İİKV "İttihad-ı İslam" Workshop Begins: The Future Vision of Civilization is Being Discussed
The "İttihad-ı İslam (Islamic Unity) Workshop" organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture (İİKV) has begun. Within the scope of the workshop, the concepts of education, morality, and affection are being discussed centered around the vision of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi.
The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture (İİKV) is hosting a comprehensive workshop titled "From the Splendor of the Past to Its Architecture: The Future of İttihad-ı İslam". Presentations and panels are being held at the event, where the reconstruction of the future is discussed in the light of the vision of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, one of the intellectual architects of the Islamic world.
A Colossal Foundation Beyond Politics
In the workshop, it is emphasized that Islamic unity cannot be confined to a narrow and temporary political framework. Citing Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's observation that "Ninety-nine percent of the sphere of İttihad-ı İslam is outside of politics," it is conveyed that the true, unshakeable foundation of unity is built upon the values of faith, education (maarif), affection, and morality.
Paradigm Shift from the Sword to the Pen
In the program, where historical experiences ranging from the umbrella of the caliphate in the Ottoman era to the crises of the 19th century are examined, a radical paradigm shift is focused upon. It is stated that in the modern age, unity will be possible not through military power (the sword), but through education, the pen, and ideas (maarif). Against the fundamental problems of the Islamic world—ignorance, poverty, and conflict—the prescriptions of education, economy, and alliance are presented.
Medresetüzzehra and the Modern "Network" Model
Within the scope of educational reform, the "Medresetüzzehra" education model, which holistically integrates religious sciences and modern exact sciences, is brought to the forefront. In today's age of nation-states, instead of a single monolithic structure, the necessity of implementing a flexible, European Union-style "Network" model (Cemâhir-i Müttefika-i İslâmiye) that provides cultural and economic integration without removing borders is discussed. The Haramayn al-Sharifayn as the geographical heart, the Sunnah as the moral program, and the Hajj pilgrimage as the periodic congress of the ummah are described as the main pillars of this structure.
The Future Vision of Civilization
The workshop conveys the message that İttihad-ı İslam is not a romantic nostalgia for the past; rather, it is a proactive, forward-looking civilization project based on faith, knowledge, morality, and justice.