Islam should contribute to our global civilization

Islam should contribute to our global civilization and come to the table where the future rules of the games are formulated.
This rough version of a transcript from a shaky interview on Building-Bridges-TV (Istanbul) came to light recently at Diplomacy Post. The website looks great, lots of prominent analysts, philosophers, political analysts etc. The team around Burcu Cekmece, the Executive Producer at the Building Bridges Initiative, is very dedicated and persistent. Hope that I can join and write a column about recent events in China and how the relate to Turkey and the Middle East. China has officially 20 million Muslims, although unofficial numbers say more than 40 million. I also hope to be able to write something about the Turkish-German relations and the European Union. So much to do, so little time...

Ramadan ends at Niujie Mosque in Beijing, August 8, 2013

Niujie Mosque in Beijing on August 8, 2013 (Side Entrance)

BEIJING - Niujie Mosque is the oldest in Beijing, dating back to 996 AD during the Liao Dynasty. Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting. The end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month is called Shawwal.

Niujie Mosque in Beijing on August 8, 2013 (Preparation for Shawwal)

There are an estimated 10,000 to 60,000 Muslims living in Beijing, mostly from Hui minority, the largest group of Muslims in Beijing, followed by Uighur.

Niujie Mosque in Beijing on August 8, 2013 (Main Prayer Hall)

The architecture is Chinese with Islamic interior designs. You even get Chinese calligraphy and paintings mixed into the wall paintings. Before the prayer, a Chinese governmental note was read, usually praising the Party and how it successfully manages China's cultural diversity.

Niujie Mosque in Beijing on August 8, 2013 (Imam prays)

It is a fascinating thing to experience the holidays of another culture's tradition, and Chinese Islam is a wonderful journey.