(Washington, D.C. – 9/9/2023) – A delegation of Muslim Americans from the United States Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) visited Türkiye earlier this week to strengthen ties between Muslims around the world and discuss key international issues with Turkish leaders and American diplomats, including global Islamophobia, the Syrian refugee crisis and the American’s Muslim community’s ongoing support for victims of devastating earthquakes earlier this year.
On Wednesday, September 6, the USCMO delegation met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, extended congratulations to him and Turkish people for the nation’s most recent election, and again conveyed sincere condolences to the victims of the earthquake while praying for a swift recovery for the nation.
During the meeting, the USCMO delegation noted that Muslim Americans raised over $100 million in relief aid for earthquake victims and actively participating in other relief efforts. The delegation also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Turkish Embassy, Turkish Airlines, and Diyanet Center of America in facilitating the timely delivery of American relief materials to earthquake-affected areas.
The delegation expressed concern about the ongoing rise of Islamophobia, the disrespect of religions, and hate crimes against places of worship. Delegation members expressed particular concern about the plight of Palestinians, Uyghurs, Rohingya, Indian Muslims, and other victims of state oppression. The delegation emphasized the importance of addressing these issues collectively and called attention to the United Nations’ anti-hate resolution as a positive step toward combatting hate and intolerance worldwide.
Furthermore, the USCMO delegation took the opportunity to extend their gratitude to the Turkish government for its hospitality in hosting millions of Syrian refugees and providing them with essential care and shelter.
The exchange of youth programs and educational initiatives was encouraged to foster understanding and cooperation between Muslims in America and Türkiye. The meeting concluded with a symbolic exchange of gifts, followed by a gracious dinner at the presidential palace and visits to the Nation’s Library and the 15 July Democracy Museum, deepening cultural ties between American Muslims and Türkiye’s civil society.
In addition to the meeting with President Erdoğan, the USCMO delegation also had fruitful meetings with key Turkish officials, including Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, the President of Religious Affairs, where they learned about the services and programs offered by the Diyanet institutions worldwide. They also met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. They were briefed on the Syrian refugees and collaborative efforts to combat global Islamophobia.
The delegation later met with officials from the U.S. Embassy in Türkiye, briefing them on their visit and exploring opportunities for U.S. support in humanitarian efforts in Türkiye, student exchange programs, and leveraging the vibrant U.S. Muslim community to strengthen the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Türkiye.
The embassy officials commended the USCMO for its meaningful visit and for its ongoing efforts to foster goodwill and understanding between the two nations.
The USCMO delegation’s visit to Türkiye underscores the commitment of Muslim Americans to building bridges of friendship and cooperation on the international stage, and their dedication to promoting mutual understanding, peace, and humanitarian relief efforts worldwide.
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