Prof. Dr. Bülent Şenay

Bülent Şenay is associate Professor of History of Religion and Culture at the Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey. Following his PhD in religious studies and philosophy from Lancaster University, UK, Şenay started as a lecturer on Philosophy of Islam and Ethics at the University College of St. Martin’s (1996-1999) in Lancaster, UK. His research interest is focused on culture, religion and identity in multicultural societies, Christian-Jewish-Muslim relations, religion and politics in Europe.

Prof. Dr. Şenay has been a participant at both academic and diplomatic level in the Intercultural Exchange Project of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. He also took part as guest speaker in OSCE Review Conferences on Human rights, Islamophobia and Freedom of Religion in Vienna, Warsaw, and Astana. He has been a member of OSCE Advisory Council for Freedom of Religion. A former diplomatic counsellor for religious and cultural affairs at the Turkish Embassy in The Hague/Netherlands, Şenay was appointed as personal representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims.

Mandate

In line with the 2004 Sofia Ministerial Council and 2002 Porto Ministerial Council Decisions on tolerance and non-discrimination, Personal Representative Şenay contributes to the overall fight of the OSCE in combating discrimination, in particular against Muslims, and promoting tolerance, notably through monitoring activities and targeted support to participating States. Şenay was appointed by the Austrian OSCE Chairmanship and advises the Chairperson-in-Office.