In a heartfelt evening program, Tuğrul Selmanoğlu shared his reflections on the state of Muslim youth in Europe and Turkey, drawing upon Qur’anic principles, early Islamic history, and contemporary observations. The conversation, hosted by the Royal Ottoman Society, unfolded as an invitation to awaken the collective responsibility we all share for nurturing the next generation.
Youth as the Vanguard of the Faith
From the very beginning Tuğrul Selmanoğlu reminded us that the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) mission was carried on the shoulders of young companions. He highlighted that, within the “Darül‑Erkam” – the sacred heart of Mecca – roughly seventy percent of the active participants were under twenty years old. Figures such as Hazreti Ali, who embraced responsibility at ten, and Musab bin Umeyr, dispatched to Yathrib at nineteen, illustrate how early Islam entrusted its most vital tasks to youthful vigor.
These historical examples serve not merely as anecdotes but as a living template: the energy, idealism, and fearlessness of youth are indispensable for any genuine revival. When a young companion knocked on every door, narrated the message, and returned with an unblemished record—“no door was left unopened”—the result was a ripple of transformation that still resonates today.
The Current Landscape in Europe and Turkey
Tuğrul Selmanoğlu observed a paradox in contemporary Muslim societies. While youth are constantly visible on social media and travel across continents, many remain disengaged from structured religious activity. In both Europe and Turkey, young people often congregate in cafés, nightclubs, or other secular spaces, whereas mosques and community centers struggle to retain their presence.
He identified two intertwined challenges:
Lack of Purposeful Activity – When organizations exist without a clear mission (“dava”), they become hollow vessels that consume resources but fail to inspire. This emptiness mirrors the “Kanarya Serenler” analogy he used, where an association without purpose cannot ignite youthful enthusiasm.
Language Barrier in the Diaspora – Among Turkish‑origin youth in Germany and broader Europe, limited proficiency in Turkish hamp
