İİKV "İttihad-ı İslam" Workshop Concluded: The Future Vision of Civilization Examined

The workshop titled "Bediuzzaman and İttihad-ı İslam", hosted by the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture (İİKV), has been completed. The event, where the integration of the Islamic world and the vision of civilization of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, one of its intellectual architects, were discussed, concluded with strategic evaluations centered on investigative faith (tahkikî iman), educational reform, and economic solidarity.

Strong Foundations Beyond Politics

Throughout the workshop, the common view that Islamic unity cannot be confined to narrow and temporary political molds came to the fore. Recalling Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's observation that "Ninety-nine percent of the sphere of İttihad-ı İslam is outside of politics," it was conveyed that the unshakeable foundation of unity is built upon the values of faith, education (maarif), affection, and morality. It was emphasized that politics forms only the visible and narrow side of the coin, while the actual colossal roots are hidden in spiritual bonds.

Transition from the Sword to the Pen and Paradigm Shift

In the workshop, where historical experiences were also examined, it was 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 three great enemies faced by the Islamic world—ignorance, poverty, and conflict—the prescriptions of education, economy, and alliance were respectively presented.

The Double Helix in Education and the Modern "Network" Model

In the educational reform sessions, the "Medresetüzzehra" education model, which holistically integrates religious sciences and modern exact sciences, was brought to the forefront. It was discussed that in today's age of nation-states, instead of a single monolithic structure, a flexible, European Union-style "Network" model (Cemâhir-i Müttefika-i İslâmiye) should be implemented, which provides cultural and economic integration without removing borders.

Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Civilization Project

At the closing of the workshop, the message was given that İttihad-ı İslam is not a romantic nostalgia for the past; on the contrary, it is a proactive, forward-looking civilization project based on faith, knowledge, morality, and justice.