The International Theology Program

Hi friends my name is Faruk İdris Şahin. I was born and grew up in Germany. In 2012, I came to Istanbul 29 Mayıs University as an international student sponsored by the Turkish Religious Directorate. I am a third year student in the Department of Islamic and Religious Studies. Our department was founded for the purpose of serving Islam by training and educating theologians. Our department tries to address issues in Islam and around the world from a modern perspective. In our first year, we take one full year of Arabic classes in our preparatory school. At the end of the year, we have the opportunity to go to Jordan to fine tune our Arabic before beginning our official studies. In our first and second year, we take courses on the foundations of Islam. These courses are things like: the Hadith, Islamic Law, and Koranic Interpretation. In our third and fourth years, we take courses that focus more on the philosophy of our faith. With this focus in mind, we can take courses in Greek Philosophy, Islamic Thought and Philosophy, and Islamic History. 40% of our courses are given in Arabic. The biggest advantage we have in our school is the Center of Islamic Research and its library. This library provides a wonderful academic setting for students to achieve their academic goals and aspirations. Our department also has its own library. Our department library is very rich in resources as well. After our four years of education, we graduate with a final thesis. I chose this the International Theology Program for many reasons. It has been enlightened to receive my education abroad and learn from so many wonderful professors from around the world. I love the library, the professors, and academic staff that I have had the privilege to sit under. The most beneficial part of my education has been the access we have had to the best and highest quality libraries. Our libraries are really great. There has not been a resource or a book that I have not been able to find. My program has helped develop me more for my future profession. I would like to pursue and academic career after I graduate. I would recommend all potential students to come and visit our school and talk with our academic staff and other students.