Islamic University of Minnesota Concludes its Third International Forum in Turkey
Malatya, Turkey – September 6, 2025 – The Islamic University of Minnesota, in cooperation with its academic partners in Turkey, successfully concluded the work of the Third International Forum held in honor of Sheikh Hamed Hamdi Al-Malati, one of the most prominent pioneers of the scientific renaissance in Anatolia. The forum, which lasted for two days in the city of Malatya, was not just a platform for celebrating science and scholars, but also a starting point for strategic discussions aimed at consolidating the university's presence in the region, culminating in a historic meeting with His Excellency the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The forum's activities kicked off on Friday, September 5, at the Malatya Congress and Culture Center, with the presence of the guest of honor, writer and researcher Fatih Çitlak, President Erdoğan's son-in-law, who added great momentum to the event. The opening also witnessed wide participation from prominent academic and political figures, led by Professor Walid bin Idris Al-Meneesi, President of the Islamic University of Minnesota, and the presidents of Inonu University and Turgut Ozal University, in addition to government officials and members of the Turkish Parliament, reflecting the importance the Turkish side attaches to scientific cooperation with the university.
The forum's activities were not limited to scientific sessions, but extended to include a series of important diplomatic and academic meetings. The university delegation, headed by Professor Al-Meneesi and Dr. Omar Al-Maqrami, Vice President of the university, paid official visits to the Governor of Malatya, its Mayor, and the presidents of public universities. Discussions focused on ways to enhance partnership in the fields of education, scientific research, and innovation, develop joint academic programs, and launch pioneering projects that serve society.
The most prominent outcome of these visits was the advanced discussions regarding the establishment of a permanent official headquarters for the university's branch in Malatya. This proposal received strong support from the local authorities, who expressed their readiness to allocate suitable land for the project. Confirming the seriousness of this step, the university delegation concluded its visit with a meeting with His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who was present in the city, where the completion of the necessary procedures to launch this ambitious project, which will enhance the university's position as a global scientific center, was discussed.
On the sidelines of the forum, the university celebrated the graduation of a new batch of students from its branch in Turkey, in a joyous ceremony attended by the university's leadership. The speakers expressed their pride in the graduates' achievements, emphasizing the university's commitment to continuing its mission of spreading knowledge and contributing effectively to shaping the future.
Thus, the Third International Forum concludes its work successfully, not only on the scientific level, but also on the level of strengthening international relations and opening new horizons for cooperation, which consolidates the position of the Islamic University of Minnesota as an active and influential player in the global academic arena.