14/11/2006 - Abraham Path Initiative

The aim of the Abraham Path Initiative is to inspire and assist the opening of a route for tourism and walking that retraces the footsteps of the Prophet Abraham.

The Abraham Path will link sites of historic and religious significance through the heart of the Middle East, from Urfa and Harran in Turkey, where Abraham first heard the call to "go forth," to Abraham’s tomb in Hebron/Al Khalil. Along this itinerary of outstanding natural beauty and cultural interest, travelers will visit some of the most revered sites in the world — including the Holy Places in Jerusalem, the Ummayad Mosque in Damascus, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The Path will eventually extend to encompass Abraham’s travels to and from Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

The Path will offer an experience of the spirit of Abraham — a journey through his legacy of faith, hospitality and respect.

Many travelers will walk parts or all of the Abraham Path, guided by maps and signs along the way. Many more will use the Path as an itinerary of sites that can be visited by bus or car. Schools and families in the communities along the Path will use it as a recreational and educational resource.

The Abraham Path Initiative is an international affiliation of scholars, religious leaders, social entrepreneurs, and eco-tourism experts. It is non-political and non-partisan, affirming the dignity of all people.

Harvard University’s Global Negotiation Project is serving as an initial sponsor and auspice for the project. Host committees have formed or are forming in the various countries along the route. Local communities are being consulted with the intention that the Path be responsive to community needs and be created with local leadership. Initial project support and funding has come from individuals, organizations, and foundations in Brazil, France, Holland, Italy, Syria, Turkey, Jordan, Pakistan, the UK and the US. Affirmations of support have come from, among others, Nobel Peace Prize winners Jimmy Carter and the Dalai Lama.

The Abraham Path could have many concrete benefits for both travelers and the host communities along the route:

Economic: generating income and employment through respectful, eco-friendly tourism in alignment with national priorities
People-to-people: fostering mutual understanding and friendship between people from different countries, religions, and cultural backgrounds
Youth: promoting educational exchanges and opportunities for young people
Civic: creating sister-city relationships between communities in the Middle East and around the world
Cultural/religious: encouraging the restoration of dozens of historical and sacred sites
Environmental: helping to preserve the natural environment
Work has already begun on turning the Abraham Path into a reality. The mapping process has begun and a guidebook for travelers is in process. The first study tour of the Path is planned for November 2006 and the plan is to open three model segments of the Path in 2007.

Half of humanity belongs to the family of Abraham. It has long been a dream of many to walk in his footsteps. We invite you to join us in this historic and exciting initiative to make this dream come true. Help us create a Path for the ages where humanity can meet itself.

If you would like to get involved, please contact us at info@abrahampath.org.

Official Web Site : www.abrahampath.org

Turkish Mirror Blog : http://ibrahimyolu.blogcu.com

14/11/2006 - Progress of the Abraham Path Initiative

2005 Progress

In the past year, the Abraham Path Initiative team has primarily invested energy and time in developing a vision and building valuable connections. The very early planning stages have already brought together scholars, religious leaders, and others to work together on a common vision and strategy In addition to many small-group meetings, a larger contingent of scholars and religious leaders from Turkey, Syria, Pakistan, Brazil, and the United States gathered in October 2005 in Harran, Turkey, to discuss and plan the Abraham Path. The meeting focused on building relationships and practical arrangements for the Path. Host committees were formed for Syria and Turkey. They are in the process of being formed in Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories. These committees comprise individuals and organizations to work together in those countries with the support of our coordinating office at Harvard University.

The Abraham Path Initiative has begun developing a network of partners, including university centers, religious institutes, and environmental organizations in the Middle East and elsewhere. Our network continues to grow. In one inspiring example, a group of scholars, religious leaders, and others came together in Harran to pray for the fruition of the Path on the Quranic Night of Revelation (see Night of Prayer for more information). Many hundreds of others around the world joined us — prayer vigils were held to support the Abraham Path in at least 33 different locations from the Philippines and Pakistan to Israel and Syria, and from Switzerland and South Africa to the United States and Brazil.

Plans for 2006 and Beyond

In 2006, the Abraham Path Initiative plans to hold meetings in Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, continuing the effort to build partnerships and develop the route. The Initiative will publish a white paper, create a DVD for promotional purposes, map the route with a team on the ground, and translate and expand the website. We are in the midst of an international search for a full-time executive director.

One of the most significant and exciting objectives of the Abraham Path Initiative is a comprehensive educational and awareness campaign centered on understanding of, and respect for, the different faiths. "Abraham Walks" will be designed in local communities throughout the world — some of these have already begun — with people walking from churches to mosques to synagogues and other places of worship. "Omni-local" grassroots teams from many faiths and cultures are, and will be in the future, taking the lead of such efforts (see Local Initiatives Worldwide for more information). Resources are already available for the purposes of self-study and community engagement. Shared religious services, celebrations, and educational dialogues will attract people based on what they hold in common.

A mapping survey of the walking route (approximately 1100 kilometers) is scheduled to begin in April 2006. The survey will include GPS and GIS surveying techniques and will be carried out by local teams in each country and coordinated by a professional pilgrimage guide from the UK.

In the fall of 2006, the Initiative is organizing a ten-day journey along the Abraham route with a delegation of scholars and leaders sponsored by the Global Negotiation Project at Harvard. The delegation will meet and consult with community leaders, governmental officials, and religious leaders along the Path in order to gather suggestions and build support for the Initiative.

In the coming years, the Abraham Path Initiative is planning to expand the website to create a virtual community that can connect pilgrims and communities along the route. The Initiative will begin organizing initial guided walks and tours of part, or all, of the route. After a few years of guided walks the path will be opened to all. With each of these steps the Path begins to take shape.