Intensive Efforts by the IIKV Board of Trustees in Latin America!

Important Meeting with FAMBRAS in Brazil

The Board of Trustees of the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture (IIKV) held a productive meeting in Brazil with Dr. Ali El Zoghbi, Vice President of FAMBRAS, one of the world’s largest halal certification organizations, and its CEO, Delduque Martins. During the meeting, topics such as FAMBRAS’ collaborations with charitable organizations and halal food companies in Islamic countries, as well as its investments in education and healthcare, were discussed. Additionally, it was decided to cooperate in various fields, including the unified education model.

Educational and Discussion Programs in Colombia

In Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, inspiring study sessions were held at the Nur Madrasa with brothers and sisters who had embraced Islam. The participants expressed great interest in learning about the life and works of Bediüzzaman Said Nursi. Today, a three-day reading program is scheduled in Medellín, with attendees from surrounding cities and countries.

Collaboration with Colombian Universities and Symposium Preparation

A comprehensive meeting was held at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana with deans and faculty members from four of Colombia’s leading universities. During the meeting, agreements were reached on resolving conflicts between different beliefs and cultures and fostering collaboration to address humanity's shared challenges.

•Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

    •    Universidad de La Salle

•Universidad Nacional de Colombia

•Universidad de los Andes

•Universidad del Rosario

Preparations have begun for a comprehensive symposium, which will bring together universities, NGOs, theologians, and religious leaders from across Latin America.

Alliance and Humanity’s Shared Challenges

The discussions extensively analyzed Bediüzzaman Said Nursi’s reflections on the alliance of true believers against oppressive irreligion. His words served as the central theme:

"In the end times, as stated in an authentic hadith, the true devout Christians will unite with the people of the Qur'an to resist their common enemy, irreligion. Even now, believers and followers of truth must form a sincere alliance not only with their fellow believers but also with the true religious leaders of Christianity, avoiding disputes over points of disagreement. They must unite against their shared enemy, aggressive irreligion." (The Flashes, p. 155)

The IIKV’s efforts in Latin America aim to promote peace and cooperation. These initiatives are expected to yield significant outcomes for science and humanity both regionally and globally.

Visit to the Turkish Embassy in Colombia

The IFSC Board of Trustees had a cordial meeting with Beste Pehlivan Sun, Turkey’s Ambassador to Colombia, and her team. The discussion emphasized the Colombian people’s respect for diverse cultures and beliefs and the importance of strengthening relations between the two countries both materially and spiritually.

During their visit, the delegation shared their concerns about the harm caused by the secular and materialist education system, which has, over the past two centuries, severed the connection between the Creator and creation, leading humanity into crisis. These reflections were shared with the Ambassador, fostering a meaningful exchange of ideas.

The visit concluded with well wishes for Ambassador Sun, a dedicated and accomplished diplomat. This meeting laid the groundwork for further strengthening the spiritual dimension of bilateral relations and marked a significant step toward enhanced cooperation between the two nations.