Istanbul Seminars ’10 analyzed the politics that sustain democratic integration and dialogue in pluralistic and multicultural societies. What kind of politics contribute to mutual learning processes between different cultures and religions on the basis of reciprocity and equal respect? Which are the cultural and religious foundations of democratic pluralism?

The Seminars dealt with the issue of pluralism and integration in democratic societies and with how to assure equal citizenship under the condition of pluralism. Moreover it analyzed cultural and religious sources of democratic integration. It examined related political questions such as the relationship between Turkey and the European Union and the difficulties of Europe to accommodate pluralism and it addressed the topic of “Divided Memories and Integration”: why is so painful to recognize each other?