RENOWNED POLITICIANS, JOURNALISTS AND AUTHORS SPEAK AT ISLAMEXPO

A number of high profile personalities have confirmed that they will take part in a series of panel discussions and debates at IslamExpo to take place at Alexandra Palace in London from 6th to 9th July this year. They include Professor John Essposito, Georgetown University, US, Professor Tariq Ramadan, visiting professor at University of Oxford, Professor Jamal Badawi, University of Halifax, Canada , Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow, BBC correspondent Frank Gardner, Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland, Labour MP Sadiq Khan and journalist Yvonne Ridley.
 
There will be lectures and seminars on art, literature, science, architecture, technology, theology and politics. The topics range from “the contribution of Muslims to gardens and agriculture” to “Ethical foundations of Islamic environmentalism”, from “Al-Andalus and the European renaissance” to “Prospects of Democratic change in the Muslim world”, from ”Muslim youth between national identity and the Ummah”, to “British Muslims and political participation”.

“Covering Islam” is one of the panel discussion topics where prominent journalists will share their experiences of covering news in the Muslim world.

Some questions up for debate include: “The origins of terrorism: Religious or political?”  and “Multiculturalism: Problem or solution?”.

IslamExpo is the first ever UK event promoting a better understanding of Islamic culture, history, innovation and civilisation, while building bridges between the different communities within Britain. In light of recent events across the world, it aims to give a more accurate, informed perspective of Islamic culture for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Other attractions during this 4-day event include exhibitions by renowned photographer Peter Sanders, performances by the award-winning production company Khayaal of their Souk Stories collection, a walk-through esperience taking visitors on a journey in time through Islamic history, and a film festival, featuring “Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet” and “The Message”.  

IslamExpo is supported by the Mayor of London, the Muslim Council of Britain, the Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe, the Muslim Association of Britain, and a range of other institutions which include the Qatari National Council for Culture and Heritage, as well as a number of international media organisations.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

for Press information please contact Abdullah Mussa on 07890 623 325

Notes to the editor:

1.    Please see attached list of confirmed speakers
2.    IslamExpo is a four day event being held at Alexandra Palace (London) between the 6th and the 9th of July 2006. Its aim is to promote better understanding of Islamic culture, civilisation and faith, while building bridges between Britain’s different communities.
3.    The event will be attended by faith leaders, government and political figures, and a host of celebrities from the worlds of knowledge, art and sport. It is expected to draw a large audience from different ages, backgrounds and walks of life.
4.    IslamExpo is a non-profit organisation set up to promote understanding and dialogue