A Journey from Past to Future
Our story, stretching from the Higher Islamic Institutes to the present day. Click each era for details.
Imam Hatip Schools Are Founded
Details +Based on Article 4 of the Law on the Unification of Education, Imam Hatip Schools were established to train Türkiye's religious officials; they produced their first graduates in 1958.
Istanbul Higher Islamic Institute
Details +On 17 November 1959, a four-year Higher Islamic Institute was opened in Istanbul to admit Imam Hatip graduates. It was followed by Konya (1962), Kayseri (1965), İzmir (1966), Erzurum (1969), Bursa (1975), Samsun (1976) and Yozgat (1979).
The Federation and the Birth of the Journal
Details +Under the leadership of Cahit Baltacı and his colleagues, the Federation of Higher Islamic Institute Students was founded, and a journal titled "Islamic Civilization" began publication. Its first issue reached readers in August 1967.
The Islamic Civilization Foundation Is Established
Details +Registered on 24 January 1974 by decision no. 1974/13 of the Istanbul 8th Civil Court of First Instance. The journal was transferred to the foundation, gaining an institutional identity, and published 44 issues over 5 publication periods until 1982.
A New Leap Forward
Details +With Reşat Erol joining the foundation's administration, the dormant period ended; the foundation moved to the Istanbul Faculty of Theology campus, meeting students, faculty members and alumni, and hosting joint projects and events.
The Üsküdar Headquarters
Details +The foundation moved into its four-storey headquarters near Üsküdar Square. The Eastern Languages Research and Development Center was established, launching regular seminars in Arabic, Ottoman Turkish and Persian. Its Arabic classes were the first in Istanbul taught by native Arabic-speaking instructors.
Madrasat al-Rahma
Details +In cooperation with the Üsküdar District Governorate, the Directorate of National Education and the Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Foundation, a school serving the children of our Syrian brothers and sisters was opened; around 180–200 students received free education from 20 teachers.
An Expanding Curriculum
Details +In addition to language courses, weekly seminars on tafsir methodology, fiqh methodology, understanding the Qur'an and fair economics are held regularly. Around 200 participants benefit from these programs every year.
Journal of Islamic Civilization
Civilization
A Half-Century Academic Legacy
The Journal of Islamic Civilization (JIC) began publication in August 1967. In 1974, the Islamic Civilization Foundation was established in its name, giving the journal an institutional identity; over 5 publication periods it contributed 44 issues to the academic world until September 1982.
Championing Islamic civilization, culture, art and literature, the journal covered a broad field extending from Islamic economics — interest, banking, workers' rights — to law and politics, on a scholarly footing removed from daily politics. Today the journal continues publication on DergiPark and has reached Volume 12, Issue 54.
Editors: Prof. Dr. Yusuf Sayın · Dr. Fatih Yıldırım
DergiPark Page ↗Scholars Who Contributed to the Journal
Distinguished figures of Turkish intellectual life contributed valuable writings to the Journal of Islamic Civilization.
Hearts Kneaded with Knowledge
An approach to service that values thought and touches hearts, in education, culture and social work.
Eastern Languages Center
Courses in Arabic, Ottoman Turkish, Persian, Urdu and Hindi. Arabic classes are taught by native Arabic-speaking instructors.
Classical Islamic Sciences
Weekly seminars on tafsir methodology, fiqh methodology and understanding the Qur'an.
Fair Economics Seminars
Fair economics studies and discussion sessions continuing the tradition of Islamic economics.
Academic Publishing
In-depth articles in theology, economics and international relations through the Journal of Islamic Civilization.
Humanitarian Aid & Education
Entirely free education and supplementary classes for Syrian students through the Madrasat al-Rahma school.
Seminars & Conferences
Regular scholarly gatherings passing on cultural heritage and the legacy of civilization to new generations.
Join Us on This Blessed Journey
📍 Address
Mimar Sinan Mah. Selam-i Ali Efendi Caddesi, next to Ara Kafe, No:17
Üsküdar / Istanbul 34672, Türkiye
🌐 Social Media
📰 Journal
Current issues of the Journal of Islamic Civilization are published on DergiPark.
Our four-storey foundation building is within walking distance of Üsküdar Square.