A Cooperation Protocol Signed with Kerim Foundation and NEF Foundation
A cooperation protocol has been signed between Üsküdar University, Kerim Foundation, and Nef Foundation. The aim of this protocol is to conduct joint studies to benefit from researching Islamic civilization and Sufism culture, increasing publications in this field, and preserving cultural heritage.
Speaking at the signing of the protocol, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan said that "When we act with sincerity and dedication, Allah will protect and support us."
The parties gathered for the signing ceremony at the Nef Foundation Kenan Rifai International Sufism Culture Research Center.
At the ceremony, President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, Cemalnur Sargut, Rector’s Advisor and Trustee Member of Kerim Foundation; and Erden Timur, Chairman of the Board of Nef Foundation, were present at the signing table representing their institutions. Prof. Mustafa Kara, the founder of Türkiye’s first Sufism Studies Library in Bursa, attended the event from Bursa. Sait Kayahan, Chairman of the Board of Kerim Foundation, Vice President and Architect of the Center Belgin Birol, and Secretary General Selçuk Uysaler participated in the protocol ceremony. The Institute for Sufism Studies of Üsküdar University was represented by the Institute Director Prof. Elif Erhan, Deputy Director Prof. Emine Yeniterzi, and Faculty Members Prof. Reşat Öngören and Dr. H. Dilek Güldütuna. Some department heads from Üsküdar University, invited guests, and foundation members also attended the ceremony.
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “Our effort and intention must be correct”
At the signing ceremony of the protocol, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving the goal and stated that “If we take concrete steps and set a roadmap, we will be much more effective. If everyone works with a team spirit while maintaining their own identity, the skills required in the 21st century will be easier to acquire. When an ecosystem is created to reach the goal and steps are taken towards a common purpose, productivity increases and results become more successful. At this point, Allah’s help also comes into play. Allah’s help comes when there is a collective movement or unity towards a goal. When we move with a team spirit, destiny starts to work in that direction as well. This is like a spiritual law of psychology. Our task is at least to take the first step on this path and take that position. We may not know the outcome, but at least our effort and intention must be correct."
“It should not be an individual, but a collective effort”
Emphasizing the importance of good intentions and sincere effort, Tarhan stated that “We are responsible for making an effort and serving and the rest is up to Allah. In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah says, ‘If you have good intentions and sincere effort, I am the one who completes it.’ So, good intentions and sincere effort are essential. What matters here is showing real effort. Furthermore, it should not be an individual effort, but a collective effort, meaning the effort of ‘we’ not ‘I’. If this ‘we’ effort is achieved, invisible help comes. Allah sends two angels to those who act with good intentions and sincere effort. These angels inspire good things in them. However, if a person’s intention changes, these angels withdraw and replace them with the devil. Then, the person starts to make mistakes. At this point, sincerity becomes very important.”
“When we act with sincerity and honesty, Allah will protect and support us.”
Explaining that sincerity is a sincere bond between Allah and His servant, Tarhan stated that "A saying by Cüneyd-i Bağdadi deeply affects me: ‘Sincerity is such a secret that the angels do not know to write it, and the devil does not know to spoil it.’ Sincerity is a sincere bond between Allah and His servant. When we act with this sincerity and honesty, Allah will protect and support us.”
Üsküdar University’s Rector Advisor Cemalnur Sargut and Nef Foundation’s Board Chairman Erden Timur expressed their happiness regarding the signed protocol and said they hoped for good work to be carried out.
The items and works exhibited are part of the Kerim Foundation Meşkûre Sargut Collection, registered with the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum…
The Research Center contains two exhibition halls. The first exhibition hall includes information screens and panels telling the biographical story of Kenan Rifai, the late Ottoman Sufi, curated by Burçak Madran. All items and works here are part of the Kerim Foundation Meşkûre Sargut Collection, registered with the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (TİEM). The collection includes some Sacred Relics, Sacred Beard, Cover of the Holy Tomb, and the interior and exterior covers of the Kaaba. The second exhibition hall, titled "Sufism History with Concepts", is curated by Prof. Reşat Öngören and contains graphics, objects, and installations that narrate the history of Sufism through its concepts. The Center, established by Nef Foundation and managed in collaboration with Kerim Foundation, will host some lessons, programs, and guest researchers from Üsküdar University Institute for Sufism Studies.
The Center is open to the public on certain days of the week, and its exhibitions can be visited.
Sufism History is narrated through concepts
In the second exhibition hall, the section titled "Sufism History with Concepts," curated by Prof. Reşat Öngören, a faculty member of the Institute for Sufism Studies at Üsküdar University, is exhibited. This section contains graphics, objects, and museum installations that tell the history of Sufism through its concepts. The exhibition, which was enthusiastically received by the participants, was admired and visited with pleasure.
Üsküdar University Library and Documentation Department Head Sinan Eker announced that Üsküdar University’s electronic database will be shared with the Center to create a joint database.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)