Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner 2007

            On September 29th, 2007, the Foundation for Inter-Cultural Dialogue (FID) held its 4th Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner. The theme of this year’s dinner was “Diverse Traditions, Shared Values”. More than 330 guests, representing the diverse communities of Tucson, attended the event. Dinner featured the keynote address by U.S. House representative - Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Congresswoman Giffords stressed the significance of this event by calling it “very timely” not only for Arizonans but for the entire world. Followed by, a vice Mayor of Tucson, Honorable Shirley Scott read the Mayor’s proclamation in official recognition of FID’s mission and activities that promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue among diverse traditions in Tucson.
            The event was hosted by KOLD Channel 13 News Anchor – Dan Marries. All guests enjoyed the company of diverse backgrounds as they shared a meal together. Event speakers – Dr. Scott Lucas, of Near Eastern Studies department at University of Arizona, Dr. Alex Nava, of Religious Studies department at University of Arizona, and Mr. Burc Maruflu, member of FID’s advisory board, shared few words on the importance of dialogue in the world. A prominent Turkish calligrapher Mr. Aydin Cayir, a graduate of Marmara School of Islamic Theology, gave a demonstration on the art of calligraphy and wrote the names of participants. All guests received their individual names beautifully crafted by calligraphic skills of Mr. Cayir.  

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