In terms of religion, Muslims have extensive experience of coexisting with others. Throughout history, Muslims have lived together with Christians, Jews and followers of other religions. Muslims have even coexisted with Yazidis. There are still Yazidis who live in the province of Mardin and in Iraq.The Ottoman experience has not yet been adequately explored. Without making exaggerations or excessive claims, it could be said that the said the experience and art of coexistence is rich enough to make us understand the deep crisis that the modern world is going through and overcome that crisis.
Another point that needs to be underlined is that currently, leading religions have entered a process by which they take a critical look at their histories, adopt a stance to understand each other and make interfaith dialogue efforts acceptable to all. For the present time, it does not seem possible to point to a potential clash between religions or their followers. Politicians, military decision-making circles, economic interest groups and lobbies may seek such a clash by exploiting religions. But in reality, there is no such clash. Quite the contrary, religious leaders are looking for possibilities to assume roles in the presence of the common problems of all humanity.
Undoubtedly, assuming common roles and responsibilities vis-à-vis common global problems and entering a process of mutual understanding does not mean ignoring the fundamental theological principles of religions, neglecting religious diversity or inventing a new religion out of existing ones. This is neither possible nor desirable.
But no one can ignore the importance of the religion factor. God created us for a wise reason and asked us to coexist based on peace and mutual understanding. Maybe we used to live on isolated islands in the middle of the sea in the past; in those times, staying away from each other was possible to some extent. Our mutual relations were based on deadly and bloody wars. But today, we have entered a new world and a new era.
Global mobility, interdependence, transformation in the movement and flow of goods, services, information and transportation make the isolation of geographies and local cultures impossible. The EU cannot isolate itself. There are about 20 million Muslims living in EU countries even if Turkey is not admitted. Admitting Turkey as a member with its own cultural and historical identity will make the EU more diverse and rich, aborting the infamous clash of civilizations thesis.
Giving a precise date to Turkey for a start of negotiations is not the assurance of full membership. However, starting the negotiation process is important in terms of rapprochement between two different cultures and two diverse lifestyles. The Prophet Muhammad says: "People are enemies of what they do not know." Today, what we define as "the other" and a threat is actually who we do not know. The best way to prevent greater tragedies is to develop processes by which we understand each other and improve our relations and dialogue. Turks seem to be ready for this.
To this end, it is possible to say that religion is an opportunity and asset rather than an obstacle to Turkey's membership in the EU. If dialogue is further improved between religions and if the followers of these religions express their willingness to coexist, this will reduce the legitimacy and justification of a number of conflicts.
