Global Scholars and International Guests Gather for TPSS Welcome Dinner at Historical Rüstempaşa Madrasa

The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture (IFKC), in collaboration with Continuum, hosted the prestigious The Prophetic Strategy Summit Welcome Dinner at the historic Rüstempaşa Madrasa (Bediüzzaman Museum).

The event drew prominent Islamic scholars, influential figures, and international attendees from across the globe, including Dr. Yasir Qadhi, Sami Hamdi, and Peter Gould. The program commenced with a beautiful recitation of the Holy Quran by Shaykh Abdurrahman Sayyid. Following the opening, Dr. Yasir Qadhi delivered an inspiring address focusing on the rich history of the Rüstempaşa Madrasa and how the legacy of its legendary architect, Mimar Sinan, is visible all across Istanbul. He then drew a powerful parallel to the struggles of Ustad Bediüzzaman Said Nursi, whose magnum opus the Risale-i Nur Collection has played a central role in the preservation of Muslim identity in Türkiye during challenging times in the early-twentieth century and continues to do so across the world today. Reflecting on the verse, “And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways...” (Surah al-Ankabut: 69), Dr. Qadhi emphasized how Nursi’s sincere devotion opened paths for his work to guide generations back to Allah. Then, Dr. Tubanur Yeşilhark, co-founder of the Continuum Community, delivered an enlightening presentation focusing on Tawhid (monotheism) in the light of the Risale-i Nur. Following, Dr. Yeşilhark Santiago Abdullah Salah  introduced the IFKC it's history and further spoke about Ustad leaving the attendees with important anecdotes that underscore the waqf's mission and purpose. He invites the attendees to visit the IFKC again and to make it their destination for events like these in Istanbul before he handed the microphone to Dr. Mustafa Tuna (Duke University). Dr. Tuna first conveyed the warm greetings of IFKC Director, Said Yüce, and announced an initiative for building unity among Muslims worldwide that the Foundation is planning to organize in the near future. Then, Dr. Tuna briefed the audience about the upcoming 13th International Bediuzzaman Symposium on 4-6 October in Istanbul, where close to 200 academics, Islamic scholars, influencers, and government and NGO representatives will gather to discuss “Qur’anic Solutions to Global Crises."