“27th Theology and Islamic Sciences Faculties Deans Council Meeting” was held at our university.

The meeting held in the Conference Hall of the Morphology building was attended by the President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, Mayor of Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Dr. Mehmet Hilmi Güler, Ministry of National Education General Director of Religious Education Mehmet Nezir Gül, Rector of our University Prof. Dr. Ali Akdoğan, Rector of Yalova University Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bahçekapılı, Rector of Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Alişarlı, Vice Rectors of our University Prof. Dr. Niyazi Tasci and Prof. Dr. Tahsin Tonkaz, Deans of the Faculty of Theology, representatives of public institutions and organizations, academic staff and guests attended via video conference.

Head of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş stated in his speech, “Research from past to present on the axis of religion, religiosity and religious life clearly shows that although there have been some differences in the historical process, religion has always found a response and meaning in people's agenda and life. Today, it is important that Muslims' acquis in science and civilization is properly understood and known in all its aspects. In the light of the basic principles and dynamics of Islamic thought, there is a need to reproduce knowledge according to the needs of the era. Today, false religious knowledge, unhealthy religious conceptions and the abuse of religious concepts by taking them out of their context clearly show that there is a need for generations who understand the deep-rooted and comprehensive accumulation of Islamic civilization, who know their era well, who will rebuild the present and build the future. There is a need for curricula and institutions that will raise this generation. Solving these needs permanently depends on the efforts of our scientists. Theology education has a deep and deep-rooted history in the context of our civilization acquis. The picture that emerges in terms of the number of faculties reached today, academic staff and student potential is of course important, but more importantly, the information produced here has a quality that contributes to life, society, humanity and the future of the world. It is important to transform the current potential into a permanent benefit for humanity with a correct methodology and a realistic approach. In this context, it is important to consider the curriculum of the Faculties of Theology and Islamic Sciences in detail, to strengthen them with comprehensive negotiations, consultations and joint studies, and to move the existing opportunities to a higher point.”

Making the opening speech of the meeting, our University Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Akdogan expressed his thoughts and feelings, “Today, which is defined as the information age, it is desirable that religious life be based on scientific and original religious knowledge and healthy practice. Theoretical religious knowledge is produced in faculties of theology and its applications in daily life are seen. Of course, we want every Muslim to show this religious information in their daily life in a way that is true to the original, as feelings, thoughts and behaviors, and for other people to live depending on this original source. The centers where religious education is held at the highest level in our country are the faculties of theology. I am one of those who believe that the religious information produced here is extremely important. The production of religious knowledge based on the Qur'an and sunnah, which is based on the basic values and references of religion, is extremely meaningful for this society to apply religious knowledge to their daily lives. I believe that this is necessary in terms of providing religious services, being based on knowledge, being on a scientific basis, and acting in accordance with the moral values of the society. While bringing religious knowledge to this society, we need to focus on the equipment and qualities of the students who are educated in theology faculties. An assimilated model of piety in accordance with the will of Allah, the book and the sunnah is a responsibility expected from us, from the people involved in this business. With these feelings and thoughts, I wish our program to be beneficial and auspicious from Almighty Allah.”

Yalova University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bahçekapılı stated, “From past to present, religious education has not developed in a monolithic order. Of course, this has caused the structure of the system to take on an eclectic structure and has led to the emergence of some problems in both legal and structural terms. The change in the political perspective on religious education after 2003 not only expanded the field of actors, but also contributed to the serious development of institutions serving in the field of religious education. In the next period, in the context of today's agenda, we need to make serious efforts to restructure the future of our theology faculties and a perspective that is open to the future.

Expressing his pleasure to be at the deans meeting held at Ordu University, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Alişarlı wished the meeting to be beneficial.

Mehmet Nezir Gül, Director General of Religious Education, stated, “It is very important that we, as the General Directorate of Religious Education of the Ministry of National Education, negotiate and cooperate with both the Directorate of Religious Affairs and the faculties of theology, so I believe that this meeting is of great importance. I believe that our observations, evaluations and decisions together will be much more fruitful. We care about tradition, but we try to open the horizon with a true tradition, free from all kinds of superstitions of the future, our goal, our aim is one at this point. I think that there is no difference in the common goals of theology faculties, the Presidency of Religious Affairs and the General Directorate of Religious Education. May our meeting be good, may Allah's mercy be upon us all.”

Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Mehmet Hilmi Guler said, “I think that this meeting should shed light on the practices of producing solutions in a place where education is the main element, not only as the curriculum of the faculties, but directly, from the cradle to the grave. The manifestation of truth arises from submission to God, knowledge and observance of consultation. So these three elements are here. I hope that the results of this meeting should be related not only to Turkey but also to the whole world. I am extremely happy and pleased to welcome you, and I wish the meeting to be beneficial.”

In the first session of the meeting, which was held in two sessions, Prof. Dr. Hüsnü Ezber Bodur made a presentation on "The Future of Religious Life in the Light of the Past". In the second session, Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bostancı, the curricula of the Faculties of Theology and Islamic Sciences were evaluated. Under the management of Prof. Dr. İbrahim Hilmi Karslı, the expectations of the Presidency of Religious Affairs from the Faculties of Theology and Islamic Sciences were discussed. Afterwards, the members of the executive committee were elected.