Peace Islands Institute Boston

08/25/2026

Cultural Diversity Day at the Massachusetts State House!

Join us for a special celebration of the many cultures, traditions, and communities that make Massachusetts such a vibrant place to call home!

Cultural Diversity Day will bring together community organizations, civic leaders, and people from diverse backgrounds for a day of culture, connection, dialogue, and community at the Massachusetts State House.

📅 Wednesday, September 23, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Massachusetts State House
Grand Staircase & Great Hall

The event will also bring together a diverse group of community organizations from across Massachusetts, creating an opportunity to meet one another, celebrate our differences, and strengthen our communities together.

🤝 All are welcome!

Space is limited, so please RSVP in advance.

👉 RSVP here:
https://forms.gle/DKADcNy4mF5n1zXX6

Come celebrate the cultures and communities that make Massachusetts stronger. We look forward to seeing you at the State House!

08/25/2026

Abraham’s Table: A Year of Dialogue. One Table. Many Faiths.

Join us for the launch of Abraham’s Table, a year-long interfaith dialogue series bringing people of different faiths and backgrounds together around one table for meaningful conversation, connection, and community.

Our September gathering will explore the theme:

Compassion in Action

The evening will begin with dinner, followed by three short presentations from our invited speakers and an open Q&A and community dialogue.

🎤 Invited Speakers:
• İbrahim Sayar — Chaplain, MA, BCC at Boston Children’s Hospital
• Dorothy C. Buck, PhD — Spirituality and Interfaith Dialogue Author, Mental Health Practitioner & Pastoral Counselor
• Rabbi Leonard Gordon, D.Min. — Chair, National Council of Synagogues

📅 Wednesday, September 16
⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Azerbaijan Cultural Center
320 Washington Street, Brighton, MA 02135

🍽️ 7:00 PM — Welcome & Dinner
🎤 7:45 PM — Three 10-Minute Presentations
💬 8:15 PM — Q&A & Community Dialogue
🕘 9:00 PM — Program Concludes

08/25/2026

✨ Learn the Art of Calligraphy! ✨

Have you ever wanted to create beautiful, elegant lettering with your own hands? Join us for an 8-week Calligraphy Course, designed especially for beginners!

🖋️ Learn italic calligraphy
📖 Workbook & practice materials included
✍️ Hands-on instruction and feedback
🎨 Develop your creativity and lettering skills
📍 Azerbaijan Cultural Center, Allston, MA
💰 $450 for the 8-week program

Taught by Benjamin Aysan, Calligrapher & Lettering Artist.

No previous experience is required—just bring your creativity and a willingness to learn!

👉 Register here:
Event Registration Link in Bio

08/25/2026

🍲✨ Flavors Without Borders: A Multicultural Cooking Class Series ✨🥔

Join Peace Islands Institute Boston for a hands-on cooking experience where food, culture, and community come together!

For this class, we’ll prepare two delicious favorites together:

🍲 Red Lentil Soup
🥔 Potato Salad

Whether you love cooking, want to learn something new, or simply enjoy meeting new people over good food, all are welcome! No special cooking experience is needed.

📅 Saturday, September 26
⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Azerbaijan Cultural Center
💵 $45 per person

Come ready to learn, cook, connect, and enjoy the meal together!

🎟️ Space is limited — register today:
Get Your Ticket on Eventbrite
The Link is in Bio and Profile

Learn. Cook. Connect. 🌎🍽️

07/17/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Professor John L. Esposito, one of the world's foremost scholars of Islam and a lifelong advocate for interfaith understanding, dialogue, and peace.

Professor Esposito dedicated his life to building bridges between people of different faiths and cultures. His scholarship, humility, and unwavering commitment to mutual respect inspired countless students, scholars, and community leaders around the world.

For many years, he also encouraged and supported initiatives that foster dialogue and understanding, including the work of the Hizmet Movement. His voice for peaceful coexistence and his belief in the power of dialogue will continue to inspire future generations.

On behalf of the Peace Islands Institute Boston community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and learning from him.

May his legacy continue to guide all who strive for a more peaceful, compassionate, and understanding world.

Rest in peace, Professor John L. Esposito. Your legacy will never be forgotten.

07/04/2026