Islam’s many manifestations

The roundtable represented a unique opportunity to reflect upon relations between the West and Islam. Since September 11, 2001, it has been clear that this relationship represents one of the world’s key problems. Nor can the relationship be dealt with in the manner of “normal” international relations: they involve broad, complicated meanings and many different dimensions. In other words, even if the word “clash” is too strong, there is undoubtedly an ongoing comparison, discussion and study between the two cultural approaches. Indeed, the cultural dimension has assumed a strategic significance: cultural diversity – even more than political and economic models – is now represented by key differences and difficulties. The vast lack of understanding between the West and Islam is often based on absolute ignorance. There is little appreciation of the “other”‘s culture and lifeview, and thus the one’s rejection of the other is rarely founded on solid expectations. For example, very little Islamic literature can be found in the Western world. The Koran – poorly translated – and A Thousand and One Nights often represent the full body of Eastern literature for a Western reader. A vast and rich civilization is thus completely ignored. This gap must be closed. It is increasingly urgent, therefore, to enlighten Westerners about Islamic thinking (and vice versa), starting with the little each already understands about the other and leading eventually to mutual respect.