The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture has conducted an international education programme with students and professors from Ternopil University, Ukraine. The title of the one-week programme, which began on the 1st of October, was "Islamic History And Religious Education In Turkey".
At the opening of the programme, IFSC Executive President Said Yuce gave a talk focussing on "Common Human Values And Education" where he criticised the modern education system for its serious deficiency and lack of explanation of a Creator behind apparent causes and effects. "Human beings do not merely possess an intellect; they also have a heart. When the religious sciences and the secular sciences are combined as one, then the result is a true and balanced education system". Yuce also mentioned that human beings need to be raised with spiritual values and principles inculcated such as mutual assistance, sharing, and affection. The education system that comprises such principles would involve the combination of material and spiritual values into one unity, he said.
Dr. Ms. Ella Bystrytska of Ternopil University followed Mr Yuce's talk by mentioning the impact of communism on the religious life of her country. "Religion was forbidden during the Soviet era. We, as a group, actually have little knowledge of how religious life was practised before that period." She also said that there was a need to research about the roots from where religious practices arise. "There are faculties of Religious Studies in Ukraine, but we have lack of knowledge concerning religions other than Christianity. We need to learn more about these other religions, especially Islam", she said. Dr. Ella also remarked that "As researches of religions, we are influenced by the subjects of our research. Because we are not familiar with each other and because we are different, there is a mutual fear. If we understand each other and become familiar with each other, then it will become possible to perform and carry out beautiful projects together".
Dr. Ella also commented on Said Yuce's discussion of modern materialistic education systems by commenting "Christians also experience an irreligious education system in our countries". She argued that education systems should be geared more towards human values and that an education system geared to both the heart and mind (as mentioned by Said Yuce) is compelling as an idea.
Other contributions throughout the week were as follows:
Prof. Dr. Ilham Mirac gave presentations on "Islam, Science, and Education", "Introduction To Islamic Theology: Faith, Worship, Morality", and "Who is Said Nursi? What type of Exegesis Is The Risale-i Nur?" Prof. Dr. Sabri Eyigun discussed "The Relationship Between Belief And Moral Conduct" and "Islam and the Family" and Prof. Dr. Ali Aslan gave a presentation on "Ottoman History". Other presenters included Prof. Dr. Alparslan Acikgenc who covered topics such as philosophy, sufism, and Islamic conceptions of science and knowledge" as well as presentations from the Ukranian scholars on Christianity and Ukranian cultural habits.
The guests from Ukraine also took the opportunity to visit various mosques and museums in Istanbul throughout the week in order to increase their appreciation and understanding of Islamic history, muslim traditions and ways of life.
At the close of the programme the participants were handed certificates and other gifts by the representatives of the Foundation. Said Yuce stated that "This has not just been an academic programme between two institutions, but hopefully the start of greater and wider activities and endeavours, God Willing".
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Ms. Ella Bystrytska expressed how much she enjoyed her time throughout the week, "The lessons and seminars here were very interesting, and we benefited much from the teachers and the overall programme."
"Every human being is like a world in minature", she added. Stating that "Let us become more acquainted with each other and practice more co-operative efforts. We have relations in history, both recent and in distant past and we should not break with that in the future. We should have respect and reverence for each others' culture and civilization. Again, I thank you for your hospitality and the efforts of your staff and lecturers. We are expecting you as guests in Ukraine very soon".
Vitaliy Babiy, a Ukranian student expressed his wish to speak on behalf of the students present at the programme: "We wish to offer our thanks and appreciation for the hospitality of your Foundation, your staff as well as our academicians who worked hard and encouraged us to come to Turkey to attend. We promise to all our teachers here that we will work harder and read more".
Related content
The International Unit of İİKV Explained Risale-i Nur at the Qadiri Gathering in Gambia
Representatives of the International Unit of the Istanbul Foundation for Knowledge and Culture (İİKV) attended the traditional annual gathering of the Qadiri community held in the African country of Gambia. As part of the program, the İİKV delegation came together with Sheikh Muhammad Gilani, one of the descendants of His Holiness Abdul Qadir Gilani and one of the most important spiritual leaders of the Qadiri path today. In the gathering, which took place in a spiritual atmosphere, various lessons and dhikr circles were conducted.