THE 29TH DEANS' MEETING OF FACULTIES OF THEOLOGY AND ISLAMIC SCIENCES IN Türkiye WAS HELD IN GAZIANTEP.

The 29th meeting of the Council of Deans of Faculties of Theology and Islamic Sciences of Turkey was held in Gaziantep on April 17, 2025, hosted by Gaziantep Islamic Science and Technology University (GİBTÜ). The meeting was attended by 78 deans and 14 rectors from universities across Turkey, including our Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Abdullah Hikmet ATAN, as well as numerous academics.

Opening speeches were delivered by the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar; the Rector of GİBTÜ and President of the Council of Deans Prof. Dr. Şehmus Demir; the Governor of Gaziantep, Kemal Çeber; and the Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, Fatma Şahin.

The meeting focused on Quality Improvement Studies in Faculties of Theology and Islamic Sciences of Turkey, and commission reports prepared under 8 separate headings were discussed. The following points were included in the final declaration of the meeting, which took place in a productive discussion environment:

TURKEY FACULTIES OF THEOLOGY AND ISLAMIC SCIENCES

29th DEANS' MEETING FINAL DECLARATION

April 17, 2025

The final declaration of the 29th Deans' Meeting of Turkey's Faculties of Theology and Islamic Sciences, focusing on Quality Improvement Studies, held on April 17, 2025, at Gaziantep Islamic Science and Technology University with the participation of the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol ÖZVAR, is as follows:

Our world is undergoing a major transformation in social, cultural, economic, political, and other aspects. As part of this transformation, the forces striving to deepen and perpetuate the existing global system are increasing their pressure on developing and underdeveloped countries, especially the Islamic world. A typical example of this is the Gaza massacre, which has been ongoing for approximately 18 months in full view of the world. We demand an immediate end to these attacks, which have so far resulted in the deaths of 51,000 people, the injury of 200,000, and the loss of homes, jobs, and futures for two million people. Fighting for an end to Israel's genocidal attacks and for the liberation of the Palestinian people is a great responsibility on the shoulders of every individual, society, and country with moral and humanitarian values.

Muslims, above all others, have a great duty to ensure that our world reaches a future where freedom, justice, mercy, and goodness prevail for everyone, regardless of their faith, language, race, or culture. Throughout history, Muslims have established many educational institutions operating with this awareness. Today, the Faculties of Theology and Islamic Studies are at the forefront of institutions representing this mission in Turkish higher education. These institutions constitute an important pillar of the historical vision of Islamic civilization, which addresses all of humanity.

The Faculties of Theology and Islamic Studies are institutions where studies are conducted that counter currents that distort human nature, divide the human family into classes, and produce violence and terror. One of the fundamental goals of these institutions is to cultivate individuals who uphold national, spiritual, and human values, prioritize the benefit of society over personal gain, are aware of their responsibilities, and possess a broad worldview. Faculties of Theology and Islamic Studies, working towards this mission and goal, pave the most secure and effective path to a more just and free world.

Faculties of Theology and Islamic Studies are the only academic and intellectual point of resistance preventing the legitimization of radical tendencies spreading in the Islamic world in the name of religion. By producing profound religious knowledge, they counter the danger of all kinds of extremist/violent interpretations in the name of religion (the Islamization of radical rebellion/the presentation of heretical spiritual movements as religion), thus preventing excommunication and violence. Without these institutions, preventing the chaos stemming from the misinterpretation of religion is almost impossible.

Furthermore, in the face of superficial religious discussions created by the media and popular discourse, Faculties of Theology and Islamic Studies are the only institutions offering academic depth and critical analysis. Faced with the ruthless transformative effect of popular culture, Faculties of Theology and Islamic Studies offer a significant critical perspective through the scientific knowledge and viewpoints they produce. Extreme tendencies such as apostasy or radicalization can only be balanced by a solid theological foundation. While inadequate religious discourses trigger social polarization, the interdisciplinary studies of our faculties fill this void.

The Faculties of Theology and Islamic Studies in Türkiye undertake the mission of producing solutions from an Islamic perspective to contemporary problems emerging in all regions, especially the Middle East. They play a critical role in producing religious content on current issues such as women, family, and globalization, reconciling tradition with modernity. Without the scientific studies in these institutions, the Islamic world cannot respond to its "identity crisis in the face of Western hegemony" and cannot make its voice heard at the international level.

In short: Faculties of Theology and Islamic Studies are the brake/solution to the artificial chaos created in the name of religion, the scientific basis of the social understanding of religion, and the intellectual guide of the Islamic world.

Our faculties are deeply rooted in history...