Students gathered Thursday on Library Mall to eat Pakistani Rasgullah, watch Eastern Russian dance and learn about Muslim cultures at an event sponsored by Dialogue International student organization.
\There is a general lack of understanding of the diversity of Muslim culture,"" said Mustafa Gokcek, member of Dialogue International executive committee. ""There are over one billion Muslims in more than 50 countries. We wanted to break that down.""
Gokcek, originally from Turkey, said his country is very different from other Islamic cultures due to its history and geographic location. They have close ties to the West, a secular government and a wide variety of Muslims living and worshipping in the country.
""Turkey is a microcosm of the diversity of Islam,"" Gokcek said.
Egypt, another secular Islamic state, is known as a historical center for Muslim learning. However, many people still misunderstand the culture of Egypt today, according to UW-Madison graduate student Maha Hilal.
""People sometimes think hieroglyphics are Arabic,"" Hilal said.
Hilal's table showcased a variety of Arabic calligraphy. Because some interpretations of Islamic law prohibit art depicting human or animal forms, calligraphy has become the major art form of the region.
Iran, however, is on the brink of a burgeoning modern art movement.
""There are a lot of famous Iranian artists,"" Arezov Danesh, president of the Persian Student Association, said in response to one passerby's incredulity.
Danesh said she feels education about Muslim culture is necessary to combat stereotypes causing problems between the Muslim world and the West.
""Many people stopped by but were afraid to ask questions,"" Danesh said. ""We're friendly, we're open to criticism, we're open to giving information.""
Many students stressed that though their cultures differ widely, their shared religion unites them all together.
Salman Kazi, a UW-Madison junior originally from Pakistan, and Sajid Shabbir, a UW-Madison senior originally from India, set up tables side by side and answered questions about similarities and differences between India and Pakistan.
""When we're here [in America], we share similar language and culture,"" Kazi said. ""That is what ties us together-our religion.""
But Shabbir and Kazi have had to clear up lots of misconceptions about their region. Shabbir has had people ask him if his father has four wives, if he's Osama bin Laden's cousin and if he hates Americans.
""A lot of situations are just basic ignorance,"" Shabbir said. ""There is a lot to learn [about each culture.] When we think of [American] music we [only] think of Snoop Dogg.""
Andrea Everson said she came to the fair to eat the food.
""Everyone likes food,"" Everson said. ""It's good because it forces people to try new things. It's a good conversation starter.\
