MOHA Research Center hosted at Imaret, the exhibition “Tolerance, Understanding, Coexistence – Oman’s Message of Islam” that was held under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs and the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO.
The exhibition of graphic and textual illustrations was surveying the practice of religious tolerance in the contemporary Omanian society and was accompanied by a short documentary entitled “Religious Tolerance in Oman” by the award-winning German director Wolfgang Ettlich.
Oman, which is widely known in the West through the adventures of Sinbad the Sailor, even from the time he served as imamate (religious state) has been always hosting believers and followers of many different religious identities. Fundamental state laws are protecting the free choice and religious exercise of all social groups.
Contemporary Oman has developed an exemplary modern infrastructure in health, education, communications and transport while women occupy high government positions and diplomatic posts.
The Ministry of Religious Endowments and Religious Affairs curries the responsibility for the various religious communities in the country. Its Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salimi, has a clear vision for the world and his own personal mission:
“We have three population groups on earth: the first, consisting of Christians, Jews and Muslims, who believe in one God and a holy book; the second, atheists, who have lost all confidence in religion; and the third group, representing a variety of religious and spiritual ideas. We endeavor to maintain a constructive and genuine dialogue with scholars and representatives of all these groups. The aim of exchange is to reflect on the foundations of our thinking, a common morality and a common sense of justice. For only when we are aware of these similarities and these form a basis for our actions, while accepting cultural differences, will we and our children enjoy a peaceful future.”
The exhibition was hosted in many European countries and travels currently to New Zealand, Taiwan and Singapore and its material has been translated so far into 13 languages including Greek.
The opening of the exhibition, on November 7th, 2015 was inaugurated by the representative of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman Dr Mohammed Said Al-Mamari.
For more information please visit http://islam-in-oman.com/en/islam-tolerance-exhibition/all-exhibitions/2015-kavala-greece.html
