Click here to download the transcript of Siebe Thissen’s talk.
Rotterdam’s rapid population growth since the 1880’s and its transformation from a provincial town of artisans into a working class industrial city fuelled new religious battlefields. Unlike most new industrial cities, Rotterdam did not become more secular. Social and mental battles in Rotterdam were fought by religious and anti-religious activists, culminating in the activism of Willem Meng and Ludo Gompertz in the 1890’s, the grand public debate culture of the 1920’s and 1930’s, and in post-war times the pivotal role of the Paulus Kerk in addressing new social issues and Pim Fortuyn’s fight against Islam.
Thissen’s talk will be followed by a Q&A session with the public where the use of religious symbols in art and culture are discussed together with members of Al-Nisa, the Women’s Muslim Organization.
Costs: €3,-/€1,50 concessions