A Panel with broad participation was held within the scope of Sufi Studies Summer School

IV International Sufi Studies Summer School, which was organized by Üsküdar University Institute for Sufi Studies between 20-28 July 2022, was completed. Within the scope of the summer school, a panel was held with the participation of important names from Türkiye and abroad. Speaking at the opening of the panel with the video message he sent, Tarhan drew attention to digitalization. Tarhan also underlined that the ashes of tradition are not something to be worshiped, however, something to revive the fire within.

IV International Sufi Studies Summer School held by Üsküdar University Institute for Sufi Studies, was completed. 115 students from Türkiye and abroad participated in the program. Within the scope of the program carried out with the participation of important figures at the national and international level, a panel with broad participation was also held at the Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall.

Those who participated in panel as speakers under the coordinatorship of Summer School Coordinator, Üsküdar University Institute for Sufi Studies, Asst.  Prof. Cangüzel Güner Zülfikar are as follows: Üsküdar University Advisor to Rector Cemalnur Sargut, Prof. Reşat Öngören, Asst. Prof. Dilek Güldütuna, Asst. Prof. Arzu Eylül Yalçınkaya and Prof.  Carl W. Ernst, Prof. James W. Morris, Prof. Mohammed Rustom, Prof. Bruce B. Lawrence, Prof. Miriam Cooke, and Prof. Omneya Ayad.

President of Üsküdar University Prof.  Nevzat Tarhan also participated in the video message he sent.

 “Is everything that is digital or is everything digital?”

Tarhan pointed out the existence of matter and digitalization in his speech in the context of his opening speech. Tarhan said “They have opinions that seem like it is a kind of polytheism, but there is a serious digital transformation going on in the world right now. Digitalization in the world is at this point is new state of matter has been detected. There are air, liquid and gas states of matter, and a new state has been added: the information state. Right now, there is information in the universe first. Then there is the matter… It was said about digitalization that ‘Digitalization is important for everything. Everything is digital.' In fact, everything has become digital. Everything is going digital and the point of view of the universe Ibn Arabi's use of Allah's names and attributes shows that this issue of body of unity, unity of existence, has actually defined a new universe, and is currently in the digital universe, digital-based universe thesis. We can see that it overlaps very nicely.”.

 “Tradition is not something to be worshiped on its ashes, but something to revive the fire within”

Tarhan stated that the ashes of tradition are not something to be worshiped, but something to revive the fire inside and said “In order for us to revive the tradition, it is necessary to act and behave according to the conditions of this time. In other words, it is said for declamation, what are the rulings of this time in the manner of acting in agreement with eloquence? We deal with Sufism in accordance with that. We deal with the university in scientific standards, we measure it scientifically. We investigate and discuss. For this reason, I would like to thank all the participants, all the employees and those who put their effort within the Institute for Sufi Studies at our university, and all the valuable speakers from the USA and Canada, and present my respects.”.

Prof.  Cemalnur Sargut: “Love of God keeps people away from stress”

Üsküdar University Advisor to Rector Cemalnur Sargut, who was among the panelists, stated in his speech that the only thing that keeps people alive in this world is service and being useful. Sargut said “There is a saying by Sinan Canan; ‘As a person ages, their brain shrinks. There is only one thing that prevents this. It is to serve the human world and to stay away from stress.' Love of God keeps people away from stress. Thank you all so much.”.

Summer school concert was performed

A concert was also held as part of the summer school, which was held with the support of the Corner and Kerim Foundation with face-to-face or online participation.

Lâ Edrî Sufi Music Society, led by Prof. Vasfi Emre Ömürlü, gave a public concert at Üsküdar University Nermin Tarhan Hall.

At the end of the concert, which was followed with admiration, Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Haydar Sur presented gifts to the society members.

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)