"Since the Change, we have seen to the promotion of the tolerant principles of our true religion, characterized by moderation, mutual aid, solidarity and cooperation. We have always called for dialogue among cultures and civilizations, and we are working continuously to promote the shining image of Islam in the world... As a contribution to motivating specialists to expert further efforts in this field, we announce the establishment of a "World Prize of the President for Islamic studies" for the purpose of enhancing interpretative thinking (Ijtihad) which has faith in dialogue and openness and rejects withdrawal and intolerance". Zine El Abidine Ben Ali - November 7, 2002



"O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another..."

(The Koran : (The Chambers, Al- Hujurat, XLIX : 13)