Opening Program of the 4th International Symposium on the Experience of Coexistence in Islamic Civilization Held at Our University

The opening program of the “4th International Symposium on the Experience of Coexistence in Islamic Civilization,” hosted by our University, was held at the Rectorate Conference Hall.

The symposium, organized to examine the culture of coexistence in Islamic Civilization from historical, social, and intellectual perspectives, brought together the Governor of Kilis, Ömer Kalaylı; Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament Fazıl Mustafa; Chief Public Prosecutor of Kilis Emre Kaya; our Rector, Prof. Dr. Zekeriya Akman; the Rector of Gaziantep University, Prof. Dr. Sait Mesut Doğan; the Rector of Gaziantep Islamic Science and Technology University, Prof. Dr. Şehmus Demir; the Rector of the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Agil Şirinov; protocol members, academics, researchers, students, and international guests.

President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, sent a congratulatory message to the symposium through our Rector, Prof. Dr. Zekeriya Akman. In his message, President Erdoğan stated that he found it highly meaningful and appropriate for such a gathering to be held in Kilis, a city that has demonstrated one of the finest examples of solidarity, assistance, and the will to live together. He also conveyed his congratulations to all those who contributed to the organization of the symposium.

As part of the program, speeches were delivered by Prof. Dr. Şahin Ahmetoğlu (Kilis 7 Aralık University), Vüsal Göyüşov (Azerbaijan Foundation for the Promotion of Spiritual Values), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jarot Wahyudi (Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University, Indonesia), Prof. Dr. Mohamed Sahbi Baazaoui (Al Wasl University, United Arab Emirates), Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Abdelhafez Khalfalla Mohamed (Ain Shams University, Egypt), Prof. Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelkader Aly (October 6 University, Egypt), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Agil Şirinov (Azerbaijan Institute of Theology), Member of Parliament Fazıl Mustafa, our Rector Prof. Dr. Zekeriya Akman, and the Governor of Kilis, Ömer Kalaylı.

In their speeches, the participants addressed the concept of coexistence in Islamic Civilization, the historical ties established among different cultures, the tradition of social solidarity, and a civilization-centered approach that places humanity at its core. It was emphasized that holding the symposium in Kilis carries special significance in light of the city’s historical experience and responsibilities. The speakers also highlighted the importance of academic studies aimed at strengthening the culture of coexistence in today’s world.

During the program, Rector Akman provided information regarding the “ENSAR Award: Contributors to the Experience of Coexistence in Islamic Civilization,” which was presented for the first time this year. He announced that the Organizing Committee had decided to confer the award upon President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in recognition of his contributions to the culture of coexistence and solidarity.

The opening program concluded with a commemorative group photograph. The sessions of the 4th International Symposium on the Experience of Coexistence in Islamic Civilization will continue over the course of three days.