“2024: The Year of Fitrah” – Shaping the Islamic World and Academic Studies Through Global Events

The year 2024 will be remembered as an unforgettable period filled with enthusiasm and innovation, marked by global events, collaborative meetings, and academic programs following the declaration of the “Year of Fıtrat” by the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture (IIKV). The foundation aimed to spread the message of the Risale-i Nur, Islamic thought, and holistic education approaches to a broad international audience.

International Islamic and Cultural Events

Risale-i Nur and Cultural Gathering with the Nursi Research Center in Indonesia:

The Risale-i Nur reading program conducted with students from Darussalam Gontor University played a crucial role in introducing this valuable heritage to younger generations.

 Islamic Gatherings in Bahrain:

Key events in Bahrain included:

• A discussion on Islamic propagation services with the Discover Islam Society at Al-Fatih Mosque,
• A meeting with scholars at the Sheikh Awadi Assembly,
• A visit to Turkish Ambassador to Bahrain, Esin Kılıç,
• A conference at the Islamic Center with Dr. Abdullatif Almahmood, a member of the Royal Supreme Council for Religious Affairs.

Critical Meetings in Oman:

Following a private meeting with Habib M. Al Riyami, Oman’s Assistant to the Sultan for Religious Affairs, and a discussion with Said Riyami, Director of the Omani Religious Affairs Communication Office, an education cooperation agreement was signed with İstikamet Foundation.

Risale-i Nur Programs in Morocco:

• A Risale-i Nur lesson at Madrasah Nuriye,
• A panel at Agadir Ibn Zohr University on Qur’anic methodologies for healing humanity’s material and spiritual wounds,
• A symposium at Marrakesh Qadi Ayyad University on Risale-i Nur’s methodological topics,
• Donation of Risale-i Nur collections to the libraries of Ibn Zohr and Qadi Ayyad Universities,
• Academic meetings at Rabat’s Mohammed V University.

Reflections of Risale-i Nur in Europe:

Europe’s activities were enriched by:

• An international symposium on "Mana-yı Harfi" in the Netherlands,
• A commemoration and iftar program at İİKV on the 64th anniversary of Bediüzzaman Said Nursi’s passing,
• A visit from the Qur’an Project delegation from Birmingham, UK.

Events in India and Bangladesh:

• A program titled "The Fundamentals and Service Methodology of Risale-i Nur" attended by nine scholars from Darul Uloom Deoband, one of India’s largest Islamic seminaries,
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The successful completion of a Risale-i Nur training program for Bangladeshi scholars.

Key Meetings in Qatar:

Strategic cooperation in Qatar was strengthened through:

• A visit to Qatar University,
• A meeting at the home of Prof. Dr. Ali Qaradaghi, President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars,
• A conference with Prof. Dr. Recep Şentürk, Dean of Islamic Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

Innovative Education and Academic Studies

Mana-yı Harfi-Based Holistic Education Model:

A special workshop was organized to develop original approaches to education and create a holistic curriculum.

Global Academic Gatherings in Barla:

At the "BARLA YOUTH READING SUMMIT", held with participation from Duke University, Georgetown University, Sorbonne University, and Cambridge University, Bediüzzaman Said Nursi and his works were introduced in detail.

Other Academic and Cultural Programs:

• The 4th Muhabbah Gathering at Çamdağı,

• The closing ceremony of "Second Istanbul Workshop: 5D Thinking for Transformative Teaching" at Rüstempaşa Madrasa,

• International Young Academics Conference with Arabic and English sessions,

  -  A visit to International Sarajevo University,

• "From Art to Tawhid" program with artists at Rüstempaşa Madrasa,

• A memorial service at the grave of the late Mehmed Fırıncı on the 4th anniversary of his passing.

International Guests and Additional Studies:

  Hosting guests from Colombia and Brazil at İİKV and Barla,

Organizing an international university meeting in Osh, Kyrgyzstan,

• A seminar by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kavlak titled "Responses to Atheism and Agnosticism",

• A discussion on a master’s thesis about Islamism and Said Nursi during the Second Constitutional Era as part of Academic Thesis Evaluation Meetings,

 The presentation of Risale-i Nur translations into Italian at an international event in Rome.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Year of Fitrah 2024 will be remembered as a productive year during which the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture successfully promoted the service methodology of Risale-i Nur, Islamic thought, and innovative education models on an international scale. Strengthening cultural and academic collaborations while engaging with the global community, the foundation remains committed to carrying these significant achievements forward and further advancing its work in knowledge, science, and culture.

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This press release provides a brief summary of the diverse activities and international collaborations carried out by the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture in 2024.