The Department of the Study of Religions, Faculty of Usuluddin, organized a one-day international seminar on the study of religions in Turkiye and Pakistan. The event brought together scholars and academics to discuss the academic methodologies and contributions of Muslim scholars in the field.
Professor Dr. Taj Afsar, Dean of the Faculty of Usuluddin, welcomed the delegation and highlighted the historical ties between Turkiye and Pakistan. He acknowledged the longstanding academic collaboration between Turkish universities and the Faculty of Usuluddin at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), expressing optimism for further joint research and academic exchange.
Professor Dr. Bulent Senay, a scholar in the History of Religions and Culture from Bursa Uludag University, delivered the keynote address. He examined the role of Muslim intellectual traditions in shaping knowledge across disciplines and discussed methodologies for enhancing inter-civilizational dialogue. He emphasized the need to develop a non-Western academic base while fostering constructive engagement with contemporary academic discourse.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Akram, Chairperson of the Department of the Study of Religions, stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced approach that aligns with both traditional Muslim scholarship and modern academic frameworks. Dr. Munjid Abu Bakr of Istanbul University presented an analysis of the Quranic perspective on the rise and fall of civilizations and the responsibilities of Muslims in the present era.
A discussion session followed, allowing participants to engage in critical dialogue on the themes presented. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Akram, reaffirming the department’s commitment to academic inquiry and collaboration.