The Duke Islamic Studies Center is a vibrant, diverse community of scholars and students engaged in interdisciplinary teaching, interactive learning, and cutting-edge research about Islam and Muslims. Through the creative use of networks within and beyond the university, we promote positive relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, at home and abroad, in both the public and private sectors.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS [see all events]

DukeEngage Cairo

Our students arrived in Cairo, Egypt on June 10th, and one of our DukeEngage students (Jonathan Cross) is allowing us to follow his two month experience through his blog.  Please feel free to explore his journal. 

Professor Mbaye Lo's blog posting on Jonathan's site provides interesting background information on our DukeEngage programs.  Also visit other DukeEngage Blog Posts from Cairo, Egypt. and the Blog Posts from Istanbul, Turkey.(more)

May 11 - July 31, 2008 Photo exhibit to trace traditions of three faiths

An exhibit of 207 photographs depicting traditions and holy days of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths is on display through July 31 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The exhibit, Families of Abraham,” concerns the three religions that derived from the Old Testament figure. The photos depict a year in the life of 11 families in Charlotte as they celebrate faith rituals. The occasions include Yom Kippur, Easter and Ramadan. more)

NEWS & PERSPECTIVE [see all]

OP-ED: DESPITE MEDIA IMAGE, U.S. MUSLIMS DIVERSE

By: Jen'nan Ghazal Read

Stereotypes create hostility and ignore the ways Islamic America is like the rest of the country.

In television land, it always seems to be prayer time for Muslims. Every mention of Islam evokes rows of men bowing toward Mecca, rising and falling in robotic unison.

So pervasive is this image that many Americans think Islam alone defines the attitudes and actions of all Muslims, even those in the United States. By extension, many fear that all Muslims are a threat to U.S. democracy. We see this manifested in the hostile reactions to the persistent - and false - rumor that Barack Obama is a Muslim. (more)

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Duke hires first Muslim chaplain

Abdullah Antepli to join staff as full-time imam

By: Christopher Ross

Posted: 6/19/08

The University announced Monday that it hired Abdullah Antepli to serve as its first full-time Muslim chaplain.

Duke will be joining a very small group of universities across the country-including Georgetown University, Princeton University and Yale University-that have full-time imams.

When he begins work July 1, Antepli will be taking on a number of tasks that include religious leadership, counseling and faith-based work. (more)