2022-2023
The Concept of Constitutionalism in the Context of the Secularization of Political and Legal Knowledge in the Ottoman Empire
As the Boğaziçi University Islamic Studies Club, we organized a conference titled "The Concept of Constitutionalism in the Context of the Secularization of Political and Legal Knowledge in the Ottoman Empire", where we explored the process of secularization in Ottoman politics and law through the concept of constitutionalism. This event, presented by Erdal Kurğan, examined in detail how constitutional debates evolved between 1860 and 1911 and how this concept transformed within Ottoman politics.
In this conference, topics such as the impact of constitutional legal and political reforms on Ottoman society, the changing relationship between law and politics in the modernization process, and how secularization was discussed in the Ottoman intellectual sphere were addressed.
Date: March 14, 2023 (Tuesday)
Time: 18:00
Location: NH 105
As the Boğaziçi Islamic Studies Club, we continued organizing events that examined the transformation of the Ottoman political and legal structure. For more information about our past events and activities, you can visit our social media accounts.
Twitter & Instagram: @bisakboun
Islamic Thought in the Contemporary World
As the Boğaziçi University Islamic Studies Club, we organized a conference titled "Islamic Thought in the Contemporary World", where we explored how Islamic thought is positioned within the framework of modern world dynamics and dominant values. In this event, presented by Prof. Dr. Ömer Mahir Alper, we discussed in detail what contemporary Islamic thought conveys today and how it should be understood, tracing its development since the Golden Age of Islam.
This conference addressed topics such as the relationship between Islamic thought and the intellectual and moral codes of the modern era, the influence of tradition and modernity on Islamic thought, and how new interpretations should be approached in this context.
Date: March 20, 2023 (Monday)
Time: 18:30
Location: NH 301
As the Boğaziçi Islamic Studies Club, we continued organizing events that examined both historical and contemporary aspects of Islamic thought. For more information about our past events and activities, you can visit our social media accounts.
Twitter & Instagram: @bisakboun
Fasting in the Context of the Metaphysics of Worship
As the Boğaziçi University Islamic Studies Club, we organized a conference titled "Fasting in the Context of the Metaphysics of Worship", where we explored the metaphysical dimension of fasting and its role in human spiritual transformation. This event, presented by Ekrem Demirli, discussed in detail how fasting, being a negative (abstaining-based) act of worship, should be understood from the perspective of worship metaphysics.
In this conference, topics such as what distinguishes fasting from other acts of worship, how hunger contributes to one's spiritual transformation, and the teachings fasting offers regarding self-awareness were explored.
Date: March 21, 2023 (Tuesday)
Time: 17:30
Location: NH 105
As the Boğaziçi Islamic Studies Club, we continued organizing events that explored the metaphysical dimensions of worship. For more information about our past events and activities, you can visit our social media accounts.
Twitter & Instagram: @bisakboun
Istanbul Lodges and Sufi Music
As part of the 7th Traditional Book Fair, the Boğaziçi University Islamic Studies Club organized a conference on "Istanbul Lodges and Sufi Music". Held on May 2, 2023, this event explored the historical journey of Sufism in Istanbul, the scholarly and cultural roles of lodges, and the development of Sufi music.
Speaker: Hakan Alvan
Date: May 2, 2023 (Tuesday)
Time: 17:30
This conference examined the historical heritage of lodges in Istanbul, their place within the Sufi tradition, and their relationship with music. Additionally, discussions were held on the impact of Sufi music on the spiritual world and how it evolved over time.
As Boğaziçi Islamic Studies Club, we have addressed the scientific, intellectual and cultural dimensions of Istanbul in our past events. You can follow our social media accounts to get more information about our previous events and examine the work done.
Twitter & Instagram: @bisakboun
Scenes from the Life of Old Istanbul
As part of the 7th Traditional Book Fair, the Boğaziçi University Islamic Studies Club organized a conference titled "Scenes from the Life of Old Istanbul". Held on May 3, 2023, this event explored the historical fabric, daily life, and social structure of Istanbul.
Speaker: Ali Şükrü Çoruk
Date: May 3, 2023 (Wednesday)
Time: 17:00
Location: NH 405
This conference examined the daily life of past centuries in Istanbul, neighborhood culture, its streets, and changes in daily living. Additionally, discussions were held on how old Istanbul was depicted in literary works and memoirs.
As Boğaziçi Islamic Studies Club, we continued to address the historical, cultural and social aspects of Istanbul in our past events. You can follow our social media accounts to get more information about our previous events and examine the work done.
Twitter & Instagram: @bisakboun
From Islamic Unity to Turan: The Ideological Shift of the Young Turks
As Boğaziçi University Islamic Studies Club, we organized a conference titled "From Islamic Unity to Turan: The Ideological Shift of the Young Turks," where we examined the ideological transformations in the late Ottoman period and the shift of the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) from Islamism to Turkism. The event featured a valuable presentation by Vahdettin Işık.
In this conference, we discussed the political transformation of the CUP, ideological debates during the decline of the Ottoman Empire, and the lasting effects of these ideas today. The emergence of Islamism and Turkism in the late Ottoman period, their influence on governance, and their connection to nationalism were thoroughly analyzed.
Date: November 1, 2022, Tuesday
Time: 18:00
Location: New Hall 401
As Boğaziçi Islamic Studies Club, we continued organizing events that explored different perspectives on Ottoman intellectual history and its impact on modern Turkey. For more information about our past events and activities, visit our social media accounts.
Twitter & Instagram: @bisakboun
From the First Martyrdom of the Conquest to the First American College
As Boğaziçi University Islamic Studies Club, we organized a conference titled "From the First Martyrdom of the Conquest to the First American College," where we explored the historical significance of the Rumelihisarı Martyrdom and Robert College. The event, featuring Ali Erken, focused on the transformation of educational institutions from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic and the impact of foreign schools on Turkish modernization.
The conference covered the historical background of the land where Boğaziçi University stands, its strategic importance during Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror's reign, and the evolution of educational institutions during the Ottoman modernization period. The discussion also included the historical significance of the Rumelihisarı Martyrdom and the influence of Robert College—the first American college in Turkey—on both the Ottoman and Republican eras.
Date: November 4, 2022, Friday
Time: 17:30
Location: EF 106
As Boğaziçi Islamic Studies Club, we continued organizing events that explored the historical backgrounds of significant locations and the transformation of educational institutions. For more information about our past events and activities, visit our social media accounts.
Twitter & Instagram: @bisakboun
Hollywood as a Tool of Power that Destroys Religion
As Boğaziçi University Islamic Studies Club, we organized a conference titled "Hollywood as a Tool of Power that Destroys Religion" to discuss the impact of modern cinema on art and intellectual thought. This event, presented by Enver Gülşen, explored how Hollywood utilizes cinema as a means of cultural hegemony and shapes perceptions of religious thought.
In this conference, we examined mainstream cinema as a postmodern mechanism of ideological influence, discussing its effects on Islamic civilization and other ancient traditions of art. The narrative strategies employed by Hollywood to influence the subconscious and their role in shaping societal thought patterns were also analyzed.
Date: November 14, 2022 (Monday)
Time: 18:30
Location: NH 402
As Boğaziçi Islamic Studies Club, we continued to organize events that explored the influence of media, culture, and art on human thought. To learn more about our past events and activities, you can visit our social media accounts.
Twitter & Instagram: @bisakboun
Islam’s Intercontinental Journey – 1: The Islamization of Southeast Asia
As Boğaziçi University Islamic Studies Club, we held the first session of our conference series "Islam’s Intercontinental Journey" focusing on the Islamization of Southeast Asia. This event, presented by Alaeddin Tekin, provided an in-depth analysis of how Islam spread in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as the historical and contemporary status of Muslims in the region.
The conference covered the interaction between Islam and various cultures, methods of Islamic propagation, and the region’s pre-Islamic social structure. Additionally, discussions included the modern-day position of Muslim communities in Southeast Asia and the challenges they face.
Date: November 18, 2022 (Friday)
Time: 17:30
Location: JF 333
As Boğaziçi Islamic Studies Club, we continued to organize events that examined Islam’s expansion across different geographies and its cultural interactions. To learn more about our past events and activities, you can visit our social media accounts.
Twitter & Instagram: @bisakboun
Philosophy as a Spiritual Discipline
As Boğaziçi University Islamic Studies Club, we organized a conference titled "Philosophy as a Spiritual Discipline" to explore the role of philosophy in an individual’s inner transformation. This event, presented by Gökdemir İhsan, analyzed how philosophy has historically functioned not only as a rational practice but also as a means of spiritual growth.
The conference addressed how, after the Enlightenment, philosophy’s moral and spiritual dimensions were separated, how modern individuals perceive philosophy, and the place of rational thought systems in personal development.
Date: December 6, 2022 (Tuesday)
Time: 18:00
Location: To be announced later.
As Boğaziçi Islamic Studies Club, we continued to organize events that examined the impact of philosophical thought on human spirituality. To learn more about our past events and activities, you can visit our social media accounts.
Twitter & Instagram: @bisakboun
Feast Table at Boğaziçi!
As Boğaziçi University Islamic Studies Club, we brought the one-act comedy "Feast Table" by Tiyatro Külliyen—performed over 500 times—to Boğaziçi University students.
This special theater performance presented a story where spirituality, transformation, and humor intertwined. The play depicted the transformation journey of two drunk men who took refuge in the Hudayi lodge on a cold winter night. The combination of human judgment, habits, ignorance, and inner change with comedic elements offered an experience that was both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Date: November 11, 2022, Friday
Time: 18:30
Location: Demir Demirgil Hall (South Campus)
As Boğaziçi Islamic Studies Club, we continued organizing art, literature, and cultural events that brought students together. For more information about our past events and activities, visit our social media accounts.
Twitter & Instagram: @bisakboun
