The opening programme of the International Imam Bukhari Symposium, which will address the traditional body of knowledge in hadith studies alongside contemporary research methods, with a focus on Imam Bukhari and his work Sahih al-Bukhari, began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem. The programme continued with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by opening speeches by the protocol representatives.

The opening speeches of the symposium, which will be held from 9 to 11 October under the hosting of PAU’s Institute of Islamic Studies, were delivered by Pamukkale University Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör; Honorary President of the Gaye Foundation Prof. Dr. Cevat Akşit; Director of the International Imam Bukhari Research Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan Prof. Dr. Şovosil Ziyadov; Vice Rector of Samarkand University Prof. Dr. Ahmetcan Solaviç; faculty member at 29 Mayıs University and former President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş; Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies (İSAM) and Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Member Prof. Dr. Mürteza Bedir; Deputy President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ahmet İshak Demir; Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Dr. Coşkun Yılmaz; AK Party Denizli Member of Parliament Cahit Özkan; Denizli Member of Parliament Sema Silkin Ün; Denizli Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger; and President of the Council of Higher Education Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar.

YÖK President: “Bukhari’s scholarly journeys, which contributed to the development of hadith studies, remain an important example for academics today.”

Speaking at the opening of the symposium, YÖK President Prof. Dr. Özvar stated that he had first encountered Imam Bukhari during his university years and had read Tecrid-i Sarih for the first time in the year he began university. Noting that he had since devoted a distinct place in his thinking and scholarly work to Imam Bukhari, President Özvar said, “Hadith studies is one of the most important disciplines that distinguishes Islam from other religious traditions. Alongside Imam Bukhari, hadith studies stands at the forefront of the disciplines that convey and explain the true life, daily life and way of living of the Prophet Muhammad to the Muslims who came after him.”

Emphasising that hadith studies also played a role in the development of other disciplines, particularly history, Özvar stated that special attention should be given to hadith studies and Imam Bukhari in the development of historical scholarship in the Islamic world and in the compilation of universal history. Referring to the importance of researchers travelling to different geographical regions to acquire knowledge for scientific advancement, Özvar noted that Imam Bukhari’s scholarly journeys, which contributed to the development of hadith studies, continue to serve as an example for academics today. He stated that the dynamism Imam Bukhari demonstrated in the advancement and compilation of hadith should serve as an example for all Muslims, Muslim scholars and members of the scholarly community. YÖK President Prof. Dr. Özvar also shared his assessments regarding the preparation of a catalogue of Imam Bukhari’s manuscripts. Emphasising that the work to be carried out at the Centre for Islamic Studies would constitute an important service, Özvar added that Yatağan had an established scholarly community and a longstanding tradition of madrasas.

The opening programme of the Imam Bukhari’s Scholarly Legacy: Traditional and Modern Approaches Symposium concluded with the presentation of gifts and a photo session.

At the symposium, which stands out for its international scope, a total of 45 scholars and researchers, 20 of whom are from abroad, will contribute to the programme through their papers and discussions. In addition to academics from the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Algeria, Morocco and Nigeria, numerous scholars specialising in their respective fields from different universities across Türkiye will gather at Pamukkale University’s Institute of Islamic Studies in Yatağan, Denizli. Further information about the symposium, which will take place from 9 to 11 October, is available at the following link: https://www.pau.edu.tr/islamiilimler/tr/sayfa/sempozyum-hakkindaabout-the-symposium-3