Under the Dome of Islam in Istanbul

Certain circles underlined Turkey’s Muslim identity while ignoring its democratic and secular government, and this caused its role of a bridge between the East and West to be seen as a disadvantage. Although certain circles within the EU highlight its ‘cultural difference’ at every opportunity, Turkey recently struck back and the summits this month in Istanbul are the fruit of this. The first summit will start today, with the gathering of the ministers of 57 Organization for the Islamic Conference (OIC) member countries. The logo chosen for the summit is very meaningful, as it shows the East and West uniting under the dome of Islam.

The first item on the summit’s agenda is the election of a new OIC secretary-general. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu is Turkey’s candidate for this position. Malaysia and Bangladesh have candidates as well. Now Turkey has the support of most of the Asian group, and the votes of African countries will be the determining factor. The second item on the agenda is transforming the OIC into a more united group, one better at quick decision-making. The OIC is expected to call for parties in the Mideast to follow the road map for the region. The Iraq issue is the most problematic issue facing the OIC. Almost all the member countries expect the transfer of power in Iraq to the Iraqi people. However, everybody knows that OIC member countries might be shaken by an ensuing political chaos. The last issue on the agenda will be the Cyprus issue. Turkey will emphasize that the Turkish Cypriots should be supported by Muslim countries and try to make the OIC accept the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to the organization as the Turkish Cypriot State. Other related decisions are expected as well.

* Lifting the international embargo on the TRNC and Islamic countries’ establishing trade with it,

* Starting direct flights from Islamic countries to the TRNC,

* Making the TRNC a top tourist destination,

* Having the TRNC’s universities recognized by Islamic countries, and citizens of OIC member countries making use of these institutions.

The OIC summit is very important for Turkey. However, it has another important role. This summit will be a rehearsal for the month-end NATO summit in Istanbul. These two summits will once more emphasize Istanbul’s dual Muslim and Western character.”