The Conference titled “Healing Power of Sufism” organized by Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) Faculty of Theology was held with wide participation.
The program held at Faculty of Theology Doç. Dr. Ali Arslan Conference Hall was attended by BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, faculty member of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Prof. Dr. Kadir Köse, Director of MEDEM Prof. Dr. Nuran Çetin, academics, and students.
The program began with a moment of silence and singing of the National Anthem. It was followed by the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Ahmet Can Keskin. Following the recitation, a work of Yunus Emre “Bana seni gerek, seni” was performed by a Faculty of Theology student.
In his opening speech, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer emphasized the significance of sufism in a person’s life and stated that one of the most significant values one needs in his life in the modern world is spiritual depth. Rector Prof. Dr. Özölçer highlighted that “The essence of Islam is ethics and a clear soul. Sufism is being able to say “we” letting go of “I”. What clears the heart is a journey of wisdom.” He thanked all those who contributed to the program and extended his gratitude to particularly the guest speaker Sivas Cumhuriyet University Prof. Dr. Kadir Özköse and contributing academics and participants.
In his presentation titled “Healing Power of Sufism”, the guest speaker Prof. Dr. Kadir Özköse highlighted the ways Sufism strengthen social relations and mend one’s internal world. Known for his academic studies in the field, Prof. Dr. Özköse stated that Sufism is not just a theoretical intellectual system, but a discipline that enables one have spiritual balance.
In his speech, Özköse stated that Sufism provides spiritual solutions for the modern life problems such as stress and loneliness through values including patience, gratitude, modesty, and love. He also stated that the Sufism tradition contributed to strengthening social unity, tolerance, and solidarity.
At the end of his speech, Özköse extended his gratitude to the Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, who hosted the event. He also thanked the Director of MEDEM Prof. Dr. Nuran Çetin, academics, and all participants.
The program concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation and a commemorative photo following the Q&A session.
