13th Graduate Conference Call for Papers

As the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture, we express our gratitude to Allah for facilitating the announcement of the 13th Graduate Conference, aimed at supporting academic research on Risale-i Nur. Applications for the conference, which we are honored to organize for the 13th consecutive time, have commenced and will continue until August 12-18, 2024.

The primary objective of this program is to bring together students with undergraduate degrees (only 3rd and 4th-year students), as well as those with master's and doctoral degrees from various disciplines, along with esteemed scholars who have an interest in Risale-i Nur studies. The program aims to contribute to and support academic research aligned with the essence of Risale-i Nur and academic standards.

Our primary focus for this year's program is to host a 5-day training session centered around the theme of "al-fitrah," particularly concerning the concept of resurrection, for graduate candidates pursuing master's and doctoral degrees. The aim is to establish a foundation for dialogue on the concept, fostering a faith-based approach to the sciences.

Religion and science play integral roles in the human experience, each offering unique contributions to guide and enrich our lives. Religion provides adherents with guidance, teachings, and belief systems that foster alignment with their intrinsic human nature. Conversely, science equips us with tools and knowledge to propel technological advancements and elevate our standard of living. Yet, the interaction between religion and science is anything but simple; their relationship is characterized by complexity beyond surface understanding.

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, a prominent Muslim scholar, and intellectual from Turkey, offered a contrasting view to the conventional narrative. The fitrah, is often understood as an Arabic term that refers to the innate disposition or primordial nature of human beings. However, Nursi conceptualizes the fitrah and treats it as a guiding principle, urging us to understand the position and purpose of human being in the universe by delving into the profound significance of both human and the world's nature.  Indeed, humans are born with an inherent inclination toward recognizing the existence of a divine being and seeking truth and righteousness. Moreover, the innate dispositions of human beings and the universe self-evidently demonstrate the rationale for their existence and the intertwined wisdom they embody. Yet, examining the innate disposition of human beings and the universe aligns with the notion of seeking beyond the surface level of scientific inquiry.

In this context, the theme of "fitrah" will be discussed with 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of discussion every day with 1 lecturer from 5 different disciplines within the framework of branches of Islamic disciplines, philosophy, sociology, and theology. Some of the questions expected to be addressed throughout the program are as follows: "How can we approach the ontology examining the fitrah?", "What does the concept of fitrah offer in studying sciences?", "How can the apparent dilemma of science and religion be dispatched?"

At the end of the program, the participating students will be expected to write a 1000-word "reflection paper" within the framework of the theme of "fitrah" and its relation to studying the sciences, by expanding their proposals on the concept of resurrection, based on the background they have acquired throughout the program. On the 6th day of the program, where guest academics from home and abroad are expected to contribute for 5 days, a conference will be held where the participants are expected to present their articles.

We anticipate that this training program will prove beneficial for the ongoing success of international academic endeavors that have been underway for some time, as well as for the advancement of Risale-i Nur studies on an academic platform through the involvement of young scholars.

A comprehensive program will be provided to the selected participants following the evaluation by the scientific committee. The program is scheduled to take place in person at the headquarters of our foundation in Istanbul. All expenses related to the program, including travel tickets and accommodation, will be covered by our foundation.

Who can apply?
Without any disciplinary restrictions, all students in master’s and doctorate levels interested in Risale-i Nur studies can apply to the program from the link below.

Application requirements:
To submit a 2-3 page article proposal within the framework of any academic discipline related to the theme of “fitrah”.
CV
Reference Letter (optional)
 
Important Dates:
Application Deadline: 15 June 2024
Application Results  : 20 June 2024
Program Date            : 12-18 August 2024

Notes:

1. Young academics who want to participate in the program should fill in the application form and send the required documents to tugbaturkoglu@iikv.org by 15 June 2024.
2. The program language is English.