Royal figure Charles praises globally recognized Islamic institute at Oxford University
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) marked its 40th anniversary in July 2025, commemorating four decades of bridging the gap between Western and Islamic academic traditions. Established in 1985, the centre has grown into a globally respected institution, affiliated with the University of Oxford and granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.
King Charles III, who has served as the centre's Patron since 1993, played a significant role in the anniversary celebrations. His involvement began when he delivered the centre's inaugural lecture, "Islam and the West," in 1993, which established the Distinguished Lecture Series. This series has since hosted prominent Heads of State, Government officials, and renowned scholars.
To honour the occasion, King Charles III officially opened the newly named King Charles III Wing at the OCIS. This wing will house the King Charles III Programme, an initiative inspired by His Majesty’s values. The programme includes the King Charles III Fellowship, a Young Muslim Leadership Programme, and conferences addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability—issues close to the King's heart.
During the celebrations, distinguished guests such as Lord Hague (Chancellor of Oxford University), Professor Irene Tracey (Vice Chancellor of Oxford University), Dr Farhan Nizami (Director of OCIS), and Prince Turki Al-Faisal (Chairman of the Board of Trustees) were present. King Charles described the centre as a “beacon of Islamic scholarship” and praised its commitment to objective scholarship, international cooperation, dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect, emphasizing the centre’s crucial role “in today’s world.”
The centre's mission remains to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote multidisciplinary study of the Islamic world. Over the years, it has hosted a variety of fascinating speakers and created opportunities for people of all ages. The centre's principles include dialogue, deep understanding, and mutual respect, making it a pioneering centre of Islamic learning.
The centre's first-year budget was £70,000 ($94,000) donated by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. Prince Turki bin Faisal, a former ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the UK and the US, attended the ceremony and paid tribute to the centre's founders. The centre is now an architectural treasure within the University of Oxford, standing as a testament to its enduring impact and commitment to academic excellence and interfaith dialogue.
King Charles acknowledged the centre's ongoing commitment to objective scholarship and international cooperation, setting the stage for the centre's ambitious plans to expand its impact through new initiatives inspired by His Majesty’s patronage.
- The news about the King Charles III Programme, inaugurated at the King Charles III Wing of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, was widely covered in the general news, highlighting its focus on education-and-self-development, specifically the King Charles III Fellowship and the Young Muslim Leadership Programme.
- During the anniversary celebrations of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, distinguished guests including Lord Hague, Professor Irene Tracey, Dr Farhan Nizami, and Prince Turki Al-Faisal applauded the centre's role in promoting dialogue, deep understanding, and mutual respect between the Islamic world and the West, which is a theme often found in lifestyle and world news.
- As the centre marks four decades of bridging the gap between Western and Islamic academic traditions, the importance of its work in politics and international relations becomes increasingly evident, with its role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and objective scholarship garnering attention in the news.
