The Muslim contribution to contemporary European culture and society stretches back over 1,300 years. Figures are elusive, but there are probably about 16 million Muslims living in Western Europe alone. As populations continue to change, some citizens are becoming increasingly sceptical, with a growing minority becoming more concerned and even hostile to the changing nature of societies.
Our Shared Europe is the British Council’s response to this major cultural challenge facing today’s Europe.
It is a cultural project that seeks to find common ground, and build shared values, perspectives and behaviours that are based on mutual respect and trust.
In particular, it is about acknowledging the contribution of Islamic communities and cultures – both in the past but also in the present – to the shaping of contemporary European civilisation and society.
The central message of "Our Shared Europe" is that Muslims are an integral part of Europe’s past, present and future.
Our Shared Europe engages a wide cross-section of European society, with and without Muslim background, through a range of activities grouped into three clusters:
Activities targeted at academics, experts, future leaders and influencers
- Transatlantic Intellectual Bridge facilitating an exchange of latest insights and ideas among academics and thinkers in Europe and North America
- International Fellowship Programme providing young European, Near East and North African leaders with a first-hand experience of people, societies and institutions in other regions
Activities targeted at the wider audience and the media
- Public debates involving leading thinkers and experts and attracting widespread media coverage
- Creative activities such as literature seminars, festival performances and documentaries on the contributions of European Muslims to Contemporary Art
- Research providing insights on the participation of European Muslims in the media, both as producers and consumers
Activities targeted at young people and their mentors and the education sector
- Development of classroom material for history teaching such as the digital exhibition on the travels of the 17th century Turk Evliya Celebi
- Research to explore the reasons behind Muslim under-representation in youth exchanges
- Intercultural skills training for young people
2009 -2014
For further reading about the project, and its activities, please visit:
www.oursharedeurope.org
www.oursharedeurope.org/activities
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