Abstract :
At present, many talk about the issue of cultures or civilizations with much focus
being given to the issue of Western and Islamic cultures. While some talk about or
“clash of civilizations”, some others defend civilizations dialogue “intercultural
dialogue”. Both groups, no doubt, are possessed by intellectual and academic motives.
Yet, the persistent discussion of this issue by certain countries, institutions and research
centers is, by no means, isolated from unfolding political changes at global and regional
levels. Therefore, there has been a growing political and academic Western interest in
the Islamic phenomenon as well as the present Islamic – Western relations. A lot of
universities and research centers are currently leading an academic movement in this
regard that can be best seen through many relevant aspects such as conferences,
publications, local and international seminars, and the emergence of many specialized
academic institutions.
