Specialist-Conference “Muslim Life in Bavaria”

At the specialist-conference “Muslim Life in Bavaria”, co-organized by our Research Center, more than 180 stakeholders from mosque associations and organizations, cultural associations, integration projects, educational institutions, schools and universities, social and women’s work, sports, as well as political representatives from ministries, municipalities, the police, and other institutions gathered on January 16, 2025.

After the keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Mathias Rohe, the work began on a total of ten thematic workshops covering topics such as “Training of Imams,” “Dealing with Islamophobia,” “Muslim Social Work,” “Representation of Muslim Life in the Media”, among others. The great commitment and expertise brought by Muslim women and men, often on a voluntary basis, to society became evident. However, a number of challenges they face were also clearly highlighted.

Karl Straub, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament and the Integration Commissioner of the Bavarian State Government, who graciously gave his moral and financial support for the event, concluded on a positive note: “This unique format in Bavaria is an important step on our shared path. We want to speak with each other, not about each other, in a protected space.”

The results of the conference will lead to further work in the respective thematic areas. The Islam Forum Bavaria, the Islamic Counseling of the Eugen Biser Foundation, the Research Center for Religious Diversity at FAU, FAU EZIRE (FAU Research Centre for Islam and Law in Europe), and the representative for interreligious dialogue of the Protestant-Lutheran Church in Bavaria will coordinate further efforts in collaboration with the Integration Commissioner of the Bavarian State Government. The goal is to promote participation and the normalization of Muslim life in Bavaria and to establish sustainable structures for Muslim advocacy.