Think Tanks Forum of the Islamic Countries was held by Turkish Asian Center for Strategic Studies (TASAM) in 28-30 January 2010.  In this respect, the member states of Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) are brought together to discuss "Civilization of Peace and Coorperation".

In the first day of the meeting the main titles of the discussions were; "Civilization, Peace and the New Vision of the Organization of Islamic Conference"; "Security Issues in Islamic Countries", "Common Security Policies and Perspectives , Islamophobia and Islamic World - West Relations in the post-9/11 Era". The representatives focused on the establishment of peace within and outside the Muslim societies; the importance of addressing the contemporary problems in the Muslim world and renewing the negative image of Islam. Hasan Kanbolat from the Center for Middle Eastern Strategic Studies (ORSAM), Turkey, stated that the forum should be institutionalized and become annual; in other words, a think tank platform of the Islamic Countries should be established.

In the second day of the meeting, "Conflict Resolution and Peace Building Process in the Islamic World", "Democracy, Good Governance, Human Rights and New Security Approaches in the Member Countries of OIC", "Cooperation and Institutionalization among the Think Tank Organizations of Islamic Countries in the Perspective of Public Diplomacy", "Broad Consultation and Evaluations Final Declaration" were the major subjects. Again the importance of peace solutions and creation of mechanisms to provide security were highlighted. Prof. Elias Najmeh from Center for Studies, Syria, laid emphasis on the issue of Palestine and said that a major agenda should be dedicated to the events and problems in Palestine. He also said that the concept of peace culture is misunderstood; it is not possible to discuss peace when there is conflict and invasion both culturally and politically.

One of the most interesting events of the meeting was the speech made by Benaissa Rachid, ex-representative of UNESCO in the second day. He criticized the attitudes and statements of other speakers. He stated that all Muslims must come together and establish a united system to solve all the problems and to stand against the other malevolent countries. Recalling the "One Minute" exclamation of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at last year's Davos forum, Rachid stated the need and importance of similar actions.

In the third day of the meeting the guests visited the historical places in Istanbul.

(Merve Tosun)