Info:
Iranian institutions and organization involved in exporting clerical regime’s fundamentalist ideology to Europe, on top of them, the “Islamic Culture and Relations Organization” (ICRO) the Al-Mustafa International University which trains foreign clerics and missionaries around the world. In this report, the Iranian regime’s “Islamic” networks in Germany and Great Britain are examined;
In January 1995, Iranian regime created a new umbrella organization in the Iranian ministry of culture and Islamic Guidance called: “Islamic Culture and Relations Organization” (ICRO) to coordinate the activities of various organizations responsible for religious and cultural activities abroad.
Mehdi Imanpour, the head of the cultural attaches in the Iranian embassy in Berlin represents ICRO and directs these activities in Germany;
Coordinates the activities of various Iranian organizations in Africa responsible for religious and cultural activities abroad. These activities are carried out either under ICRO’s own name or by subordinate organizations that operate a large number of mosques and Islamic centers across Africa and collaborate with local Islamic centers. In both cases, the cultural attachés in the Iranian embassies play an important role in facilitating and/or organizing these activities in each country and coordinating with local partners. and Tehran recognizes that the lack of influence there presents a serious handicap to its quest to dominate the Islamic world. Gaining popular support within the Muslim communities could also influence the policies of African governments toward Iran. Furthermore, Africa’s Shi’ite communities have been a source of financial support for Tehran’s Hezbollah proxy in Lebanon. At the same time, a strong presence on the continent provides Iran with a network and routes for logistical support to radical groups in the Middle East;
ICRO’s activities in Africa include sending religious missionaries to promote the Iranian regime’s “pure Islam” and the regime’s political goals; cooperating with local universities and other institutions; and orchestrating uniquely Iranian events or giving Islamic events an Iranian cast, most notably:
– The Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution: Events are organized each February by the Iranian cultural attachés.
– The anniversary of Ayatollah Khomeini’s death: Events are organized each June by the Iranian cultural attachés and other ICRO affiliated organizations
– ICRO regularly holds religious ceremonies across Africa. The most common event is the prophet Muhammad’s birthday, which gives Tehran the opportunity to reach out to African non-Shiite Muslims. Targeting Shiite populations, ICRO and other Iranian affiliated organizations hold mourning processions for the Ashura, marking the death anniversary of Imam Hussein, grandson of the prophet Muhammad and the third Shiite Imam. There is also the Arbaeen procession to commemorate the end of the 40-day mourning period for Hussein’s killing;
– Islamic unity events: Since the vast majority of African Muslims are Sunnis, ICRO and other Iranian-affiliated organizations stage various “interfaith” and “Muslim unity” conferences and events across Africa. These are designed to create a friendly relationship with Sunni communities and present Iran as the defender of the Islamic umma (world community);
Main organizations that are operating under the ICRO are the followings:
1. The Ahl al-Bayt World Assembly (promotes Shiism and is responsible for relations with Shiites around the world)
2. The World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought (responsible for relations with non-Shiite Muslims around the world)
3. The Islamic Development Organization (IDO) (which in Farsi translates as the Islamic Propaganda Organization. IDO publishes religious and propaganda materials and sends religious missionaries to foreign countries)
4. The Qom Seminary Office of Islamic Propaganda (involved in sending missionaries and clerics abroad)
5. The Foreign Affairs Department of the Culture and Islamic Guidance Ministry (that operates the cultural attachés in the Iranian embassies abroad. These offices provide an essential venue for the ICRO to pursue its cultural and religious activities in European countries)
6. The Center for Interreligious Dialogue & Civilization” (CID), (involved in holding philosophical, legal, social, political and cultural dialogue with regional and international religious figures and institutions as well as with religious minorities inside and outside Iran)
Involved In:
Spreading Iranian propaganda
Also Known As:
ICRO
The Islamic Culture and Relations Organization
Country:
Iran
Address:
Tehran
Africa
Germany
United Kingdom
Canada
Person of interests:
Mehdi Imanpour
Reason for the color:
» Iranian regime’s network of Islamic Centers, seminaries and Mosques in Europe;