Noah’s Pudding Celebration in Southampton

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:00 in Community Engagement

Tags:

Cllr Derek Burke

Where: 18 Augustine Road, SO14 0PL Southampton
Date: 15th January 2013
Time: 18:00

Speakers:

Cllr Derek Burke, The Mayor of Southampton
Mustafa Kasim Erol, Oxford Branch Director

Abstract

This event invites local people to come together and experience the Anatolian Muslim tradition of 'Noah’s Pudding'. Short speeches will be given by our guest speakers, followed by time to enjoy one another’s company over a delicious dessert and other refreshments.

The basis of annual Dialogue Society grass roots activities, 'Noah's Pudding' celebrates the common heritage of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It also provides a tasty way of bringing people together regardless of culture, religion or worldview.

The pudding is traditionally made around the Muslim festival of Ashura. According to Muslim prophetic tradition it was on the day of Ashura that Adam and Eve were created, that Moses (peace be upon him) and his community were saved from the Pharaoh's army, and thethat day Noah's (peace be upon him) ark was saved from the flood. The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) fasted on the day of Ashura, and many Muslims continue to follow this example. Noah’s Pudding represents the meal Prophet Noah is said to have made for the inhabitants of the ark when it came to rest on dry land, using the remnants of their food supplies.

Biography of Derek Burke

Derek Burke was born in Shirley and has lived in Southampton all his life. Educated atMerryoak School in the city, he has been a stevedore in the city docks throughout his working life and currently works for Solent Stevedores.

He was first elected to Southampton City Council in 1990 and spent the first four years representing the Millbrook ward before being elected councillor for Bargate in 1997.

He was elected Sheriff in May 1998 but in September was appointed Chair of the Council following the death of the City’s Mayor, Councillor Michael Andrews, in a flying accident. In May 1999 Derek Burke was elected Mayor of Southampton and during his mayoral year represented the city on over 1,000 occasions.

In May 2000 until May 2003, he became the Council’s Executive Member for Leisure and Tourism, with responsibility for Southampton’s indoor and outdoor sporting and recreation facilities, libraries, the City Art Gallery, heritage and culture.

Biography of Mustafa Kasim Erol

Mustafa graduated from the Department of Theology, Selcuk University, Turkey. He obtained his MA from Birmingham University in 1999. He taught Religious Education & Citizenship in various schools from 2002 to 2008. His most recent post was at Alexandra High School, Birmingham.

He was a founding member of several educational organisations and has acted as chairman for some of them in the United Kingdom. He worked for an interfaith NGO in Turkey between 2008 and 2010 as well as working part time as an Examiner and Team Leader at Cambridge University (2002-present).

Kasim is also a full-time PhD Candidate at Kings College, University of London, at the Department of Education and Professional Studies. His areas of interest include education, intercultural & interfaith dialogue, Islamic theology and human rights. He regularly speaks at conferences and public events on such topics in the UK and overseas

He is married and has 2 children.