Mississippi State University’s Interfaith Dialog Student Association hosted its fifth annual Intercultural Dialog and Friendship Dinner Friday, Oct. 15.
The dinner featured guests such as Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman, Sen. Hillman T. Frazier, Sen. John Horhn, vice president for student affairs Bill Kibler, faculty of MSU and students.
The IDSA is a branch of the Institute of Interfaith Dialog, a non-profit organization with a goal of bringing together communities in order to promote compassion, cooperation, partnership and community service and encouraging the study of global spiritual traditions with respect, accuracy and appreciation.
Assistant research professor for the College of Veterinary Medicine Attila Karsi said she has faith in humanity.
“I think I am more optimistic about the world after seeing the friendship, harmony and love here. There is good news about humanity,” Karsi said.
Educational psychology student Gonca Dogan is a new member of the IDSA and attended the Friendship Dinner.
“I love these intercultural things and friendships between different cultures and religions. When I see people sharing the same dinner, it is amazing,” Dogan said.
State sen. Hillman T. Frazier presented a few brief comments at the dinner after a performance by Faith Ozcan with a Turkish baglama, a stringed instrument. Frazier told of an opportunity he had a few weeks ago to shadow a high school band student for three days. He related the experience to what was trying to be accomplished through interfaith dialogue.
“No matter how different we might be, or the different sounds we might make, once we focus on that sheet music and fix it in our hearts and focus on that conductor, the director, we will make beautiful music together,” he said. “And once that happens, we have a much better world to live in.”
State sen. John Horhn also spoke about his trip to Turkey last May, saying the Turkish people gave a new meaning to “Southern hospitality,” and he cannot wrap his arms around Turkey because Turkey wraps its arms around him.
“Some may call it ‘putting a new face on Islam.’ I call it ‘putting a real face on Islam,'” Horhn said. “And it is truly a face worth seeing.”
Educational psychology professor Linda Morse said the purpose of Interfaith Dialog is the discussion of faith and peace. She had the opportunity to go to Turkey with the IID and learned much about the Turkish culture.
“When you have a chance to be a part of a culture, you begin to understand. Person-to-person discussion instead of fear and incorrect ideas can make a difference,” Morse said. “For me, this has been an important part of deepening my own faith’s tradition.”
MSU is home to one of two chapters of the IID and the group is different because it is a student association. The IID was founded in 2002 by Turkish and American individuals believing in peace and aiming to eliminate false stereotypes and unjustified fears through communication, while the IDSA of MSU came into existence in 2005. Hatice Gomul, a business graduate student, assisted in its founding five years ago and serves as president. She said she has learned much from the friends made through the IID and how to be a part of a group.
“We have different thoughts and different beliefs, but we have things the same. Talking to other people can help us be good friends,” she said.
Entomology professor emeritis Frank Davis and his wife, Carole, have been involved in IID for a few years. He said they have gotten to know Gomul and others of the Muslim faith and are glad for the opportunity to learn and discuss.
“We believe that it’s past time, but we’re glad it’s here and that we all get together and visit and talk as friends about peace,” he said.
The IDSA is dedicated to better communication and understanding between different people of different beliefs.
IDSA vice president Husniyne Imamogn said he has learned a lot since coming to MSU.
“Before I came here I didn’t know about Christianity and other religions. I wanted to know similarities and differences of religions – between mine and theirs. I was trying to better understand,” Imamogn said.
Gonul said she believes one of the best ways to learn is to listen. She said as a Muslim student from Turkey, some classmates are hesitant and unsure how to talk to her.
“We can become good friends, we may just need a little time to get to know each other,” Gomul said. “Listen to one another. Go into their churches and their homes, and tell them you want to be part of their lives.”