Hawzah News Agency- Kim Vekfi, also known as the Center for Intercultural Communication, launched the campaign on LaunchGood to expand its long-standing educational activities in some of Turkey’s most visited Islamic heritage sites.
KİM Vakfı said it uses this setting to address misconceptions about Islam through face-to-face conversations, guided cultural tours and educational materials delivered by trained volunteers. The organisation said its approach is non-coercive and focused on dialogue rather than debate.
Ubaidullah Tanrıöver, the organisation’s general director, said dozens of people each month formally embrace Islam after engaging with KİM Vakfı volunteers. He said many require guidance and reassurance after taking their Shahada, adding that the programme aims to ensure they are not left without support at a critical point in their lives.
The programme also seeks to help participants develop the confidence to explain their faith clearly in their home countries, where public understanding of Islam may be limited.
Mustafa Karaca, president of KİM Vakfı, described Islamophobia as a global issue driven largely by misinformation. He said fear often stems from a lack of knowledge, and that the organisation’s work focuses on replacing stereotypes with understanding through education and engagement.
Fatih Özkan, a long-time volunteer, said interest from Western visitors has increased since October 7, following Israel’s war on Gaza. He said some visitors have expressed a desire to understand the beliefs and values that sustain Palestinians during the conflict, leading to broader questions about Islam and Muslim communities.
Participants in the New Muslim Care programme have reported similar experiences. Luqman, from the Czech Republic, said the programme helped him navigate the early stages of his life as a Muslim. Elizabeth, from Germany, said it gave her confidence to represent Islam positively within her local community. Camila, from Bolivia, said the experience helped her find a new sense of direction.
KİM Vakfı said the LaunchGood campaign would help sustain its existing work and allow it to expand internationally, supporting more new Muslims and engaging wider audiences. The charity has appealed to individuals and community groups to support what it described as a practical effort to reduce prejudice and encourage informed engagement with Islam.
Source: 5 PILLARS
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