Kilis 7 Aralık University hosted the 4th International Symposium on the Experience of Coexistence in Islamic Civilization, held from May 7–9, 2026, in Kilis, Turkey. This year’s theme, "The Experience of Coexistence in Islamic Civilization," brought together scholars, academics, and researchers from various countries—including Turkey, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates—to discuss the values of coexistence within Islamic traditions amidst contemporary global challenges.
Three lecturers from the Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences (FADIB) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga were honored as invited speakers: Jarot Wahyudi, Zamzam Afandi, and Mohammad Pribadi Tafsir. Each presented a paper highlighting diversity, culture, and the Indonesian experience of living together.
Key Presentations from Indonesia
Jarot Wahyudi: Presented "Promoting Coexistence through Government Policy: Challenges of Religious Moderation in Indonesia." He discussed the Indonesian government’s efforts to build a harmonious society through religious moderation policies and the challenges of maintaining tolerance in a multicultural landscape.
Zamzam Afandi: Presented "Food, Faith, and Coexistence: The ‘War Takjil’ Phenomenon and Interreligious Sociality in Contemporary Indonesia." This study explored the "War Takjil" social phenomenon as a form of cross-religious interaction reflecting solidarity and new social spaces in urban life.
Mohammad Pribadi Tafsir: Presented "Sekaten Kasultanan Mataram Islam Yogyakarta in A Socio-Cultural Framework." His paper examined the Sekaten tradition as a Javanese Islamic heritage that fosters social cohesion and strengthens local cultural identity.
Strategic Academic Cooperation
Beyond the discussions, the event marked a significant milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UIN Sunan Kalijaga and Kilis 7 Aralık University. This agreement is a strategic step to strengthen institutional ties in education, research, scientific publication, and academic exchanges.
This collaboration is expected to open broader opportunities for both faculty and students, including joint research, international conferences, and student exchange programs, ultimately strengthening the academic network of the Islamic world.
Highlights of the Opening Ceremony
The symposium opened with a solemn ceremony, including a tribute to fallen heroes, the Turkish national anthem, and a recitation of the Holy Qur'an.
Governor of Kilis, Ömer Kalaylı, emphasized that Islamic civilization has historically served as a model for peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnicities and faiths. He highlighted Kilis as an "ensar city" (helper city) for its years of humanitarian support for Syrian refugees.
Prof. Dr. Zekeriya Akman noted that the solidarity shown by the Kilis community toward refugees serves as a vital model for the modern international community.
The "Ensar Award" was presented to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the opening ceremony for his contributions to supporting the culture of coexistence and humanitarian solidarity globally.
Closing and Outlook
The 4th International Symposium was organized through a collaboration between Kilis 7 Aralık University, Azerbaycan İlahiyyat İnstitutu, Azerbaycan Manevi Değerlerin Tebliği Fondu, and UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Over three days, participants engaged in various panels covering social, cultural, political, and economic perspectives on coexistence, aiming to build global peace through knowledge and cultural diplomacy.