Special Representative to Muslim Communities Shaarik Zafar Visits Istanbul

The U.S. Department of State's Special Representative to Muslim Communities Shaarik Zafar in Istanbul
The U.S. Department of State’s Special Representative to Muslim Communities Shaarik Zafar in Istanbul

The U.S. Department of State’s Special Representative to Muslim Communities Shaarik Zafar visited Istanbul on December 14-17.

Following his presentations on “Gapping the Bridge”, he held lively discussions and Q&A sessions with academics and students at Kadir Has University/Faculty of Communications and Marmara University/Faculty of Theology. Sharing his experiences as a Muslim American, he answered questions on Muslim life in the U.S., negative effects of violent extremism on Muslim communities around the globe, and religious freedom issues.

Special Rep. Zafar paid a courtesy call on the Grand Mufti of Istanbul Rahmi Yaran with Consul General Hunter. He also met with Doğan Bermek, President of the Alevi Philosophy Center; Professor Raşit Küçük and scholars at the Centre for Islamic Studies (ISAM); and Dr. Halit Eren at the Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA).

The Special Representative also visited Süleymaniye Mosque and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.