Istanbul:
Delivering his guest address, Dr. MAH Azhari, Director of Jamia Markaz,
emphasized that the model, displayed by the 6th International
Graduate Conference at Istanbul, could be followed by Islamic Universities in
other parts as well.
The
Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture were the organizers and the
conference offered a unique opportunity for the doctoral and master’s students
to develop their understanding of Said Nursi, a great reformer popularly known as Bediüzzaman, was the
19th century Sunni Muslim theologian, and identified by his renowned
philosophy, the Risale-i Nur Collection, a body of Qur'anic commentary
exceeding six thousand pages. Importantly, the format for
this conference was an evolution and a refinement compared to previous
conferences because of its more allocation of time for students to discuss
their papers and receive further reviews.
The
design of these conferences has always been to provide a platform for students
and scholars to share their ideas and develop thoughts as well as offer
constructive criticism of their works. It has a track record of attracting
newcomers to Nursi studies and inspiring them for the reason that the
constructive ideas and fruitful dialogue that emerges in the conference milieu
and which sends a positive message to the rest of the Muslim world.
Dr.
Azhari was the chief guest from India, in Istanbul, for the Graduate Conference,
which was the largest, with more than 60 young scholars and observers from
around the world attending the event in Turkey, the medium of which was
English. This time delegates included from countries like the USA, England,
Iran, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Malaysia, and South Africa apart
from local participation. Muhammad Roshan and Muhammad Ashraf, both students of
Jamia Markaz also presented papers in the three-day conference, held between
the 14th and 16th June at the BikaSuites Hotel featuring vibrant programmes
that included a Bosphoros tour and a memorable gala dinner at Rustem Pasa
Madrasa.
The
conference was chaired by five senior academics, namely, Dr. Ian Markham of the
Virginia School of Theology (USA), Dr Colin Paul Turner of Durham University
(UK), Dr Sait. M. Özervarl of Yildiz Technical University (Turkey), Dr Farid
Alatas of Singapore National University, and Ismail Hacınebioğl from Süleyman
Demirel University (Turkey), respectively in the morning and afternoon sessions
of the three days. Each chairperson administered the presentations of two
graduates, making a total of nine made
on Nursi and all of them were well-received and fostered extensive and
productive discussions.