Ali Bardakoðlu, who heads Turkey'sReligious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet), and his delegation will head to Holland on April 4 toparticipate in the Holy Week festivities commemorating the birth of the ProphetMuhammad.

Festivities this year will include entertainment programs,documentaries and speeches, with Diyanet supporting the associations and NPOsthat will prepare the events. Bardakoðlu appealed for unity prior to the trip,noting that the Prophet Muhammad's main teaching included messgaes of peace andharmony. This is the first year that Diyanet will take lead in preparing theevents. Frankfurt Justice Court Judge Christa D. is expected to readtransliterations of verses in the Koran and Der Spigel magazine will prepare aspecial addition titled, "Mecce Deutchland" during the week's festivities.

Ahmet Özhan will perform during the week and Murat Hofman will hold lectureson the messages brought by the prophet of Islam, Muhammad. While Bardakoðlu isexpected to speak about peace and religion, a documentary will be broadcast.Participants will receive a complimentary copy of the documentary, whichemphasizes the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, in particular tolerance andfriendship.

Bardakoðlu said this year's Holy Birth Week will include a variety ofreligious, social and scientific events across cities in Europe.Bardakoðlu described Holy Birth Week as "the time to listen to the appeal ofour dear prophet Muhammad, to enrich our spiritual life, to live a life inpeace and happiness, a time to mend relations and a time to build a bridge ofbrotherhood."