COJEP International with its partners and the support of Council of Europe, ISESCO and Organisation of Islamic Conference have launched a contest to select the most beautiful existing Minaret in Europe through a photographic competition which was closed today.
Mosques, with or without their minarets have been a permanent addition in the aesthetics of our urban landscapes. They are a reflection of the presence of the Muslim communities in our cities and in the company of other faiths and beliefs, convey a message of common living, peace and respect. It is however unfortunate, that lately some populist politicians and a section of media has made minarets an issue to curtail fundamental rights. This has resulted in attacks on ethnic and religious minorities and spreading of hate crimes against Muslim people in Europe. It is therefore important that the universal peaceful presence of Islam is visible and its followers are able to practice their religion openly as is the case with other religions. This photo contest was also intended to remove the misplaced fears and prejudices in European societies that Islam and Muslims undermine the Western values and cultures.
53 photos of minarets from 13 different countries answered the selection criteria. The Jury will determine the winners at a special meeting to be held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg April 19, 2010 at 15:00, Louise Weiss Building Room N3.2. The jury meeting will be followed by a discussion with the audience on the philosophy of contest and on pluralism in Europe.
The winners will be presented at a press conference to be held at the European Parliament on 20th April 2010 at 11.30. This conference will give the occasion for the announcement of the "Strasbourg Declaration" of EMISCO, which is an important roadmap for Muslims in Europe.
An exhibition of the most beautiful pictures of minarets and mosques will be held at the Council of Europe later this year. A photo of the Minaret, which has received the first prize, will be published on the website of the European Heritage Days during its major event, which will be held in Istanbul in autumn 2010.
The first five winners will receive an award at a ceremony to be held in the city where the "most beautiful minaret" was built with the presence of city officials, leaders of the mosque and members of the jury. An album containing photographs will be published at the end of the contest.
Contest of Most beautiful Minaret in Europe
Contest of Most beautiful Minaret in Europe
EMISCO with its partners and the support of Council of Europe, COJEP International, ISESCO and Organisation of Islamic Conference have launched a contest to select the most beautiful existing Minaret in Europe through a photographic competition which was closed today.
EMISCO with its partners and the support of Council of Europe, COJEP International, ISESCO and Organisation of Islamic Conference have launched a contest to select the most beautiful existing Minaret in Europe through a photographic competition which was closed today.
Colloquium in Geneva
At UNOG, on Friday, 10 December 2010, EMISCO will participate to the Colloquium organised by COJEP International on "Radicalizations as Threats for our Democracies".
At UNOG, on Friday, 10 December 2010, EMISCO will participate to the Colloquium organised by COJEP International on "Radicalizations as Threats for our Democracies".
Side Event during the next OSCE Review Conference in Warsaw
Today, it is very important to join our efforts to building Trust and Co-operation between civil society and law enforcement agencies in combating anti-Muslim hate crimes.
Today, it is very important to join our efforts to building Trust and Co-operation between civil society and law enforcement agencies in combating anti-Muslim hate crimes.
Press Release
Emisco Manifesto
On 18th of December 2010, participants from various countries gathered in The Hague, in The Netherlands, to discuss the idea of creating a vibrant network with the involvement and support of other similar-minded stakeholders. Their belief is that a fuller and better participation of Muslim communities in the societies in which they live requires a new thinking, extra resources and closer cooperation through an in-depth consultation process. It was also mentioned at the meeting that an active participation of Muslim minorities in all spheres of their new homes would make true mutual integration possible, where sense of belonging and judicial protection would be facilitated. A decision was taken to call the new organization European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion - EMISCO. The initiative is an independent, non-religious, non-party political and non-governmental body.More...
Recent Discussions
Dear President Obama,
As a great supporter and admirer of your energetic position and efforts on improving relations between USA with the Islamic world, I was both heartened and sad by your recent statements concerning the whole proposed incident of Quran burning in Florida.
Let me first explain why, I with a non-practicing Muslim background felt disappointed and hurt. More...