For decades, Muslims around the world and in the US have been subject to negative stereotyping where they are presented as terrorists, as uncivilized, barbaric, exotic, peoples who are oppressive to women. This portrayal of Islam and Muslims is perpetuated by all sectors of the US mainstream media as well as public educational institutions.
The tragic events of Sept 11, 2001 rapidly intensified hatred against Muslims. The US government relies on the US public's fear of Islam to build public support for military violence and political hegemony throughout the Middle East and Central Asia. Hostility towards Islam also fuels hate violence, discrimination and government repression towards Muslims living here in the US. Countering US public misperceptions about Islam is therefore a key component in creating a fair US foreign policy towards the Islamic world and in building resistance to civil liberties violations experienced by Muslims here in the US.
In an effort to build greater understanding of Islam, Global Exchange has organized a tour to Iran focusing specifically on faith. While Iranian Muslims are Shiite, a minority in the Muslim world, the basic tenets of faith are the same for Muslims throughout the world.
For many Muslims, Iran is home to some of the most dynamic scholars on Islamic thought. This tour will explore the ideas of these scholars.
As the world's only Muslim theocracy, Iran has a unique political and religious historical experience, one which is controversial both inside and outside Iran. While participants will learn about the role of government and religion, the focus of the tour will be on how Islam is practiced by the people of Iran.
This tour is open to people of all faiths, and to people of all levels of understanding about Islam.
Program Highlights:
- Begin the tour in Tehran, travel to Qom, Kashan and Abyaneh, Isfahan, and to Mashad before returning to Tehran.
- Meet with Muslim scholars to learn about the history of Islam in Iran from ancient history to religious repression during the Shah's time and the Islamic Revolution.
- Visit the fascinating Khomeini Shrine, where whole families gather with picnic lunches, blankets, and children can be found roller-blading.
- Learn about Islamic art & architecture, including a visit to the phenomenal collection of ancient calligraphy from the Quran at the Abbasee Museum.
- Visit mosques decorated with intricate and colorful mosaic designs such as Sheikh Loftollah and Emam mosques in Isfahan.
- Learn about the differences between Sunni & Shi'ite Islam. There will also be discussions about how Islam is practiced here in the US versus in Middle-Eastern countries.
- Meet with youth to learn about expression of religion, life under the Islamic Revolution their visions for the future.
- See Iran's spectacular architectural achievements including the bridges of Isfahan, palaces, and mosques.
- Speak with both secular and religious women's organizations to learn about women's issues in Iran.
- Learn about Iran's religious minorities, including Zoroastrians, followers of one of the world's most ancient religions. Visit the Armenian church in Isfahan.
- Visit the holy city of Mashhad, "Place of Martyrdom" which is visited by more than 12 million Shiite pilgrims annually.
- Whenever possible we try to meet your interests by arranging special meetings.
- Note: these highlights are tentative and may change
Cost: $1950 from Tehran ($210 supplement for single-room accommodations)
Price Includes:
- Double-room accommodations, 3 meals/day, transportation, all program activities, entrance fees, trip leader, guides and translators, reading materials and a personal meeting to suit your particular interest (as available). International airfare, tips, drinks and personal expenses are not included.
How to Register:
To secure your space on this trip, please submit your registration form and a deposit of $200 two months before departure. A late fee of $50 will be applied for late registration. Deposits are non-refundable but transferable for up to one year toward the cost of another tour. Payments by check, Mastercard or Visa are welcome.This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.
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