Ditib Festival in Bergedorf Approved After Exclusion of Controversial Speakers
Hamburg, May 9 – The controversial Ditib festival, organized by the Bergedorf Ditib community, has received approval to proceed on Frascatiplatz next week. This decision comes after the disinvitation of several speakers previously accused of promoting extremist views. The Bergedorf district office announced its consent following extensive discussions with the event organizers.
Background: Allegations of Hate Preachers
For weeks, the organizers of the festival had promoted the event, including the participation of speakers described as “hate preachers.” This was brought to public attention by Sonja Jacobsen of the Bergedorf FDP and Islamism expert Eren Güvercin. Subsequently, seven guest speakers and preachers were disinvited from the event.
Cornelia Schmidt-Hoffmann (SPD), head of the Bergedorf district office, stated to NDR that the district office had made it clear to the festival organizers that it would not tolerate the presence of individuals who hold antisemitic or Islamist positions at the event. The community assured the authorities that individuals who had been subject to criticism would not participate in the event. Ditib, to which the Bergedorf community belongs, is a Turkish religious association that has a state treaty with the City of Hamburg.
FDP Criticizes State Inaction
Despite the disinvitations and the subsequent approval, FDP politician Sonja Jacobsen remains critical. She argues that the approval allows Ditib to continue its practices as before, implying that Islamic organizations can expect the state to inquire but not act when transparency and constitutional loyalty are violated. Jacobsen places responsibility not only on the district but also on the Senate, which has concluded state treaties with Islamic religious communities.
Previous Controversy: Influencer Accused of Hamas Propaganda
The Ditib festival in Hamburg’s Bergedorf district has faced previous criticism, including allegations that an influencer accused of Hamas propaganda was scheduled to appear. This specific incident further fueled public debate and scrutiny surrounding the event and its organizers.
Broader Context: Ditib’s Role in Germany
Ditib, the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs, is one of the largest Islamic organizations in Germany. It operates numerous mosques and community centers across the country. Its close ties to the Turkish state and its Directorate for Religious Affairs (Diyanet) have frequently led to debates regarding its independence and adherence to German constitutional principles. State treaties, such as the one with the City of Hamburg, aim to integrate Islamic communities into the public sphere and ensure their compliance with democratic values.
Implications for Future Events
The approval of the Ditib festival in Bergedorf, contingent on the exclusion of controversial speakers, sets a precedent for future events organized by religious and cultural associations in Hamburg. It underscores the city authorities’ commitment to upholding democratic values and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies, even while respecting freedom of assembly and religion. The ongoing dialogue between the district office and the Ditib community highlights the complexities of navigating religious freedom and public safety in a diverse society.
