New Center for Islamic Theology opens in Tübingen!

New Center for Islamic Theology opens in Tübingen!

On November 14, 2024, a significant step was taken in Baden-Württemberg's academic landscape: Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann and Finance State Secretary Gisela Splett ceremoniously handed over the new building of the Center for Islamic Theology (ZITh) at the University of Tübingen. This facility is the first of its kind in Germany and represents an important contribution to integration and interreligious dialogue in our society Baden-Württemberg.de reported.

The ZITh is now housed on the Theology Campus, after previously being spread over two locations in Tübingen. The new building offers around 2,500 square meters of space for research and teaching and meets high energy standards. Kretschmann emphasized the importance of this educational institution for the training of Muslim religious teachers and young scientists. “It is more important than ever that our Muslim religious teachers and young academics in university theology receive sophisticated scientific and contemporary pedagogical training,” he said.

A modern home for theology

The new building is not only functional, but also architecturally attractive. In addition to seminar and meeting rooms, the building houses a modern library, which is arranged around a leafy inner courtyard. The reading areas and exhibition areas open onto the inner courtyard and create an inviting atmosphere for students and researchers. The main facades are clad with a uniform clinker brick, giving the building a modern yet timeless appearance.

Another advantage of the center is its sustainable construction. The high-quality insulation and the innovative ventilation system with heat recovery significantly reduce the heating requirement. In addition, a photovoltaic system with a total output of around 65 kilowatt peak was installed, which can be placed on the flat roof of the new building.

Investment in the future

The investment of around 22.8 million euros in the new building is a clear sign of the appreciation of Islamic theology in the academic landscape. The project was implemented by Vermögens und Bau Tübingen, and the planning was in the hands of the architectural firm Staab Architekten in collaboration with Henne Korn Landschaftsarchitekten. This investment shows that the state of Baden-Württemberg is ready to invest in the future of education and interreligious dialogue in order to promote respectful coexistence.

The Center for Islamic Theology will not only function as an educational institution, but also as a place for exchange and encounter between different faiths. As the University of Tübingen emphasizes, the ZITh is an important step towards a pluralistic society in which different religious perspectives are respected and promoted.

The new center will create a space that is of great importance not only for academic training, but also for intercultural dialogue. The University of Tübingen is setting an example for an open and inclusive society in which diversity is seen as a strength, and thus contributes to promoting peace and mutual understanding.