PRESS RELEASE

02.04.2008

The Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey has deemed to make the following clarification necessary in relation to the “FITNA” film which prepared by a political party leader in Holland for the purpose of gaining political advantage and keeping the film in circulation since March 27, 2008 with the pretext of anti-censorship policy in spite of several calls made for common sense.

This film involves direct insult to Islam’s Holly book and the Islamic religion, which is another show of “hostility” today, provoking violence and hatred against it, though Islam has complemented the other religions with its message emphasizing equality, freedom of conscience and mutual respect among people.

The aim of the outputs which are quite far from wording the common belief is to create new prejudices about Islam in the world public opinion and put its conciliatory message, and contain the pluralist and peaceful activities that the humanity tried to develop for hundred years under repression.

The Muslims strongly condemn all forms of hatred messages and the wrong perceptions fabricated against Islam. The Muslim world is aware of the provocations that aim to demonstrate Muslims as potential terrorists and gradually exclude them and hurt their feelings.

Placing the mosque which was built by the sacrifices of the Turkish workers who live in Holland that carries the name of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, who is a universal symbol of peace and dialogue between religions, cultures and civilizations among the specters that reflect horrible incidents that happened in different parts of the world horrifying the entire humanity surely unfit with the criterion of morals, justice and reason. Our Presidency endeavors to contribute, with its historical experience, to the demands of Muslim communities in Holland by the official permission of the Government of Holland concerning the religious services by teaching religion and performing the religious worships in mosques which are considered as among the most natural rights of human beings. For this reason making unconstructive and cynical hints against our religious officials who are working under the cognizance of the mentioned government is an indication of extreme and reckless irresponsibility.

Trying to create justifications for the insultation of the Koran, the Prophet of Islam and the Islamic religion which definitely disapprove all sorts of racism and discrimination, and regard them as crimes against humanity, and struggling to develop religious blocks with the aim of gathering new followers and widen the process of disintegration through chain reaction is a case of unmatched instigation in history.

Observing the reaction that comes not only from the Muslim societies but also the followers of other religions due to the policies of pairing of the Muslims with terrorism is a pleasant development for the process of establishing world peace and harmony. The reactions that came at the preliminary stage from different distinguished personalities and establishments denote that the Muslims are not alone. This amicable development also symbolizes that those who care for justice and poised to acquire and dare to encounter true and authentic knowledge, approach this progress as basic humane endeavor which compel them not to keep silence against any sort of injustice, and unfair treatment of any culture and religious tradition. The sensitivities that the United Nations, European Union, the Government of Holland and Religious Institutions demonstrated are highly cherished.

We strongly believe that the Muslims will not pay attention to the provocations which aim to create unfair and terrifying fears against Islam under the pretext of preparing a documentary film by marginal groups, and that they will keep away from any attitude or attempt which may lead to discrimination and tension within the society they live in.

We also believe that the followers of different religions and cultures who long for establishing the world peace dominated by reciprocal respect, understanding and freedom by developing the process of dialogue and communication between different religions and cultures and by highlighting the partnership between the civilizations will not be an instrument for strife. We highly value the common responsibilities and sensitivities of the Muslim and Western public opinion as hopeful development for the future of humanity.

With deep respect and appreciation.

The Presidency of Religious Affairs