Where: The Mosaic Centre, Chute House, Church Street, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 7QT
Date: 17th January 2013
Time: 18:30

Speakers:

• Cllr Martin Biermann, The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane
• 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 Martin Biermann

Martin was born in Manchester of an English mother and German father. After leaving secondary school at 14 he became an apprentice with a local engineering company. After 'serving his time' for six years he became a toolroom fitter, but not long thereafter was promoted to become a draughtsman. He continued with night-school studies, eventually achieving the status of Chartered Engineer.

From his late teens on, Martin had an interest in politics. He joined the youth movement of a now almost extinct political party and has been involved in politics to varying extents in the different places he has lived. This includes having been selected as a prospective parliamentary candidate for the Swindon constituency. His first elected position however was as a parish councillor in Yatton, Somerset. He has since served on Old Basing Parish Council and Chineham Parish Council, including a spell as chairman.

Martin has always had a keen interest in environmental, transport and international issues and has belonged to several bodies in those arenas. He has, however, always been particularly committed to community issues and this is thought to have played a big part in him being elected to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

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.

Photos

Noah’s Pudding Celebration in Basingstoke

Noah’s Pudding Celebration in Basingstoke

Noah’s Pudding Celebration in Basingstoke