Mahmut Erol Kılıç: Certain groups exploit Islamophobia to gain public support
Baku, May 26, AZERTAC
“Islamophobia is no longer merely a matter of personal hatred or bias. We are witnessing its exploitation by certain groups as a political and ideological tool. Particularly during election campaigns, international crises, and in the aftermath of terrorist attacks, some actors deliberately use Islamophobia to rally public support,” said Mahmut Erol Kılıç, Director General of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), during a plenary session titled “Hate Against Muslims in Politics: Legal Frameworks and Advocacy Strategies,” held as part of the international conference “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas.”
Kılıç noted that Muslims are subjected not only to verbal hostility but also to physical violence. These attacks sometimes target individuals and, at other times, entire religious communities. Assaults on mosques and the vandalism of cultural centers serve as stark and painful examples of Islamophobia.
He further stated that discrimination against Muslims has intensified in sectors such as education and public service. Muslim students often face identity-based pressures, while Muslim public officials encounter career-related obstacles. These developments, he emphasized, point to a serious breach of equality in key areas of society.
Kılıç stressed that addressing Islamophobia requires more than legal frameworks. It necessitates fostering social awareness, promoting mutual respect, and safeguarding religious freedoms.
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