ISTANBUL – The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture hosted a high-level Algerian delegation comprising distinguished academics specialising in Islamic civilisation, philosophy and Islamic sciences. During the comprehensive visit, opportunities for cooperation between the academic institutions of the two countries and Türkiye–Algeria relations were discussed.
The Algerian delegation included Prof. Dr. Ahmed Bahri, former Rector of Relizane University and specialist in Islamic civilisation and Ottoman history; Prof. Dr. Abdülmecid Dehhum, former Rector of Tissemsilt University and researcher in modern and contemporary philosophy; and Prof. Dr. Habib Safi, former Rector of Naâma University and specialist in Islamic law, principles of jurisprudence, creed and comparative religions.
The visiting delegation met with Said Yüce, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture; Dr. Ünal Akyüz, President of the Istanbul Civilisation Institute; Abdurrahman es-Seyyid, Head of the Foundation’s Arabic Department; Muhammed İgedi, Coordinator of the Arabic Department; Dr. Hadi Vennas, Academic Officer of the Arabic Department; and Dr. Salim Zeyban, a member of the Arabic Department.
Emphasis on Intellectual Independence and Islamic Unity
The meeting addressed in depth the intellectual and civilisational challenges facing the Islamic world. Discussions focused in particular on transforming Islamic unity from a theoretical ideal into a concrete and achievable objective, the paths that could be pursued to this end, and the intellectual and institutional obstacles standing in its way.
The meeting also considered the dominance of Western thought in educational institutions and its effects on the intellectual and cultural identity of the Islamic world. It emphasised the need to strengthen the intellectual independence of academic institutions and develop educational approaches capable of addressing the needs of the age.
Shared Historical Heritage and New Steps in Cooperation
The meeting underscored the deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood and shared historical heritage between Türkiye and Algeria, dating back to the Ottoman period, and highlighted the importance of establishing lasting academic and cultural partnerships on this foundation.
At the conclusion of the visit, agreement was reached on organising joint academic programmes and scholarly events in cooperation with universities and scientific organisations in Türkiye and Algeria, expanding the exchange of academic expertise, and developing opportunities for sustainable cooperation among researchers.
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