Modern Islam in the Middle East
Modern Islam in the Middle East

Modern Islam in the Middle East

Tuesday June 16th 2020 | 20:30 – 21:45 | Facebook and YouTube |

The Islam is the second largest religion in the world and the fastest growing. It is often criticised by right-wing political parties in Western countries for outdated values concerning women or gay rights. Yet the Islam that is criticised may not be the same Islam as exists nowadays. Very much like Christianity does, the Islam is transforming and adapting to the modern era. One example of this change is the “Moraccan Islam”, which distinguishes itself from the more extremist ideas of Islam. But what does this transformation really look like, and how is it experienced in Islamic countries such as in the Middle East? What are some changing religious and intellectual traditions? And what are the key differences with the Western culture?

These questions and more will be discussed with Mehdi Sajid and Anika Redhed. Mehdi Sajid is Assistant Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Utrecht University and expert on modern (transformations of) Islam. Anika Redhed is writer of several literary travel books and has travelled to many countries in the Middle East such as Iran, Jordan and Oman.

This talk will be livestreamed on our Facebook page and YouTube channel and will be accessible for everyone to watch. You will be able to ask the speakers your questions in the chat! Check out the following links on June 16th at 20:30:
https://www.facebook.com/utrechtsib/
https://www.youtube.com/user/SIBUtrecht/