Category Archives: Mary

Mary to the Rescue – How the Mother of Jesus saved the first Muslim Refugees

Posted on December 23, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Zeyneb Sayılgan, Ph.D. I return often to an important event from the very beginning of Islamic history, because it refuses to let me give in to despair. At a time when Muslim immigrants and refugees are routinely dehumanized and demonized … Continue reading →

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Pope Leo in Türkiye: Deepening Christian-Muslim Understanding

Posted on December 2, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Pope Leo is visiting Türkiye – a country I call home and to which I have taken many Christian students to explore our shared religious history. Of course, Nicea (modern day Iznik) is a must visit destination in that regard. … Continue reading →

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Nostra Aetate at 60 – A Muslim Reflects on its Enduring Call to Mutual Understanding

Posted on October 30, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Akdamar Church in Van – Türkiye I grew up as a Muslim child of immigrants in Germany in the beautiful city of Mainz. Surrounded by a rich Catholic culture, I often felt the weight of being seen as “other.” I … Continue reading →

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The Muslim Jesus: A Reflection During Easter

Posted on April 17, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Muslims love Jesus, something unknown to most non-Muslims. I know many Muslims who are named after ‘Isa—the Qur’anic name for Jesus. When remembering him and other messengers of God, Muslims pronounce the formula of reverence: “God’s peace be upon him … Continue reading →

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I grew up Muslim in a Catholic community – and Mary represented common ground

Posted on December 28, 2024 by zeynebsayilgan

I had just finished teaching a class on “The Muslim Mary”. Many non-Muslims who attended were puzzled to find out that Muslims had a connection with Mary at all, and had no knowledge of how important she is to our … Continue reading →

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The Muslim Mary: A Symbol of Devotion, Virtue and Hope

Posted on March 12, 2024 by zeynebsayilgan

For Christians, the contemplative Christmas season is over. Holy Week and Easter will soon be upon us. During these sacred observances, the figure of Mary looms large: from giving birth in a stable to keeping vigil at the foot of … Continue reading →

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