A cooperation agreement has been signed between the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture (IIKV) and the MAQASID INSTITUTE, which is based in the USA and Canada and consists of Muslim scholars.
Reconnecting with Nature Through the Lens of the Qur’an
As part of the cooperation protocol signed by Said Yüce, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Istanbul Science and Culture Foundation (IIKV), and Dr. Ildus Rafikov, Vice President of the Maqasid Institute, a transformative educational program is being launched in partnership with the Canada and US-based Maqasid Institute and IIKV for English-speaking Muslim academics and professionals.
In this context, the "Reading the Book of the Nature" Summer Camp will be held from July 15-22, 2025, in the breathtaking natural settings of Çamdağı and Barla, Turkey.
This week-long retreat offers a unique experience, aiming to develop spiritual awareness and ecological consciousness while reading nature in the light of the Qur'anic verses (Divine signs).
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Discovering Divine Signs in Nature Through a Qur’anic Perspective
This camp is designed to help participants read the Divine signs in nature through a Qur’anic perspective, deepen their contemplation with the teachings of Said Nursi, and strengthen their awareness and appreciation of the Creator.
Focusing on the concept of "ayāt" (signs) in the Qur’an, the camp will teach participants to perceive nature as a "Divine Book". With insights from Islamic teleological approaches and the language of nature, participants will have the opportunity to develop a profound spiritual connection with nature, guided by expert academics and scholars.
Program Objectives:
✔️ Discovering nature as the signs (ayāt) of Allah
✔️ Finding peace and spiritual awareness in nature
✔️ Integrating Islamic principles with ecological responsibility
✔️ Building meaningful connections with like-minded individuals
Meeting Nature Through the Spiritual Legacy of Bediüzzaman Said Nursi
Çamdağı and Barla hold a special place in the spiritual journey of the Islamic thinker and author of Risale-i Nur, Bediüzzaman Said Nursi. Barla is known as the sacred place where Nursi spent many years and wrote his famous Qur’anic commentary, Risale-i Nur.
In this retreat, participants will immerse themselves in serene lakes, lush pine forests, and pristine natural landscapes, experiencing a unique journey at the intersection of Islamic thought and environmental awareness.
Leading Academics and Experts Take Part in the Program
The program is supported by a team of distinguished academics and spiritual guides:
✔️ Said Yüce – Chairman of Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture, expert in Risale-i Nur
✔️ Dr. Yamina Bouguenaya – Founder of "Receiving Nur," researcher in Islamic spirituality and environmental consciousness
✔️ Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Tuna – Faculty member at Duke University, expert in contemporary Muslim thought
✔️ Sheikh Mohammed Foulds – Islamic environmentalist, trained safari guide and tracker
✔️ Prof. Dr. Elmira Ahmetova – Expert in Islamic history and civilization
✔️ Dr. Ildus Rafikov – Researcher at Maqasid Institute
TO REGISTER: https://maqasid.org/education/rbn-retreat/
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