Yashar Cholak highlights concealment of Muslim identity among youth in West

In Western countries, one out of every three children hides their Muslim status, said Yashar Cholak, the vice-president of the Islamic Research Center of Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, Report informs.

This revelation came during his address at the international conference themed “Embracing Diversity: Tackling Islamophobia in 2024” held in Baku, specifically at the plenary session titled “Multiculturalism, Islam and the Clash of Civilisations Theory: Rethinking Islamophobia”.

Cholak expressed concern over the pervasive nature of Islamophobia, which he believes is rooted in historical prejudice and perpetuated by media misrepresentation and political rhetoric. This phenomenon, he argues, necessitates a unified response from both political leaders and communities.

He pointed out that the fear and animosity directed towards Muslims have become a pressing issue. Studies from the past five years indicate a rise in Islamophobia across Western nations, including the US, with findings showing that a third of Muslim children feel compelled to hide their faith due to uncertainty about potential repercussions.

To counteract these negative perceptions, Cholak advocates for the strategic use of media, including animations and video games, to foster a more positive portrayal of Muslims. He emphasizes the importance of educating younger generations and suggests that collaborative research could lead to the creation of new role models to combat Islamophobia, thereby contributing to a more inclusive society.