TOLERANCE AND PEACE IN THE SILK ROAD: AN ASIAN PERSPECTIVE

RAMAZAN BİÇER - OKAN YEŞİLOT

ABSTRACT

Silk Road was a bridge of the cultural chance between Asia and Europe, There are beliefs,
cultures, fashion and music been transported between the East and West. At the same
time the silk roads are the Roads of faith through the discovery of a common heritage
and shared values. Buddhism and Islam are the most significant religion along the Silk
Road. Silk roads, historically and contemporary are the roads of religious pluralism and
dialogue. Religious pluralism, dialogue and tolerance are one of the basic foundations of
a civil society in the World. Religious pluralism establishes the possibility of tolerance
and co-existence of followers of different religions and cultures. It may be correct to
suggest that Muslims are at the side of dialogue. They certainly know that the only
alternative available to mankind is dialogue in a framework of contact, communication
and the free exchange of ideas. Islam does not look for the heart or the private behavior of
any person: the prophet of Islam even recommended that individuals who deviate from
religious norms-even when they commit adultery-should keep their sins to themselves
and ask God for forgiveness. The most significant religion along the Silk Road is Islam.
Islam has a dialogue and tolerance. As a matter of fact, historically and contemporary,
Muslims Turkish people who have been living on the Silk Roads adopt dialogue and
tolerance. According to Islam cultural diversity is a necessary part of human life.