The International Symposium on Arabic Language, Literature, and Rhetoric Studies in the 8th-14th Centuries, organized in collaboration with Istanbul Medeniyet University, Marmara University, IRCICA, and the Center for Islamic Studies (İSAM), was hosted by Marmara University. The symposium took place on December 6-7, 2024, at Marmara University’s Faculty of Theology and provided an academic platform for studies in the field of Arabic Language, Literature, and Rhetoric.
The symposium was attended by prominent figures, including Prof. Dr. Mürteza BEDİR, Member of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and President of İSAM; Prof. Dr. Cengiz TOMAR, Head of Research and Publications at IRCICA; Prof. Dr. Fatih SARIOĞLU, Vice Rector of Istanbul Medeniyet University; Prof. Dr. İsmail Safa ÜSTÜN, Dean of Marmara University’s Faculty of Theology; Prof. Dr. Alican DAĞDEVİREN, Dean of Istanbul Medeniyet University’s Faculty of Islamic Studies, as well as academic experts in the field and students.
The symposium began with opening remarks by the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Dr. Şükran Fazlıoğlu. This was followed by a speech from Prof. Dr. İsmail Safa ÜSTÜN, Dean of Marmara University’s Faculty of Theology, as part of the protocol addresses. After Prof. Dr. İsmail Safa ÜSTÜN’s remarks, Prof. Dr. Fatih SARIOĞLU, Vice Rector of Istanbul Medeniyet University, delivered a speech about the symposium. In his address, Prof. Dr. SARIOĞLU highlighted the importance of Arabic language and literature in Islamic civilization and emphasized the symposium’s significance in bridging the legacy of the past to the present and fostering international academic collaboration. Following this, on behalf of IRCICA Director General Prof. Dr. Mahmud Erol Kılıç, Prof. Dr. Cengiz TOMAR, Head of Research and Publications, greeted the attendees.
The protocol speeches concluded with remarks by Prof. Dr. Mürteza BEDİR, Member of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and President of İSAM. In his opening address, Prof. Dr. BEDİR highlighted the unique role of the Arabic language and literature in fostering intercultural interaction. He emphasized that the 8th-14th centuries marked a golden era in the Islamic world, characterized by the pinnacle of science, art, and culture. He also underlined the contributions of works written in Arabic during this period to the world’s cultural heritage. Prof. Dr. BEDİR noted that Arabic rhetoric is not only a linguistic aesthetic but also a profound expression of thought and creativity. He stressed the need for deeper academic exploration of this legacy and its transmission to future generations. He further underscored that such symposiums serve as vital platforms for strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration.
Following the protocol speeches, Prof. Dr. Cengiz Tomar delivered the opening keynote lecture titled “The Mamluk Period and Its Literature.” The keynote address emphasized the historical development of the Arabic language, its literary achievements, and its contributions to global cultural heritage. Over the two days of the symposium, distinguished scholars examined various aspects of Arabic Language and Literature from the 8th to the 14th centuries.
The event delved deeply into the literary richness of this era, during which Islamic civilization led advancements in science, culture, and the arts. Topics included the artistic and academic dimensions of Arabic rhetoric and the impact of language on societal structures. Additionally, discussions focused on the relevance of works produced during this period to contemporary studies, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.
