Islamic University of Rotterdam - Volume I Imam Training in the Netherlands: From Debate to Establishment, 1982–1997

About This Volume Islamic University of Rotterdam: Imam Training in the Netherlands – From Debate to Establishment, 1982–1997 examines the historical development of debates on imam training, Islamic spiritual care, and Muslim institutionalization in the Netherlands from the early 1980s onwards. Based on archival documents, policy reports, parliamentary debates, media publications, institutional correspondence, and historical sources, the study reconstructs the long and complex process that ultimately led to the establishment of the Islamic University of Rotterdam (currently the Islamic University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam, IUASR) in 1997 The volume analyzes the interaction between Dutch integration policies, religious pluralism, constitutional debates, and the institutional aspirations of Muslim communities. Particular attention is given to the historical role of Dr. S.T.K. Damra as founder and first rector of the IUR, as well as to the sequential institutional initiatives that shaped the emergence of the university. Positioned within the broader context of Islam in Europe, the work contributes to the academic literature on imam training, Islamic higher education, Muslim citizenship, and the institutionalization of Islam in Western societies. This English-language volume consists of approximately 495 pages and forms part of the Islamic University of Rotterdam Historical Series. The present publication contains a limited selected section prepared for academic visibility, historical documentation, and scholarly reference purposes. The complete English-language edition (approximately 495 pages) is available via the following publication link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTQD8NBR Editorial Correspondence Scholarly comments and archival contributions concerning this publication may be sent to: iurhistory@gmail.com Citation APA (7th Edition) Yılmaz, C. (2026). Islamic University of Rotterdam: Imam Training in the Netherlands – From Debate to Establishment, 1982–1997. Islamic University of Rotterdam Historical Series. Published via Amazon. BibTeX @book{yilmaz2026iur, author = {Cemal Yılmaz}, title = {Islamic University of Rotterdam: Imam Training in the Netherlands -- From Debate to Establishment, 1982--1997}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Amazon}, series = {Islamic University of Rotterdam Historical Series}, address = {Rotterdam -- Istanbul -- Rabat}