Dates: August 2–8, 2026
Venue: Ibn Haldun University, Süleymaniye Campus, Istanbul, Türkiye
Jointly organized by Ibn Haldun University (Faculty of Islamic Studies) and Istanbul University (Faculty of Medicine, Department of History of Medicine and Ethics).
We are delighted to offer a one-week Summer School on Islamic Bioethics on August 2–8, 2026.
This program is jointly organized by Ibn Haldun University Faculty of Islamic Studies and Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of the History of Medicine and Ethics. The summer school aims to provide a unique interdisciplinary learning experience at the historic Süleymaniye Campus, adjacent to the monumental Süleymaniye Mosque.
The program addresses essential questions such as:
• What is Islamic bioethics?
• What ethical theories and arguments shape contemporary debates?
• How can modern medical dilemmas be evaluated through Islamic moral and legal reasoning?
By the end of the program, participants will:
• Understand how ethical decisions are made in Islamic bioethics and how to construct well-grounded ethical arguments.
• Gain insight into how major international medical ethics and bioethics institutions operate and formulate decisions.
• Analyze how Islamic bioethics approaches issues related to the beginning and end of life, as well as other contemporary bioethical challenges.
• Develop the ability to address intercultural and interreligious medical ethics problems through comparative and dialogical frameworks.
• Acquire the conceptual and analytical tools necessary for critical engagement with contemporary bioethical debates.
Istanbul, long a crossroads of civilizations and scholarship, provides a distinctive intellectual setting for this intensive program. Bringing together leading scholars in Islamic law, philosophy, medicine, and ethics, the summer school offers rigorous academic content combined with direct engagement with distinguished experts. Participants will benefit from critical discussions, collaborative learning, and opportunities to connect theory with real-world ethical practice.
In addition to the academic curriculum, the program includes carefully designed cultural and intellectual excursions integrated with the themes of the summer school, offering participants the opportunity to experience Istanbul’s rich scholarly heritage and vibrant intellectual atmosphere.
A certificate of participation will be awarded upon successful completion of the program.
• Language of instruction: English
• Preparatory requirements: No prior preparation required
• Course readings: Will be shared with participants before the program
• Application deadline: 31 May 2026
• Tuition fee: 1000 USD (payable upon acceptance)
International Summer School on Islamic Bioethics
2–8 August | Istanbul
All Day
Arrival of participants and hotel check-in
Evening
Free time and informal networking
An opportunity to encounter Istanbul and connect with fellow participants
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Theme: Theological and ethical Foundations of Islamic Bioethics
09:00–10:30
Introduction to Islamic Fiqh (Islamic Law)
Overview of methods, key concepts, and the normative structure of Islamic legal and moral reasoning
Bilal Aybakan
10:30–10:45
Coffee Break
10:45–12:15
What Is Bio-Fiqh?
Fiqh methodology and its engagement with contemporary bioethical questions
Tuba Erkoç Baydar
12:15–13:30
Lunch Break
13:30–15:00
Key Concepts in Islamic Bioethics
Human dignity, Ismah, inviolability
Recep Şentürk
15:15–16:45
Global Fatwa Institutions in Bioethics
Islamic legal Institutions in Europe, North America, and the Muslim world
Emine Umaç
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09:00–10:30
The Moral Status of the Embryo and the Abortion DebateAhmet Karakaya
10:30–10:45
Coffee Break
10:45–12:15
Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Islamic Bioethics
Büşranur Mete
12:15–13:30
Lunch Break
14:00–16:30
Guided Academic Visit
Visiting some important medical historical places in Istanbul
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Theme: Dying Well, Letting Go, and Ethical Limits of Medicine
09:00–10:30
End-of-Life Ethics in Islamic Perspective
Medical futility, withholding and withdrawing treatment, euthanasia
Tuba Erkoç Baydar
10:30–10:45
Coffee Break
10:45–12:15
Brain Death
Death, Dying, and Brain Death in Contemporary Islamic Discourse
İlhan İlkılıç
12:15–13:30
Lunch Break
13:30–15:00
Organ Transplantation
Medical criteria, ethical and philosophical challenges and Islamic ethical reflections
İlhan İlkılıç
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Theme: Human Presence in an Age of Machines
09:00–10:30
Islamic Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Scope, limits, and ethical significance of spiritual care in healthcare settings
İlhan İlkılıç
10:30–10:45
Coffee Break
10:45–12:15
Spiritual Care in Practice
Comparative perspectives: Turkey, Germany, and Muslim minority contexts
İlhan İlkılıç
12:15–13:30
Lunch Break
14:00–16:30
Scholarly Visit
Süleymaniye Manuscript Library and Istanbul Muftiate
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Theme: Global Bioethical Discourse
09:00–10:30
Beyond Borders
Intercultural and interreligious medical ethics
İlhan İlkılıç
10:30–10:45
Coffee Break
10:45–12:15
Case Studies in Bioethics
Interactive medical-ethical case discussions, analysis and reflections
İlhan İlkılıç
12:15–13:30
Lunch Break
14:00–15:30
Male and Female Circumcision
Medical, ethical, and religious dimensions, Islamic reflections
İhsan Karaman
15:30–16:30
Certificate Program Session: Closing seminar and certificate distribution
Program Committee
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the course language?
Courses will be conducted in English. Selected materials may include texts in English (and possibly other languages for comparison).
2. Is the program face-to-face or online?
The program will be face-to-face, held on-site at Süleymaniye Campus of Ibn Haldun University.
3. What are the daily hours?
Classes are expected to run from approximately 9:00 AM to around 4:30 PM, including breaks. (Exact schedule to be provided.)
4. What is included in the program fee?
The tuition fee should cover most academic sessions, lunch, and the certificate.
5. Where will accommodation be provided?
Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Discounted rates will be available at partner hotels affiliated with the university, or participants may choose alternative lodging options.
6. What payment methods are accepted?
Upon acceptance, the fee must be paid via the university’s approved payment system (e.g. credit card or bank transfer) in line with institutional procedures.
7. What certificate do I receive upon completing the program?
A participation certificate will be issued by Ibn Haldun University (in collaboration with Istanbul University), indicating your name, the course title, and program dates.
8. Do I need to be a university student to apply?
No, you need not be currently enrolled in a university; interested individuals with relevant background may apply.
9. Can I receive an invitation letter?
Yes, on request an official invitation letter can be provided, stating the program’s name, duration, cost, and institution details.
10. Will travel or medical insurance be provided?
No, participants are advised to arrange their own travel and medical insurance.
11. Will visas be arranged?
No, but the program can provide documentation on headed paper to support visa application, detailing course duration, cost, etc. For visa requirements, participants should consult Turkish Embassies/Consulates.
12. If I withdraw from the Summer School after being accepted, will I still need to make a payment?
Yes. As the program arrangements (including academic planning, materials, and logistical organization) are made according to the confirmed number of participants, 30% of the total program fee will be retained as a cancellation fee, and the remaining 70% will be refunded.
Program Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Tuba Erkoç Baydar (Ibn Khaldun University), Prof. Dr. İlhan İlkılıç (Istanbul University)
