The International Symposium on the Exegesis of Afaqi and Anfusi Verses, organized in collaboration with the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture, the Istanbul Sultanahmet Foundation, and the Daru’l-Ijaz and Daru’l-Irfan Institutes, will be held in Istanbul between December 11–13, 2025.
Planned based on the emphasis that the Holy Quran has been the most fundamental source of guidance and knowledge for Muslims for centuries, this symposium aims to establish a disciplinary framework regarding the "scientific exegesis of cosmic verses," which is gaining increasing importance today.
Scientific Objectives of the Symposium
The following topics will be specifically discussed in the program:
- Methods of scientific exegesis
- Principles of the exegesis of I'jaz (Inimitability)
The relationship between modern scientific approaches and classical exegesis methodology
One of the primary objectives of the symposium is to codify scientific exegesis and I'jaz exegesis in terms of procedure (usul) and to create a methodological ground for studies in this field.
Additionally, within the scope of the program, the scientific exegesis of the Risale-i Nur will be addressed in a special session.
Participants and International Dimension
To this major gathering, organized for the first time this year:
From more than 20 countries
Approximately 30 distinguished Islamic scholars, academicians, and researchers
will participate.
This program, international in nature, aims both to contribute to the tradition of scientific exegesis and to create new opportunities for collaboration among scholars coming from different countries.
Program Schedule and Venue
The symposium will proceed for three days at the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture Conference Hall in the form of:
- Panels
- Paper presentations
- Discussion sessions
“All sessions of the symposium will be conducted in Arabic.”
Related content
13th International Bediuzzaman Symposium
The 13th edition of the Bediuzzaman Symposium, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Knowledge and Culture (İFKC) since 1990, will take place on October 4–6, 2026, in Istanbul. Bringing together hundreds of academics, scholars, madrasa teachers, influencers, media professionals, and senior bureaucrats from across the globe and every continent, the symposium aims to offer solutions to the material and spiritual crises that the world is currently facing. With the participation of individuals from various faiths and cultural backgrounds, the symposium will seek to find answers to today’s global challenges through the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah, under the light of shared human values. A detailed announcement regarding the main theme and subtopics of the symposium will be shared with the public in the coming days.