his extraordinary experience he felt during a visit to the Jewish Foundation Museum in Istanbul. He noted that the museum itself was the living proof of Turks' tolerance and respect for diversity and different ethno-religious identities. The Foundation was established in 1992 to commemorate the 500 th anniversary of the migration of the Jews from Spain to Ottoman Empire. Along with many Muslims of Andalusia, the Jews were persecuted in 1492 in Spain. The Jews were forced to either convert or leave Spain. The hard times they had to experience ended when the Ottoman Sultan invited to settle in peace in the Ottoman territories and sent ships to rescue the persecuted Jews of Spain.

Up until the end of the early 20 th century, the Ottoman Empire maintained its multi-cultural mosaic extending from Balkans to Caucasus. Beside the Jews, Christians, most notably Armenians have enjoyed vast freedom of religious and cultural practice; so much so that the late Ottoman State had quite many ethnic Armenian statesmen. However, the Ottoman State had relocate temporarily a part of the Armenian population living in the Eastern provinces since the occupying Russian armies were provoking the Armenians to revolt against the Ottoman authorities. Then and today, many Armenians have enjoyed freedom and prosperity in other parts of Anatolia.

The photography exhibition and reception was ended with Dr. William Stuart's receipt of an MID gift honoring his contributions to promoting intercultural dialogue.

Minnesota's new Democratic Representative Keith Ellison welcomes a delegation from the Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. During the meeting that took place in Congressman Ellison's office in the Longworth House Office Building, the parties discussed the increased necessity of dialogue among different cultures. Sensitive to promoting multicultural understanding and dialogue, Congressman Ellison commended the efforts to bring together people of different backgrounds and cultures at various social events.

Congressman Ellison represents House District 58B in the Minnesota State Legislature, one of the most economically, racially, and demographically diverse districts in the State. He is a member of the Legislature's Public Safety, Policy and Finance Committees, and Election and Civil Law Committee. Before being elected in 2002, Keith practiced law. He maintains his law practice in the new Minneapolis Urban League building on north Plymouth and Penn avenues, the heart of north Minneapolis. He practiced with the firm of Lindquist & Vennum for the first three years of his career. Thereafter, he was executive director of the Legal Rights Center, where he maintained a full-time case load, while managing the acquisition and remodeling of the Center's building, and instituting a number of new and vital programs. After leaving the Legal Rights Center, Keith entered private practice with the law firm Hassan & Reed Ltd, where he specialized in trial practice.

(Ref: http://ellison.house.gov/about.shtml)

Ms. Ellen Bork, deputy director at the Project for the New American Century, a foreign policy organization based in Washington, D.C. welcomes a delegation from Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. During the meeting the parties informed each other about their respective organizations and discussed the necessity of dialogue among global communities. The MID delegations informed Ms. Bork about the InstituteÇs activities in general and intercultural trips to Turkey in particular. Ms. Bork noted that Turkey is a strategically important country standing between the East and the West. In that regard, Turkey fulfills a crucial role as a bridge between the Eastern and Western cultures. Ms. Bork expressed that she would be willing to participate in the future activities of Maryland Institute for Dialogue.

Ellen Bork is deputy director at the Project for the New American Century, a foreign policy organization based in Washington, D.C. From 1996 to 1998, she was the Senior Professional Staff member for Asia and the Pacific at the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. From 1998 to 1999, she served as counsel to Martin Lee, Chairman of the Hong Kong Democratic Party, and from 2001 to 2002, she was a fellow at the German Marshall Fund's Transatlantic Center in Brussels. In the mid-1980s she served in the Department of State and Department of Education. Ms. Bork earned a bachelor's degree in history from Yale University and a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. She has served as an election observer in Cambodia and Indonesia. Ms. Bork's articles have appeared in the Washington Post, the Financial Times, the Asian Wall Street Journal, the Weekly Standard, Humanitarian Affairs Review, and the Forward. She writes a column for the New York Sun.

Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Turkey continues to have positive implications for interfaith-intercultural dialogue all over the world. One such implication manifested itself by once again bringing Muslim and Christian communities who have already engaged in strong dialogue in Greenbelt, Maryland. Maryland Institute for Dialogue in cooperation with the prominent members of Greenbelt community held a seminar-discussion to reflect on the Pope Benedict XVI's recent visit to Turkey. Vibrant Q&A session coupled with informed remarks followed Ermal Hitaj's presentation in which he analyzed the nature of the Pope's visit to Turkey, its impact on Western and non-Western societies, and its possible implications for the interfaith-intercultural dialogue in the long term.

According to Hitaj, Pope's visit to Turkey should be understood as a meta-event. That is, it is not simply just another example of its kind. It is rather an event that creates its own culture and transcends through other socio-political events. Hitaj also described the Pope Benedict's visit to Turkey as a reciprocation of Turkish-Islamic scholar Fethullah Gulen's visit to the late Pope John Paul II in 1998. He emphasized that the meeting in 1998 initiated a strong interfaith dialogue between Catholics and Muslims in Turkey.

Following the presentation, a vibrant Q&A session coupled with insightful remarks took place. The Greenbelt community members stressed their sensitivity to distinguish between the mainstream Muslims communities and the radical groups that exploit the religion of Islam for their individual or group interests. The audience agreed that radicalism and extremism does not belong to any particular religion, there could be extremists in all faith communities, and the most effective way to struggle with extremism is to maintain strong and continuous dialogue among the faith communities.

The event was followed by the audience socializing and enjoying the Ashura (Noah's Pudding) in addition to each others' conversations.

Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) welcomes the delegation from Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit in his Capitol Hill office. During the meeting, the MID delegation and Congressman Van Hollen have discussed the necessity of dialogue in the contemporary world. Congressman stressed that most of the problems today in the world, especially between the West and the Muslim world result from the very fact that the Western societies do not know enough about Islam and the Muslim societies. In this regard, he noted that he finds crucially important every intercultural activity that promotes multicultural awareness and understanding among different cultures.

The MID delegation informed Congressman Van Hollen about the vision and activities of Maryland Institute for Dialogue to build bridges of understanding among different cultures. More specifically, the MID associates have informed Congressman about the Institute's intercultural trips to Turkey and different parts of the world throughout the year. Congressman has found the intercultural trips and their contents quite unique and useful to acquaint the participants with the local cultures. He also emphasized that Turkey as a multicultural society presents a perfect example of peaceful coexistence of different traditions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Congressman Van Hollen stressed that it is crucial for the American society to gain better understanding of Muslim communities and Islam. In this regard, he commended Maryland Institute for Dialogue for its efforts to promote multicultural awareness in community and help community members learn about Muslim societies' values and practices. Mr. Congressman underlined the importance of continuous intercultural exchange and its role in solving the contemporary conflicts among the world communities. The parties adjourned the meeting with affirming their mutual dedication to promoting intercultural dialogue.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Honorable Morton Abramowitz welcomes the delegation of Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit in his office at the Century Foundation. Ambassador Abramowitz and the MID delegation had a long friendly conversation touching on various issues such as the necessity of dialogue, the unique role of Turkey as a model of peaceful co-existence of different cultures for centuries, the necessity of developing better understanding between the American and Turkish societies. During the meeting which coincided with the immediate aftermath of the deadly incident that took place in Istanbul, the parties condemned the killing of distinguished Turkish Armenian intellectual and journalist Hrant Dink. They agreed that in order such incidents not take place again the dialogue efforts should continue and eradicate misconceptions about different cultures.

Ambassador Abramowitz is a Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation. He retired in 1997 as President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and from the State Department in 1991. Ambassador Abramowitz also served recently as Acting President of the International Crisis Group - a multinational, non-governmental organization headquartered in Brussels and Washington, focusing on crisis prevention. Prior to joining the Carnegie Endowment in August 1991, he was Ambassador to Turkey. He has also served as Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, United States Ambassador to the Mutual and Balanced Force Reduction Negotiations in Vienna, Ambassador to Thailand, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Inter-American, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, and Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of State. He also served in Hawaii as political advisor to the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific.

(Ref: http://www.homelandsec.org/press.asp?staff=27)

Former U.S. Consul General Thomas Greene and Margaret Greene, former President of Common Cause Maryland, welcomes the MID delegation on a goodwill visit in their residence. During the meeting, the parties exchanged opinions on the necessity of dialogue and of socio-cultural events that promoted multicultural understanding. The MID associates informed Mr. and Mrs. Greene about the Institute's vision of achieving global peace through activities that would cultivate intercultural understanding and mutual respect. In this regard, the MID delegation provided Mr. and Mrs. Green information about the intercultural trips to Turkey and to different parts of the world throughout the year.

Mrs. Greene stressed the importance of continuous dialogue among different cultures in order to prevent misunderstanding and of the notion of listening to the other. Mr. Greene served as the U.S. Consul General in Tebriz, Iran in the late 1980s after a long period of Foreign Service career in various Middle Eastern countries. During this period, both Mr. and Mrs. Greene traveled through Turkey several times. Mrs. Greene served as the Maryland Chapter President of Common Cause, non-profit advocacy organization founded in 1970. Common Cause currently has 300,000 members and supporters and 38 state organizations. The organization aims encouraging the citizen participation in democratic process via scrutinizing the legislature and the work of the elected officials.

(Ref: http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=189955)

Larry Walton, President of the United Way of Central Maryland, welcomes a delegation from Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. The MID delegation and Mr. Walton discussed the necessity of intercultural dialogue and its role in solving the contemporary social problems during the meeting that took place in the UWCM headquarter in Baltimore. The parties agreed that despite the ethno-religious and cultural differences people do have commonalities around which they can come together and tackle the common problems facing them today. Mr. Walton noted that socio-cultural activities that aim promoting intercultural understanding are needed today more than ever since the globalization and advances in communications and transportation bring the farthest communities closer to each other. He mentioned that the intercultural exchanges he experienced in different communities help him better understand the contemporary phenomena. The MID associates informed Mr. Walton about the Institute's socio-cultural activities that aim increasing intercultural awareness and knowledge in community.

The prominent entrepreneur Ms. Deborah Stallings, President/CEO of HR Anew Inc. welcomes the MID delegation on a goodwill visit. During the meeting that took place at the HR Anew Inc. headquarter in Columbia, MD; the MID associates had an opportunity to inform Ms. Stallings about the vision and activities of the Institute to promote intercultural dialogue. Ms. Stallings affirmed her support for the dialogue and emphasized the importance of social activities to promote mutual understanding among different communities. The MID associates have also introduced the Institute's two projects, Project Turkey "Field Trip to the Meeting Place of the West and the East", and Project DubaistanbuL "Executive Field Trip on Understanding the Contemporary Muslim World". Ms. Stallings commended the Institute's efforts to promote knowledge about the Muslim communities, and noted that she would be happy to participate in the intercultural trips organized by the Maryland Institute for Dialogue.

Mike Posko, Chief Administrative Officer of STRUEVER BROS. ECCLES & ROUSE, welcomes a delegation from Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. During the meeting that took place at the Company Headquarter in Baltimore, Mr. Posko and the MID delegation discussed the issues regarding the necessity of intercultural dialogue, and exchanged ideas on promoting diversity and intercultural awareness in community. Mr. Posko noted that community involvement and service are priorities of SBER. America's one of the leading urban development and construction corporations, SBER seeks to maintain continuous interaction with communities in which they are active.

The MID associates informed Mr. Posko about the vision and activities of the Institute in general and about the intercultural trips in particular. Mr. Posko found the Institute's activities very timely and needed. He emphasized the necessity of giving back to the community through charitable activities, and mentioned how his desire to give back to community influenced his career choices. The parties adjourned the meeting by affirming their belief in the necessity of intercultural dialogue.

Before joining SBER as Chief Administration Officer (CAO) in April 2003, Mr. Posko was employed with the Federal Reserve Bank for 16 years and throughout his career has worked for the National Security Agency, Peterson Howell & Heather, and Tower Federal Credit Union. As CAO, he oversees six different departments, including Human Resources, Facilities, Information Technology, Community Partnerships, Purchasing, and Training, and additionally acts as the Risk Manager. Mr. Posko has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and is a 2001 graduate of Maryland Banking School, a 2004 graduate of Greater Baltimore Committee Leadership, and a 2006 graduate of Leadership Maryland. He serves on the boards of St. Frances Academy, Civic Works, and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

(Ref: http://www.sber.com/about/bios/mike_posko.php)

Nancy Wallace, Director of the MD Department of Business and Economic Development, welcomes a delegation from the Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. During the meeting that took place in the Department's headquarter in Baltimore, the parties have exchanges opinions on the necessity of intercultural dialogue and informed each other on their respective organizations' scope of activities and projects. Ms. Wallace emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges to benefit the rapid globalization and the necessity for mutual cultural understanding in order to do business in a multicultural environment.

In that regard, Ms. Wallace commended the efforts of Maryland Institute for Dialogue to build bridges of mutual understanding between the both sides of the Atlantic. She expressed that cultural activities that help people understand the other cultures are critical to avoid possible conflicts that may arise due to the lack of understanding of the other cultures.

Nancy Wallace oversees the international operations of MD Department of Business and Economic Development. MD DBED runs 11 foreign offices in nine countries. These include Monterrey, Mexico; Mexico City, Mexico; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Paris, France; Shorashim, Israel; Johannesburg, South Africa; Bangalore, India; Beijing, China; Shanghai, China; Taipei, Taiwan; and Singapore.

Senior Diplomat Albert Fairchild receives a delegation for the Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. During the lunch meeting that took place in the U.S. State Department, the parties discussed the importance and necessity of dialogue in the contemporary world in order to solve conflicts. The parties have agreed the main reason behind the most critical and ever-lasting conflicts, is the lack of dialogue and understanding between the parties. Nevertheless, we can be all more hopeful for the future since dialogue has been gaining more support from every segment of the society and all over the world. Besides, globalization makes it imperative to build bridges of dialogue and mutual understanding among different cultures to avoid possible ramifications of the world becoming a global village. Mr. Fairchild commended Maryland Institute for Dialogue for its dedicated efforts to build bridges of understanding between the West and the East. The parties agreed that every sort of socio-cultural activity that would help people learn about other cultures possess greater value today than they did in the past. In this vein, the MID delegation expressed that Maryland Institute for Dialogue attributes an utmost importance to intercultural trips that combine touristic content with rich learning experience. The delegation provided Mr. Fairchild with information about the Institute's previous and upcoming intercultural trips to Turkey and other regions in the world. The trips to Turkey provide the participants with opportunity to observe the rich historical heritage as well as to experience the local culture through meetings with local people. The parties adjourned their meeting with affirming their dedication to promote dialogue and mutual understanding among cultures.

Maryland Institute for Dialogue completes its December 11-21 intercultural trip to Turkey. During the 10-day trip, the MID guests have enjoyed visiting the most attractive touristic sites, museums as well as meeting with local people at various levels. The trip started off with a boat tour of the Bosphorus, sailing between Europe and Asia, and a dinner-on-board. The next day was the day of the Big 3; Hagia Sopia Museum, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque - Sultanahmet Mosque - as well as the Basilica Cisterns. Following the touristic visits in the Sultanahmet area, the MID delegation has been received by His Excellency Muammer Guler, the Governor of Istanbul. During the meeting that took place in the Governor's Office, the parties have exchanged opinions on the necessity of intercultural dialogue, and the Governor Guler informed the MID delegation about their efforts to promote dialogue among different faith communities in Istanbul and in the world. In the evening, the MID delegation has been hosted for dinner by the prominent Erdem family in their residence. Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem, the Chairman of Turkish-American Business Association and the Honorary Consul of Spain in Turkey's Marmara region, welcomed the distinguished guests of the MID for their dedication to dialogue.

After two days in Istanbul, the MID delegation flew to Ankara, the nation's capital, to meet with local people and officials. The delegation was received respectively by Dr. Ali Bardakoglu, Head of the Directorate of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey; His Excellency Abdulkadir Aksu, the Minister of Interior Affairs; and Nuri Gurgur, chairman of Ankara Chamber of Commerce. The MID delegation's meetings with His Excellency Abdullah Gul, Minister of Foreign Affairs and His Excellency Bulent Arinc, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly have been cancelled at the very last moment due to the conflict of schedule with the ongoing planning meetings within the Grand National Assembly. The MID delegation came together with a group of high ranking bureaucrats, retired generals, and diplomats at the dinner. The day was ended with a visit to a local family. The delegation's meeting with Dr. Bardakoglu came right after the Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Turkey and meeting with Dr. Bardakoglu, and took place in the same room where the two met. As such, the MID guests gathered information about the Pope Benedict's visit and its prospective implications for interfaith dialogue. Dr. Bardakoglu noted that the meeting itself gave strong positive messages for strengthening Muslim-Christian understanding.

After an early flight to Izmir, the MID delegation was welcomed by a group of local Izmir people with flowers in hand. Together, they headed directly to the ancient city of Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's House. In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Sifa Hospital and Yamanlar High School, both of which have been established by the local people who are dedicated to promoting dialogue through public services and education. After Izmir, the MID delegation flew to Antalya where it met with local people as well and visited the Interfaith Garden. The Interfaith Garden hosts a synagogue, church and mosque all in the same place and operational. The delegation arrived in Konya, the city of the great poet Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi. The guests visited the mosque where the 12 th century poet Rumi taught and promoted love and tolerance among different faith communities. Today, the mosque hosts the tomb of Rumi and of his fellow students.

The MID delegation returned to Istanbul after a day in Konya. The delegation was welcomed by the Journalists and Authors Foundation. During the meeting that took place in the Foundations headquarter; the Chairman Harun Tokak informed the MID delegation about the Foundation's efforts to promote intercultural dialogue in Turkey and abroad. During their time in Istanbul, the guests also visited Fatih University, Zaman Newspaper and Samanyolu TV all of which have been the leading institutions to promote dialogue and tolerance in their own fields. The trip reached its end with the guests' shopping in the historical Grand Bazaar.

Maryland Institute for Dialogue holds its orientation dinner together with the upcoming December trip participants, the previous trip's participants and the institute associates at the Levante's Restaurant in Bethesda, Maryland. The event aimed to bring together the upcoming trip participants together before the day of departure for Turkey in order to provide them opportunity to get know each other. The previous trip's participants, Dr. Louis J Cantori, Dr. Peter Bectold, Attorney Sheela Murthy and Dr. William T. Stuart, provided the attendants with their insights and memories from their trip to Turkey last summer. They emphasized that the trip is a unique opportunity to observe the Turkish culture and the dialogue & tolerance movement. They noted that the interactions with local people and visits with the institutions that the dialogue & tolerance movement has established are quite helpful to better understand the contemporary Turkey. Among the attendants were the former-U.S. Ambassador Edward Peck and his wife Ann Peck; former-Washington Post Middle East Bureau Chief Thomas Lippman, and his wife Sidney Lippman, senior journalist at the Voice of America; Diplomatic Journalist Jim Fisher-Thompson and his wife Jean Fisher-Thompson, Senior U.S. Diplomat Robert Krill, former-U.S. Consul General in Saudi Arabia Stephen Buck and his wife Hala Buck. The Ambassador Edward Peck emphasized the importance of the continuous dialogue between the West and the Muslim world, and noted that they are excited for the opportunity to visit Turkey, and learn about the culture.

Ambassador David G. Newton welcomes Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. During the meeting that took place at the Cosmos Club, the nation's one of the most prestigious membership clubs, the Ambassador and the MID delegation exchanged views on the necessity of intercultural dialogue. The MID delegation informed Ambassador Newton about the vision of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue and about its activities to promote understanding among different cultures. The parties agreed on the benefits of intercultural trips to provide the participants with direct exposure to a new culture and hence help them better understand it. Having been to Turkey several times before, Ambassador Newton commented that Turkey is a unique country to provide mosaic of different cultures. He noted that Islam has been successfully internalized within modern daily lives of its observers in Turkey. In that sense, he suggested, Turkey presents a successful example to the nations in the broader Muslim world. The parties affirmed their belief and dedication to dialogue.

Ambassador Newton is currently an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He returned to the United States at the end of 2004 after having served for six years in Prague as the first director of Radio Free Iraq, part of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Shortly before that appointment he had retired from a thirty-six year career in the Foreign Service, having served as ambassador to Yemen (1994-97) and as the first ambassador to Iraq (1984-88) following the resumption of diplomatic relations. Other Foreign Service tours included deputy chief of mission in Yemen and Syria, political counselor in Saudi Arabia, and Department of State assignments as director for Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, as Near East division chief in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research and as economic officer for the Arabian Peninsula. From 1990 to 1993 he was International Affairs Advisor and Chairman of the National Security Policy Department at the National War College, also working with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Defense Intelligence Agency on Iraq and doing extensive public speaking in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

In February 1998, immediately after Foreign Service retirement, he was appointed a Special Envoy for Public Diplomacy, traveling to twelve Arab countries to explain U.S. policy on Iraq to the media and the public. During his Foreign Service career he received a Presidential Meritorious Service award for his Iraq assignment, numerous Department of State awards and the Department of the Army medal for outstanding civilian service. Ambassador Newton is a graduate of Harvard College (archaeology and anthropology), the University of Michigan (M.A. in Islamic history and Arabic literature) and the National War College. From 1958 to 1961 he served as an artillery officer with the 3rd Armored Division in Germany. He is a member of the Middle East Institute, the Middle East Studies Association, the Public Diplomacy Council, and the Cosmos Club.

(Ref: http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=David_G._Newton)

Maryland Institute for Dialogue meets with Reverend Francis V. Tiso to seek avenues of cooperation in promoting intercultural-interfaith dialogue. During the meeting that took place at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the parties have exchanged ideas on possible ways of cooperation to promote better understanding between the Muslim and the Catholic communities. Rev. Tiso offered Maryland Institute for Dialogue to take part in the Mid-Atlantic Dialogue Initiative, which has been active for the past several years at regional and national level. Rev. Tiso emphasized the necessity for interfaith dialogue between Christian and Muslim communities and its crucial role to help eradicate misunderstanding between the members of the two great faiths. Mid-Atlantic Dialogue Initiative has served to that purpose ever since it has been intact. Scholars and intellectuals from both Catholic and Muslim communities have periodically convened, and tackled with social and moral issues that are central in the lives of the two faiths' adherents. The main topics included ethics, education, virtues and values, social justice, marriage among many others. The parties have affirmed their dedication to dialogue and expressed their willingness to cooperate in the future to promote intercultural-interfaith dialogue.

Dr. Tony Whitehead, Anthropologist at University of Maryland - College Park, welcomes a goodwill visit by the MID delegation in his office. Dr. Whitehead commended Maryland Institute for Dialogue for its dedication and efforts to promote intercultural dialogue in Maryland. He expressed that the Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner & Dialogue Awards Ceremony was a unique event to provide the participants with an opportunity to learn about the tradition of fasting in the Muslim culture, and to meet people of different backgrounds. Dr. Whitehead expressed that dialogue is crucial to overcoming prejudices and misunderstanding among the members of different cultural communities. In that regard, he continued, the socio-cultural events such as Ramadan Iftar dinners and intercultural trips are quite useful to build bridges of dialogue and tolerance between communities. He noted that he is looking forward to participating the future events of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue.

Dr. Whitehead is Professor of Medical Anthropology, and Director (and founder) of the Cultural Systems Analysis Group (CuSAG), Department of Anthropology at the University of Maryland (UM). He served as department chairperson from 1987 to 1993, and is co-coordinates graduate training the anthropology of community, health, and development. Dr. Whitehead received a bachelors degree in Sociology from Shaw University in 1965, and a Masters of Science in Hygiene degree in Public Health and a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1969 and 1976 respectively. Prior to coming to the University of Maryland in 1988, he was a faculty member in the Department of Health Education, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill from 1976 to 1987.

(Ref: http://www.bsos.umd.edu/anth/faculty/twhitehead/index.html)

Maryland State Senator John C. Astle welcomes the MID delegation on a goodwill visit in his Annapolis office. During the meeting, the MID delegation informed Senator Astle about the Institute's vision and activities to promote intercultural dialogue. The delegation mentioned the recent Ramadan Iftar Dinner events that brought together the members of different faith communities and prominent community leaders in the state of Maryland. Senator Astle expressed his appreciation for the Institute's dedication to promoting intercultural dialogue. He noted that such cultural activities are necessary to help different cultural communities to learn about each other. Senator Astle asserted his support for the Maryland Institute for Dialogue and noted that he would be happy to attend the Institute's future activities.

Senator John C. Astle - Member of Senate since January 11, 1995. Vice-Chair, Finance Committee, 2003- (member, 1995-; welfare reform subcommittee, 1995-99; home builders registration work group, 1999; division of labor & industry sunset evaluation work group, 2003; health subcommittee, 2003-; chair, unemployment insurance benefits-adjustment work group, 1999-2000); Joint Audit Committee, 1999-; Joint Technology Oversight Committee, 2000-. Member, Task Force to Study Possible Benefits of Owner-Controlled Insurance Programs, 2002-; Legislative Policy Committee, 2003-; Joint Legislative Task Force on Small-Group Market Health Insurance, 2005-. Member, Joint Committee on Federal Relations, 1995-96; Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics, 1995-2003. Deputy Majority Whip, 1998. Assistant Deputy Majority Whip, 1999. Senate Chair, Department of Natural Resources Special Funds Work Group, 2002-03. Member, Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2003; Senate Special Commission on Electric Utility Deregulation Implementation, 2005-06. Chair, Anne Arundel County Senate Delegation, 1998-2001. Senate Chair, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, 2001-. Member, Maryland Veterans Caucus, 2004-. President, National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses, 2004-. Member, National Conference of State Legislatures (energy & electric utilities committee).

(Ref: http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa12160.html)

Council for the National Interest Foundation welcomes a goodwill visit by the delegation of Maryland Institute for Dialogue. Dr Terry Walz, General Manager of the Council for the National Interest Foundation, hosted the MID delegation in the Council's Center. During the meeting, the parties agreed on the necessity of intercultural dialogue and the necessity of intellectual exchanges between the Western and Muslim communities. Director of the Council for the National Interest Foundation, Dr. Walz expressed that the national interest of the country lies in establishing good relations with other nations and maintaining sustained dialogue with the other cultures. He commended the efforts of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue to promote intercultural dialogue and better understanding of cultures. The MID delegation emphasized that the continuous dialogue between the Western and Muslim communities is especially necessary in the turbulent times in which minor misunderstanding due to lack of knowledge of other cultures might spark major conflicts. The MID delegation informed Dr. Walz about the recent and upcoming activities of the Institute, most notably the intercultural trips. Dr. Walz welcomed an opportunity of attending the future events of the Institute noting that such activities are quite productive to educate people about different cultures. The parties affirmed their belief in the necessity of dialogue and dedication to promote better understanding of different cultures.

Acclaimed political scientist, Dr. Louis J. Cantori of University of Maryland, Baltimore County welcomes a goodwill visit by a delegation from Maryland Institute for Dialogue. On the follow-up meeting with Dr. Cantori, the MID delegation provided information on the Institute's recent and upcoming activities to promote intercultural dialogue. Long time supporter of the vision and activities of the Institute, Dr. Cantori expressed his belief in the necessity of dialogue. Dr. Cantori has obtained information about the Institute's two recently launched projects, which are respectively Project Peace Isles and Project Smiley Africa. Both projects are 10-day trips covering several countries in the Southeast Asia and Africa. The trip intends to provide the participants with opportunity to enjoy natural beauties of the countries traveled and examine the Tolerance schools established in these countries.

Dr. Louis J. Cantori is Professor of Political Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He did his graduate work in Political Science and on the Middle East at the University of Chicago. He studied Islamic philosophy in the Faculty of Theology, al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. He was a Fulbright student in Egypt in 1963-65 and subsequently was visiting professor at the American University in Cairo in 1974-76. In 1969-70 he did fieldwork in Morocco and returned as a Fulbright researcher in 1994-95. He just returned from being Distinguished Fulbright Lecturer there. Altogether, he has lived about seven years in the Middle East and has done research, visited or done consulting activities in Egypt, Morocco, Israel, the Occupied Territories, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Jordan and Iraq (where in 1991 he was present up to five days before the invasion of Kuwait)

(Ref: http://research.umbc.edu/~cantori/profile.html)

Maryland Congressman Albert R. Wynn (D-MD) welcomes a goodwill visit by the MID delegation in his Washington D.C. office. During the meeting that took place in the Cannon House Office Building, the parties emphasized the necessity of intercultural dialogue in the contemporary age of tensions. The MID associates found opportunity to inform Congressman Wynn about the vision of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue and its activities to promote intercultural dialogue. Congressman Wynn commended the MID for its dedication to building bridges between the Western and Muslim societies. The MID delegation also informed Congressman Wynn about the intercultural trips that the Institute frequently organizes. Congressman Wynn expressed that the intercultural trips are perfect opportunities to observe a foreign culture and learn about it. The parties adjourned the meeting with affirming their mutual dedication to dialogue and wishes to promote intercultural dialogue.

Currently serving his seventh term in the House of Representatives, Congressman Albert R. Wynn represents the 4th Congressional District of Maryland, which includes parts of Prince George's and Montgomery Counties. Elected in 1992, Wynn currently serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, where he is a member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, and the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Waste. Wynn is a member of the Democratic Message Group, and a Deputy Democratic Whip (a party organizer in Congress).  Wynn serves as the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus' Political Action Committee, and Chairs the Congressional Black Caucus Task Force on Campaign Finance Reform, and the Caucus' Minority Business Task Force.

(Ref: http://wynn.house.gov)

Maryland State Senator Robert J. Garagiola receives the MID delegation on a goodwill visit in his Rockville office. Senator Garagiola appreciated the efforts of the Turkish-America community of Maryland to create awareness for intercultural dialogue and for starting the Maryland Institute for Dialogue to serve that purpose. He emphasized that dialogue is quintessential to solve problems among different communities, which might result from the mutual lack of understanding of each other's norms, values and traditions. The MID associates informed Senator Garagiola about the Institute's vision and activities to promote intercultural dialogue locally and globally. Senator Garagiola obtained information about the Institute's intercultural trips, and noted that he would be delighted to participate in the Institute's activities to promote understanding and cooperation among different cultures.

Senator Robert K. Garagiola is member of Senate since January 8, 2003. Member, Judicial Proceedings Committee, 2003-. Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, 2005-. Member, Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive & Legislative Review, 2003-; Joint Committee on Federal Relations, 2003-; Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics, 2003-; Joint Committee on Welfare Reform, 2003-; Joint Oversight Committee on the Department of Juvenile Services, 2006-. Member, Senate Special Commission on Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance, 2004. Senate Co-Chair, Maryland Veterans Caucus, 2004-. Member, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2003- (law & criminal justice committee; alternate member, intergovernmental affairs committee, 2003-); Southern Legislative Conference, Council of State Governments, 2003- (law & criminal justice committee, 2003-).

(Ref: http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa13972.html)

Dr. Donna Reihl, Director of Community College of Baltimore County Extension Centers welcomes a goodwill visit from the Maryland Institute for Dialogue. During the meeting that took place in the CCBC Hunt Valley campus, Dr. Reihl and the MID associates discussed the possible avenues of cooperation to promote awareness for diversity and intercultural dialogue. Dr. Reihl emphasized the importance of socio-cultural activities that would help students acquaint with different cultures and encourage gaining in-depth knowledge about them through research respectively. Dr. Reihl commended Maryland Institute for Dialogue for being active in promoting awareness for diversity and dialogue. In that regard, she mentioned the MID Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner & Dialogue Awards Ceremony as a success in terms of bringing together people of different backgrounds and providing a medium to learn about different cultures. The parties discussed possibilities of joint-events on campus to encourage college students and faculty to learn about different cultures. The parties affirmed their mutual belief in the necessity of dialogue and wished to cooperate to promote intercultural dialogue and tolerance.

Maryland State Senator Delores G. Kelley receives the MID delegation on a goodwill visit in her Annapolis office. Senator Kelley thanked Maryland Institute for Dialogue for organizing the Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner & Dialogue Awards Ceremony in October 21 st at Renaissance Harborplace Hotel. Senator Kelley attended the event as the guest of honor, and presented the 2006-07 MID Intercultural Dialogue Award to Attorney Sheela Murthy for her dedication to promoting intercultural dialogue in community. During the meeting, Senator Kelley commended Maryland Institute for Dialogue for its efforts to bring together people of different identities though social and cultural activities. She noted that despite minor difference people have a lot of commonalities and as such we are more similar than dissimilar. The MID associates informed Senator about the activities of the Institute in general and about the upcoming intercultural trips in particular. Senator Kelley expressed that she would be more than happy to go on such intercultural trips with the MID and that such trips are crucial to learning about different cultures.

Senator Delores G. Kelley, member of Senate since January 11, 1995. Member, Finance Committee, 1998- (health subcommittee, 2003-; welfare reform subcommittee, 1999; chair, home builders registration work group, 1999. Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Fair Practices, 1999-. Senate Vice-Chair, Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing, 2001-. Vice-Chair, Executive Nominations Committee, 2003-. Member, Joint Committee on Access to Mental Health Services, 2005-. Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Federal Relations, 1995-98. Member, Judicial Proceedings Committee, 1995-98; Joint Committee on Protocol, 1995-98; Article 27 (crimes & punishments) Revision Committee, 1997-98. Vice-Chair, Executive Nominations Committee, 1998-2000. Member, Legislative Policy Committee, 1999-2000; Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics, 1999-2003. Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review, 2001-03. Member, Senate Special Commission on Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance, 2004; Senate Special Commission on Electric Utility Deregulation Implementation, 2005-06. Member, Women Legislators of Maryland, 1995- (president, 1998-99). Member, Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (formerly Maryland Legislative Black Caucus), 1995- (chair, health care committee, 2001-; vice-chair, historically black colleges & universities committee, 2001-; member, judicial nominating committee, 2001-). Member, National Conference of State Legislatures (health committee, 2000-05; vice-chair, financial services committee, 2005-)

(Ref: http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa12170.html)

Internationally acclaimed author and scholar at the Middle East Institute, Thomas W. Lippman welcomes a goodwill visit from Maryland Institute for Dialogue. During the meeting that took place at the Middle East Institute, nation's one of the leading think-tank organizations, the MID associates informed Lippman about the vision of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue and its activities to promote intercultural dialogue. Lippman commended the Institute's dedication to intercultural dialogue, and expressed that continuous intercultural dialogue is necessary to eradicate prejudices and biases among different communities. Specifically on the MID intercultural trips, Lippman noted that such trips are unique to provide participant with first-hand exposure to a foreign culture and quite a learning experience in that regard.

Thomas W. Lippman is a Washington-based author and journalist who has specialized in Middle Eastern affairs and American foreign policy for more than three decades, and is one of the country's most knowledgeable analysts of Saudi Arabian affairs, U.S.- Saudi relations, and relations between the West and Islam. He is a former Middle East bureau chief of the Washington Post, and also served as that newspaper's oil and energy reporter. Throughout the 1990s, he covered foreign policy and national security for the Post, traveling frequently to Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East. In 2003 he was the principal writer on the war in Iraq for Washingtonpost.com. Prior to his work in the Middle East, he covered the Vietnam War as the Washington Post's bureau chief in Saigon.

Lippman is the author of numerous magazine articles, book reviews and op-ed columns about Mideast affairs, and of four books: Understanding Islam (1982, 3d revised edition 2002); Egypt After Nasser (1989); Madeleine Albright and the New American Diplomacy (2000); and his most recent, Inside the Mirage: America's Fragile Partnership with Saudi Arabia, which was published to wide critical acclaim in 2004. He is also the author of the essay on Saudi Arabia's defense strategy and nuclear weapons policy published in 2004 by the Brookings Institution Press in The Nuclear Tipping Point, a book on global nuclear proliferation.

A frequent television and radio commentator on Mideast developments, Lippman has appeared on NPR, CNN, MSNBC, the BBC and Fox News, and on radio stations in New York, Boston, Phoenix and San Francisco, as well as on television stations overseas. Several of his lectures on Saudi Arabia have been televised nationally by C-SPAN. In 2005 he was a lecturer on Middle Eastern affairs at the National Defense University and at the Brookings Institution, was a featured guest on two segments of the PBS program "Think Tank" and also appeared on "The Charlie Rose Show." He was also a consultant to the producers of an A&E documentary on Middle East oil, and to the U.S. Marine Corps.

In 2002 Lippman was a member of a task force on the future of the Balkans at the Council on Foreign Relations, of which he is a member; in 2004-2005, he was a member of the Council's study group on Saudi-U.S. relations. He is currently an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute in Washington, where he serves as the principal media contact on Saudi Arabia and U.S. - Saudi relations. His next book, on the early history of U.S. relations with the Arab world, is scheduled for publication in 2007.

Judge John O. Hennegan of Circuit Court for Baltimore County welcomes a delegation from Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. During the meeting which took place in the Baltimore County Court Building, the parties affirmed their belief in the necessity of dialogue and continuous intercultural exchanges between communities. Such exchanges, noted Judge Hennegan, would prevent misunderstanding of the other culture and misinterpretation of beliefs and traditions. The MID delegation informed Judge Hennegan about the vision of Maryland Institute for Dialogue and its activities to promote diversity in community. Judge Hennegan obtained information about the MID Intercultural Trips to Turkey, and noted that such field trips are perfect opportunity for everyone to learn about a foreign culture. Judge Hennegan also stressed that Turkey is a very important country serving as a central point between the West and the East. Judge Hennegan emphasized that intercultural dialogue is crucial to solve major problems in the Middle East and to prevent likely ones in the future. Judge Hennagan and the MID delegation expressed their dedication to promoting intercultural dialogue.

Judge John O. Hennegan, Associate Judge, Baltimore County Circuit Court, 3rd Judicial Circuit, since January 17, 1992. Member, Public Awareness Committee, 2001-05, Maryland Judicial Conference. Chair, Judicial Nominating Commission, 3rd Judicial Circuit, 1987-90. Chair, Ethics Commission, Baltimore County, 1989-92. Loyola College, B.S., 1969; University of Baltimore School of Law, J.D., 1974. Member, Baltimore County Bar Association (executive council; president, 1998-99); American Trial Lawyers Association; Maryland Trial Lawyers Association. Loyola College Hall of Fame (president, 1988-90); Outstanding Service Award.

(Ref: http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/31cc/html/msa11777.html)

U.S. State Department's prominent journalist, Jim Fisher-Thompson - Writer/Editor of USIA Washington File welcomes an MID delegation on a goodwill visit. Fisher-Thomson hosts the MID delegation and Sr. U.S. Diplomat Robert F. Krill at a lunch meeting at the National Press Club, the nation's one of the most prestigious membership clubs. During the meeting, the parties have exchanged ideas on the necessity of intercultural dialogue and sought ways to promote awareness for multicultural understanding.

The MID associates had opportunity to inform Fisher-Thomson about the vision of Maryland Institute for Dialogue and its socio-cultural activities to foster intercultural dialogue. Fisher-Thompson welcomed the MID efforts dedicated to dialogue and expressed that such activities are much needed in order to prevent any problems among communities that may result from the lack of understanding and knowledge about each other's cultures. In that regard, Fisher-Thompson found the intercultural trips organized by Maryland Institute for Dialogue quite well-thought of and timely. He informed the MID associates about the State Department's public diplomacy efforts to prevent misunderstanding about the United States abroad. The parties adjourned the meeting by expressing their dedication to dialogue and their belief in the role of intercultural dialogue in solving major global problems.

Senior U.S. diplomat, Robert F. Krill receives a delegation from Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. In the meeting that took place at the DACOR BACON HOUSE FOUNDATION, the parties have agreed on the necessity of intercultural dialogue, and exchanged ideas on how to foster it locally and globally. The MID associates informed Krill about the vision of Maryland Institute for Dialogue, and its past activities as well as the upcoming ones. Krill found the intercultural trips to Turkey very well thought of and timely since they aim to provide the trip participants opportunity to gain a multicultural experience. Similarly, the participants' exchanges with the local people provide the local people an opportunity to gain better understanding of American culture and society. Krill emphasized that a continuous dialogue between the Westerns and Muslim societies is necessary to overcome likely socio-cultural problems that might result from the lack of understanding of each other's values and cultures. In this sense, he noted, the intercultural trips contribute greatly to establishing bridges of mutual understanding and tolerance between cultures.

As a career diplomat Bob Krill explained and defended U.S. foreign policy worldwide over a 32-year USIA career with tours of duty in Indonesia (Press Officer), Laos (Information Officer), Italy, (Youth Officer) Nigeria, (Press Attaché) France (Information Officer for Africa) and Tunisia (Public Affairs Officer/Cultural Attaché). While in Washington he was director of the USIA's European Press Division. As an Educational and Cultural Affairs Officer, he's had extensive experience evaluating and awarding hundreds of academic awards. He frequently served on interagency foreign policy panels covering a wide range of complex issues over the course of his diplomatic and business careers.

Washington assignments included directing public opinion studies and media habits surveys in 40 countries over a five-year period. Subsequently he headed USIA's foreign media reaction unit, which circulated daily press summaries to key officials at State Department, Department of Defense and the White House. He's also had extensive experience coordinating and promoting foreign policy initiatives and public diplomacy activities with officials and bureaus of the Departments of State, DOD, Commerce and USAID. He arranged visits of 300 foreign military leaders while detailed to DOD during the first Gulf War.

Bob frequently served as co-director of U.S. press centers during presidential visits overseas, including: President Johnson in Rome and Vatican City (1967: Vietnam Issues), President Carter in Nigeria (1978: Promoting Democracy), President Reagan in Versailles (1984: G-7 Summit), Normandy (40 th D-Day Anniversary), Vice President Bush in France (1987: Bilateral Issues) and Niger (1987: AID) and President Bush in Moscow (1991: To sign the Start Treaty)

The former U.S. Ambassador Edward L. Peck and Mrs. Peck welcome the MID delegation on a goodwill visit in their Maryland residence. During the meeting, the MID associates informed the Ambassador about the vision of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue and the activities that the Institute carries out in order to promote intercultural dialogue and awareness for intercultural learning. The delegation informed the Ambassador about the past and upcoming events organized by the Institute. The Ambassador commended Maryland Institute for Dialogue for its dedicated efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and seek to eradicate the lack of understanding between the West and the Muslim communities. The parties have expressed their belief in the necessity for continuous dialogue in order to solve the current and likely future problems that may result from cultural misunderstandings and the lack of dialogue.

Ambassador Peck served overseas in Sweden, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt and as Chief of Mission in Baghdad and Ambassador to Mauritania during his 32-year career in the Foreign Service. In Washington, he was Director of Egyptian Affairs at the State Department, a Fellow at the Department of Defense's Institute for Higher Defense Studies, and Deputy Director of the Task Force on Terrorism at the White House. Following retirement, he was Executive Secretary, American Academy of Diplomacy, and Chairman of Political Tradecraft Programs at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center. He is a Middle East television commentator, and a lecturer and consultant in the U.S. and overseas; Woodrow Wilson Foundation Visiting Fellow; Distinguished Visitor at the National War College; member, Washington Institute for Foreign Affairs, Americans for Middle East Understanding, and Council for National Interest Foundation.

Judge Lawrence R. Daniels of Baltimore Circuit County welcomes a goodwill visit by the delegation from the Maryland Institute for Dialogue. In the meeting that took place in Judge Daniels' office in the Baltimore County Court Building, the parties agreed on the necessity for further dialogue among cultures, and more so among the American and Muslim societies. The MID associates informed Judge Daniels about the Institute, its vision and activities to create local and global awareness for intercultural dialogue. Judge Daniels noted that the intercultural trips to Turkey organized by the Maryland Institute for Dialogue contribute greatly to strengthening relations between the American and Turkish societies and to educating both parties about each others' traditions and values. Judge Daniels had attended earlier the MID Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner & Dialogue Awards Ceremony at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel. With an inspirational and insightful speech about the necessity for continues dialogue, Judge Daniels had gained deep respect and appreciation of the audience. The parties adjourned the meeting by affirming their dedication and belief to dialogue and tolerance.

Lawrence R. Daniels, Associate Judge, Baltimore County Circuit Court, 3rd Judicial Circuit, since December 21, 1993. Member, Child Support Enforcement Committee, 1998-2001, and Chair, Civil Law and Procedure Committee, 2003-04 (member, 2001-04), Maryland Judicial Conference. Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, District 8, Baltimore County, February 3, 1989 to December 20, 1993. The Johns Hopkins University, B.A., 1969; University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D., 1972. Served in U.S. Army, 1973-77; U.S. Army Reserves, 1977; Lt. Col., Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (retired). Admitted to Maryland Bar, 1978. Member, Maryland State Bar Association (lawyer assistance program committee); Baltimore County Bar Assocation (secretary, 1995-96; president, 1997-98). Member, Justinian Society; Order of the Sons of Italy in America. School Board, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Long Green.

(Ref: http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/31cc/html/msa11732.html )

Community College of Baltimore County welcomes the efforts of Maryland Institute for Dialogue to promote diversity and awareness for intercultural dialogue. During the goodwill visit which took place in the CCBC Office of Multicultural Affairs, Gayona Beckford-Barclay, Ed. D., Assistant Director of International Education and Multicultural Learning, informed the MID delegation about the activities of the Office of Multicultural Affairs to foster multicultural knowledge and diversity on campus. Similarly, the MID associates informed the Office about the Institute's vision and activities toward the shared goals of promoting multicultural learning and exchange. The parties brainstormed over possible avenues of cooperation between the Office and the Institute. It has been agreed on holding a joint-lecture event titled "The Necessity of Intercultural Dialogue and the art of Living Together". The parties affirmed their dedication to their shared values of dialogue & tolerance.

Maryland Institute for Dialogue holds its Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner & Dialogue Awards Ceremony at Renaissance Harborplace Hotel with a huge number of distinguished participants from academia to judicial and to business world in Maryland. The event started with an art exhibition displaying elegant examples of Ottoman-Turkish art such as miniature, ebru (marbling), hat (calligraphy), and views of old Istanbul.

The Iftar dinner was started with Imam Ismail Guder's recitation of Adhan (call for prayer). During the dinner, the participants enjoyed the slide show of Istanbul photographs as they exchanged conversations with each other. The Dinner was followed by a short video on the theme of intercultural dialogue. Before the address by Mehmet Kalyoncu, Executive Director of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue, Webster Ye, a political aide to US Senator Barbara A. Mikulski read Senator's letter in support and appreciation of the Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner & Dialogue Awards Ceremony.

Senator Mikulski noted, "Islam is one of the world's most prominent religions and a source of profound strength and guidance for thousands of Marylanders. Members of the Muslim-American and Turkish-American communities have made enormous contributions to our nation and to Maryland. I am pleased that the success of organizations such as the Maryland Institute for Dialogue reflects the increasing recognition in our country of the Islamic faith and our firm commitment to religious tolerance... I am so proud to have such a great organization home-based in Maryland. The Maryland Institute for Dialogue has been a strong advocate for inter-cultural dialogue among the citizens of the United States, Turkey, and the world. A world that is consistent with the principles of toleration, democracy, and a respect for human rights is a great objective that we all should strive for... I commend the spirit, commitment, and vision of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue's founders and I applaud all of tonight's awardees for their achievements in promoting dialogue in the global community."

The event continued with a video show about the development of interfaith-intercultural dialogue in Turkey and the contributions of the prominent Turkish-Islamic scholar Fethullah Gulen. After the video, the Award Ceremony started with MD Senator Delores Kelley's remarks on the necessity for intercultural dialogue.

During his busy campaign period, Senator Brian Frosh spares his time to receive a visit by a delegation from the Maryland Institute for Dialogue. On the follow-up business meeting, the MID associates had opportunity to inform Senator Frosh about the Institute's activities since the last meeting. Besides, the MID associates informed Senator Frosh about the Institute's Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner & Dialogue Awards Ceremony at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel. Senator Frosh expressed his support and best wishes for the success of the event although he felt sorry for not being able to attend the event due to a prior engagement. Senator also obtained information about the Institute's upcoming intercultural trip to Turkey in December 2006. The meeting adjourned with the Senator's and the MID associates' affirmation for the necessity of further dialogue in community.

Attorney Patricia McHugh Lambert, Principal at HODES, ULMAN, PESSIN & KATZ, P.A., receives the MID delegation in the company headquarter. During the goodwill visit, the MID associates had opportunity to inform Attorney Lambert about the Institute's vision and activities to foster intercultural dialogue in community.

Attorney Lambert emphasized the importance of intercultural dialogue and the necessity for social and cultural activities to promote awareness for dialogue. Attorney Lambert inquired about the Institute's intercultural trips to Turkey. She noted that the trips provide a unique opportunity to learn about a culture and to interact with the members of that culture.

Attorney Patricia McHugh Lambert named respectively to Best Lawyers in America for Insurance (2006 Edition), to Maryland's Legal Elite ( Smart CEO magazine, 2005), a Leading Lady ( Smart Woman magazine, 2004), one of Maryland's Top 100 Women for 2004 ( Daily Record, 2004), Fellow of the Maryland Bar Foundation Board, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, Inc. She also serves as Board Member in Catholic Charities.

(Ref: http://www.hupk.com/attorney.asp?id=21)

On a goodwill visit, the Montgomery County Police Department receives a delegation from the Maryland Institute for Dialogue. During the meeting which took place at the Montgomery County Police Headquarter in Rockville, the MID delegation was welcomed by the Chief of Police J. Thomas Manger and Captain James A. Fenner, Jr., Director of Community Services Division. During the meeting, the MID associates had opportunity to inform Chief Manger and Captain Fenner about the Institute's vision and activities to promote intercultural dialogue in community. Chief Manger affirmed the importance of continuous dialogue among different segments of the community in order to prevent any sort of misunderstanding and intolerance. Chief Manger and Captain Fenner informed the MID delegation about the Montgomery Police Department's outreach activities and its sensitivity to reach out to the Muslim community. The meeting adjourned with the parties affirmation of their dedication to promoting intercultural dialogue.

Maryland Institute for Dialogue and the Greenbelt Community Church hosted the 4th Annual Interfaith Community Iftar at the Greenbelt Community Church. The iftar has been attended by the residents of Greenbelt and Turkish-American community. Greenbelt Mayor Judith Davis and the all five City Council members have also attended the Iftar program from beginning to the end.

The Iftar event started with the Adhan (Call for Prayer) by Imam Ismail Guder. All the participants, Muslim and non-Muslim waited until the adhan before starting to enjoy the delicious food. Those who have been fasting all day broke their fast after the adhan. Muslim participants expressed that it was great pleasure to break their fast with company of their non-Muslim friends. They thanked the Greenbelt Community Church for hosting them and for being so open to interfaith-intercultural dialogue. During the dinner, the participants also enjoyed a video show presenting sights from Istanbul, Turkey.

The dinner was followed by interfaith supplications by Reverend Daniel R. Hamlim and Imam Ismail Guder. Following the supplications, Reverend Hamlin, Pastor of the Greenbelt Community Church; Mehmet Kalyoncu, Executive Director of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue; and Mayor Judith Davis of the city of Greenbelt shared their remarks with the audience. The speakers emphasized the necessity for interfaith-intercultural dialogue in order to overcome common problems of humanity. Mayor Davis expressed her gratitude to the hosts of the 4 th Annual Interfaith Community Iftar Dinner for organizing such an event to bring peoples of different faiths and culture together.

The event was concluded with a raffle and live music performance by two Turkish-American musicians.

 

Howard County Chief of Police Willam J. McMahon received a delegation from the Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit in his office. During the meeting, the parties have expressed their belief for the necessity of intercultural dialogue and exchanged ideas on how to promote awareness for dialogue in the community. Chief McMahon articulated the Howard County Police Department's sensitivity against any sort of popular prejudice toward ethno-religious minorities in the community. The MID associates had an opportunity to inform the Chief McMahon about the Institute's activities to promote diversity and awareness for intercultural dialogue. In that regard, the MID associates mentioned the Institute's Ramadan activities and invited the Chief McMahon to the MID Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner & Dialogue Awards Ceremony at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel on October 21, 2006. The parties adjourned the meeting with affirming their dedication to promoting intercultural dialogue.

Baltimore County Chief of Police Terrence Sheridan received a delegation from Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. The delegation consisted of the Institute associates and prominent members of the Turkish-American community of Maryland. During the meeting, the parties have emphasized the importance of inter- and intra-cultural dialogue in order to eradicate prejudices among different segments of the community. Chief Sheridan noted that the Baltimore County Police Department has always been and will remain vigilant against any sort of prejudice against ethno-religious communities such as Jews and Muslims. Chief Sheridan commended the efforts of Maryland Institute for Dialogue to reach out community leaders and increase awareness for dialogue. Colonel James W. Johnson, Chief of Operations Bureau, also attended the meeting. Colonel Johnson reported that as the Baltimore County Police Department they have collaborated with the members of Turkish Police Force. He praised the Turkish Police Force for its use of advanced technologies, data collection and statistical analysis techniques. The Baltimore County Police Department and Maryland Institute for Dialogue affirmed their dedication to promoting intercultural dialogue.

The MID associates and Dr. William W. Destler, Provost of University of Maryland - College Park reaffirm their dedication to intercultural dialogue and promoting diversity in community. On a follow-up business meeting that took place at the Provost's Office on campus, the MID associates briefed the Provost about the recent and upcoming activities of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue. The MID delegation has also notified Provost Destler of the decision by the MID Committee on Dialogue Awards. The committee has decided to give Provost Destler the 2006 MID Diversity Award to recognize his ceaseless efforts to promote diversity on campus. Provost Destler has expressed his gratitude for the honor. He touched on his enthusiasm to attend various cultural activities such as Iftar dinners on campus and outside, and noted that he would do his best to attend the MID Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner & Dialogue Awards Ceremony.

The MID group returns from the intercultural trip to Turkey. The group consisting of globally acknowledged scholars, a nationally acclaimed attorney and a senior diplomat from the US State Department, aka the professor of the US Diplomats, traveled through the most attractive touristic spots in Turkey including Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Konya, Nevsehir and Kayseri in 9 days. The world famous sites visited included, but were not limited to, the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Museum, Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Dolmabahce Palace, and Jewish Museum in Istanbul; Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House in Izmir; Rumi's tomb in Konya; and Cappadocia in Nevsehir. Also in Istanbul, the participants enjoyed the matchless scene of the Bosphorus during the yacht tour and dinner on board.

The MID group has also been invited to the nation's capital, Ankara and hosted by various ministers of the Turkish state throughout the day. During these meetings, the participants had an opportunity to exchange with the officials and intellectuals their ideas on how to foster mutual understanding between the American and Turkish society. Among the ministers were the State Minister His Excellency Ali Babacan, Minister of Economy and the Chief Negotiator in the EU-Turkish Accession Process, the Former Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Yasar Yakis, the Head of the European Commission in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, and several other former ministers and senior diplomats.

The group has also been hosted by the local people in the cities traveled. One of the most important parts of the trip, the visits with the local people provided the participants of the trip with opportunity to interact with and learn about the local culture. In these gatherings, the local people have learned about the American culture and society. They have expressed that the conversations and direct interaction with their guests from the US help them get rid of misunderstanding and misconceptions about the American society.

The MID associates get together with Dr. Peter Bechtold, Chairman emeritus, Near East North Africa Area Studies, Foreign Service Institute, the US Department of State, over a friendly dinner meeting. During the meeting, the MID associates had an opportunity to inform the Honorable Bechtold about the vision and activities of the Institute to promote intercultural dialogue. Dr. Bechtold has welcomed the efforts of the MID and expressed his firm support for the Institute's vision to build intercultural dialogue. Dr. Bechtold emphasized the importance of social and academic activities in creating public and intellectual awareness for intercultural and intercivilizational dialogue.

Dr. Peter Bechtold holds double PhD from Princeton University. Fluent in Arabic (4 dialects & classical), German and French, and expert on the Middle East Dr. Bechtold conducted field research in 25 Middle East countries from Egypt to Israel to Iraq to Kazakhstan to the Gulf. He has taught graduate level courses/ seminars at the US State Department Foreign Service Insitute, Georgetown, George Washington, Johns Hopkins, Maryland, and Oregon Universities; Army, Naval, Air War Colleges; Marine Corps & National Defense Universities.

(Ref: http://www.drbechtold.com)

Senator Brian E. Frosh welcomes the efforts of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue to promote intercultural dialogue. Senator Frosh received the delegation of the MID associates in his office on a goodwill visit. The MID associates had an opportunity to brief Senator Frosh about the vision of the Institute and activities toward promoting intercultural dialogue. Senator Frosh appreciated the sincere efforts of the MID in that regard and pledged his insights on how to further increase popular awareness for the necessity of dialogue.

Member of Senate since January 11, 1995, Senator Frosh chairs Judicial Proceedings Committee, 2003-, and is member of several committees such as Executive Nominations Committee, 2003-; Legislative Policy Committee, 2003- (management subcommittee, 2003-); Rules Committee, 2003-; Special Committee on State Employee Rights and Protections, 2005-. Senate Chair, Joint Committee to Study Mandates on Local Government, 1995-97. He also served in Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 1995-2003 (ad hoc subcommittee on ethics & election law, 1997-2001; ad hoc subcommittee on procurement, 1999-2001; chair, environment subcommittee, 1995-2003); Joint Committee on Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas, 1995-2003.

(Ref: http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa12167.html)

Dr. William W. Destler, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, University of Maryland-College Park, receives the associates of the Maryland Institute for Dialogue on a goodwill visit. Dr. Destler has appreciated the Institute's efforts to promote intercultural dialogue within the community. Dr. Destler emphasized the importance of activities that would help different communities learn about each other's cultures, traditions, and beliefs. The parties have affirmed that the lack of knowledge about each other and the lack of dialogue are the main causes of all sorts of misperceptions and misunderstanding within the society. Dr. Destler provided the MID associates with information on the University's efforts to promote diversity on campus. The parties exchanged ideas on possible avenues of cooperation between the University and the Institute in order to promote intercultural dialogue.

Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost William W. Destler previously served the University as Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, as Dean of Engineering, and as Chair of Electrical Engineering. He received his B.S. degree from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1968 and his Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1972.

(Ref: http://www.inform.umd.edu/edres/provost/.www/destlerbio.html)

The participants of the MID July Trip to Turkey come together over a friendly dinner at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant. The orientation dinner provided a medium for the participants of the forthcoming trip to acquaint with each other and learn about the trip in Turkey. The dinner event started with welcoming remarks by an MID associate and followed with the presentation of authentic gifts from Turkey to the guests. The distinguished guests enjoyed videos for Turkey along with the delicious sea food. Finally, the group went over the tentative trip itinerary and obtained information about the trip schedule to be followed in the cities to be visited in Turkey.

The MID associates discuss the Project Turkey with UMD professor Dr. William T. Stuart over a friendly luncheon meeting. During the meeting, the MID associates found opportunity to provide Dr. Stuart with details about the project which involves an overseas trip to the meeting place of different cultures, the contemporary Turkey. Dr. Stuart expressed that such trips provide perfect opportunity for the participants to interact with the people of the host community and learn about their culture. In a way, the trip provides an important learning experience for both parties.

Dr. William T. Stuart teaches at the Department of Anthropology at University of Maryland. Beside his expertise in anthropology, Dr. Stuart dedicates an important part of his time to developing innovative educational systems and to studying comparative religion.

The Honorable James N. Robey was re-elected to his second term as Howard County Executive in November of 2002. His first term of office began in 1998 following a highly successful 31-year career in public service where he rose through the ranks of the Howard County Police Department to be appointed Chief of Police in 1991. (Ref: http://www.co.ho.md.us/PortalServices/HC_CountyExecutive.htm)

Attorney Murthy is a member of several legal and professional organizations. She is active in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). She has been on the Executive Committee of the Washington D.C. Chapter of AILA. Prior to this, she was chair of the Liaison Committee to the Department of Labor for Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. for the AILA D.C. Chapter. She continues to be a leader in the organization. (Ref: www.murthy.com)

Professor Freidenberg proposed certain ways of collaboration in creating awareness for multiculturalism in the community starting within the schools. Before joining the Department of Anthropology at the University of Maryland in 1995, Professor Freidenberg held joint appointments at the City University of New York (Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and Center for Urban Research) where her research on the medical anthropology and community development of a neighborhood culminated in, The Anthropology of Low-Income Urban Enclaves: The Case of East Harlem; (New York Academy of Sciences, 1995), and Growing Old in El Barrio (New York University Press, 2000). (Ref: http://www.bsos.umd.edu/anth/faculty/jfreidenberg/)

Executive Smith is well-known and respected for his efforts to promote diversity in Baltimore County and to give representation to different cultures at the county level. Ever since he was elected Baltimore County Executive, his term in the office has been marked by reinvestment in the community, putting families first and making sure that every community has access to libraries, community centers and senior centers. (Ref: http://www.co.ba.md.us)

Dr. Cantori has been president of the American Council for the Study of Islamic Societies. He has held distinguished professorships at the US Military Academy,West Point, the US Air Force Academy and the US Marine Corps University. He is Distinguished Visiting Lecturer at the US Department of State. He is Adjunct Professor, US Marine Command and Staff College and the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, Georgetown University and Professor of Political Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. (Ref: Center for the Study of Islam & Democracy)

Visit to Dr. Harold Szu

The activities of Maryland Institute for Dialogue dedicated to promoting intercultural dialogue attract attention from a variety of academic disciplines. The MID associates have recently convened with Dr. Harold Szu, Director of Digital Media Lab and Research Professor at the George Washington University.

Resident of Maryland, Dr. Szu expressed his support for the vision of intercultural dialogue and pledged his valuable comments on how to further promote dialogue among different communities and cultures. He emphasized the importance of social activities aiming to increase intercultural knowledge and awareness in establishing mutual understanding among different communities.

He is a founder, former president, and a governor of International Neural Network Society (INNS) and contributes to 30 SIG/Chapter worldwide developments. Besides 300 publications, dozen patents, numerous books & journals, Dr. Szu taught students "how to be creative in sciences", according to the Royal Dutch tradition, and guided numerous Ph D students. (Ref: Tulane Engineering Forum 2002)

MID has been welcomed by Monsignor Felix A. Machado, Undersecretary Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue at the Conference of the Catholic Bishops. During the meeting, MID and Monsignor Machado has exchanged ideas on the necessity of intercultural and interreligious dialogue and sought the avenues of cooperation in that regard. Monsignor Felix A. Machado is the undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and resides in the Vatican.

MID has been welcomed by Mr. A. H. Sharif Salim, Principal of Samuel P. Massie Elementary School. The parties shared ideas on promoting intercultural dialogue and cultivating consciousness for mutual understanding among different communities.