Our point of view
The Mediterranean is the cradle of civilization as well as the stage of gruesome conflicts. It is the place where the endurance of the biggest empires was tested, where political systems were devised and implemented, and where economic theories were crafted. As time went by, history took its twisted routes, empires declined and fell and new national states emerged in the 20th ce
ntury, characterized by strong cultural differences. Moreover, past experience, technological development, political and economic circumstances as well as religious differences, heightened the separation between the north and the south of the Mediterranean. Yet, it remains a historic paradox that despite the changes that have occurred on a global level in the past few centuries, there are still outstanding cultural issues to be settled. This realization requires the formation of a new policy and the undertaking of initiatives in this region of the world, which is still highly inflammable and intriguing at the same time. Today, at a time of geopolitical instability it is imperative to choose between a policy of conflict or one of co-operation. What it is to be concluded out of the historic experience is that if we commit the same mistakes, we will walk down the path of conflict. If we wish to follow a new route we have to seek a common ground and build bridges to bring us closer. Our mission
The self knowledge of the self is humanized by the knowledge of the other. In macro-cultural terms this concept corresponds to intercultural understanding, i.e. promoting mutual recognition, acceptance and respect based on the knowledge of the other. Equally descending from Antiquity, and through its longstanding interaction with Byzantium, the Islamic civilization existed not only in geopolitical rivalry but also in economic cooperation and cross-fertilization with the Mediterranean cultures. The acknowledgement of the Islamic contributions to the development of the World’s civilizations remains a desideratum. At a time of increasing xenophobia and extremism, we believe that mutual recognition, acceptance, and respect between people, is the only way to counter violence and fanaticism that stand in the way of progress and development. To that end, we aim at furthering the study and knowledge of the Islamic civilization and the impact it has had on Western thought, the appreciation of intercultural exchange, as well as at introducing scholars and youth from both sides to each other through joint research and discovery projects. The framework
Founded in 2006 in Kavala, Greece, and hence at the crossroad of Europe and the Middle East, MOHA is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, recognized by the Greek State as a research center by Article 3(§2) of Law No 4310/2014. Housed on two unique historical monuments of significant Islamic character in Kavala, MOHA aims at bridging the gap dividing Europe from the Islamic world through the organization and pursuit of academic and educational activities (conferences, workshops, publications etc). Our ultimate mission is to contribute to the formation of a peaceful and prosperous research environment acting as a platform for cultures to coexist and flourish.
