Report by Ashraf Siddiqui

Amid the escalating global prominence of Islamophobia, Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) concluded a pivotal conference aimed at unraveling the intricate power dynamics propelling this alarming trend.

Titled "Global Histories and Practices of Islamophobia," the conference, held from September 30 to October 1, delved into the multifaceted dimensions of Islamophobia, examining its intersections with xenophobia, misogyny, and deeply ingrained forms of racism, bigotry, and dispossession within institutional structures.

Emphasizing the urgency of scholarly pursuits, open dialogue, collaborative efforts, and solidarity, the conference sought to dismantle the damaging fabric of prejudice, bias, and discrimination.

Co-organized by GU-Q faculty, the event brought together influential scholars, practitioners, journalists, and even Georgetown alumni and GU-Q students who offered their valuable insights.

The closing remarks by GU-Q's Dean, Dr. Safwan Masri, highlighted Qatar's global initiative to combat racism, including anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia.

He underscored the multifaceted approach adopted by the host country, spanning education, public discourse, policymaking, and the convening of experts and policymakers for collective action.

Dr. Masri positioned the conference as a significant contribution to the ongoing efforts aimed at raising awareness about Islamophobia, challenging its destructive impact, and celebrating the work of activists, educators, and artists.

In the backdrop of the 21st century's defining "war on terror," the conference aimed to dissect the global, historical, religious, and political factors propelling Islamophobia.

During a panel titled "Intellectual Roots of Islamophobia," Dr. Salman Sayyid from the University of Leeds argued that Islamophobia is an ancient form of racism intertwined with power dynamics, emphasizing that it governs expressions of Muslimness beyond national borders.

Discussions over the two days unveiled the profound impact of anti-Muslim bias on the lived experiences of Muslim communities worldwide.

Panels explored the role of media in constructing Islamophobic narratives and the tangible effects these narratives have on public attitudes and policies.

The need to dismantle these narratives, introduce new best practices in media representation, and deepen Muslim representation were emphasized.

A dedicated panel on 'Qatar, the World Cup, and Islamophobia' scrutinized Western media coverage, revealing negative patterns and colonial stereotypes during the mega-event.

The conference reached its zenith with a high-level roundtable discussion that explored potential solutions, the integration of research into decision-making processes, and partnerships fostering tolerance and understanding to combat Islamophobia.