Our Mission and Vision
Who We Are
The Muslim Diaspora Institute was established on August 19, 2025, under the auspices of the East and West Foundation to advance education and research on Muslim diaspora communities in Europe and beyond.
The East and West Foundation was founded by Dr. Battal Doğan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Murat Özel after extensive and thoughtful consultations, reflecting a shared vision to create an intellectual space that bridges Islamic scholarship and contemporary global studies.
The Institute aspires to become a leading center for academic research, policy analysis, and community engagement, focusing on the experiences, challenges, and contributions of Muslims in Europe and beyond.
Our Mission
The Muslim Diaspora Institute is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering dialogue, and promoting understanding of Muslim communities in Europe. Through research, education, and public engagement, we aim to provide a platform that bridges academia, policymakers, and communities, contributing to inclusive and informed societies.
Our Vision
We envision a world/ Europe where Muslim diasporas are understood not only as communities of migration but also as active contributors to global knowledge, culture, and civic life. The Muslim Diaspora Institute strives to become a leading center of excellence that shapes scholarship, informs policy, and empowers communities for a more just and inclusive future.
Director: Dr. Battal Doğan
Rationale and Need for the Institute
Muslims constitute a significant and growing segment of European society, yet their experiences remain under-researched or are often framed within security discourses. There is a need for an independent institute that:
• Conducts rigorous, data-driven research on Muslim communities in Europe.
• Engages in policy analysis and advocacy to promote inclusive policies.
• Provides a platform for academic dialogue and public engagement on issues affecting Muslim diasporas.
• Addresses rising Islamophobia and discrimination through evidence-based studies.
Existing research centers primarily focus on migration or religious studies but lack a dedicated interdisciplinary approach to European Muslim diaspora studies. This institute will fill that gap by integrating insights from political science, sociology, law, history, and religious studies.
Board Member: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Murat Özel
