Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Islamic Studies (CIS) signed an agreement with Istanbul Sabahttin Zaim University (IZU) at the IZU International Conference on the Muslim Ummah in Istanbul, on October 8.

Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, HBKU’s president, and Dr. Mehmet Bulut, IZU’s president, signed the agreement, which establishes a four-year partnership between the universities, and will facilitate cooperation on graduate-level education, with an emphasis on the Master’s in International Finance and Participation Banking and Master’s in Islamic Economics and Law programs, as well as PhD programs in Islamic Economics and International Finance and Islamic Economics and Law. In attendance was Dr. Emad El Din Shahin, dean of HBKU’s CIS, along with senior delegates from both institutions. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah said: “The partnership is a testament to the strong, robust collaboration between Qatar and Turkey in supporting the advancement of Muslim societies. We are fully committed to ensuring that future generations of global leaders are better equipped to address key issues facing the Arab and Muslim region, which will have a positive impact on our economy.”

The agreement will also enable the exchange of students – particularly those specializing in the Islamic sciences and Islamic economics and finance programs – as well as academic information and materials between the universities. Visiting students will also benefit from Turkish and Arabic-language training during their academic travels.

“Our aim is to further develop the areas of Islamic studies and research where HBKU has already made significant progress, making it an ideal strategic partner for IZU. We look forward to the exchange of information, ideas, and joint research projects as we work together for our mutual growth,” said Dr. Mehmet Bulut.

As part of the University’s mission to inspire transformative change, HBKU strives to create an enriching academic experience and an innovative research ecosystem for its community. Through this agreement, both parties will focus on undertaking collaborative research projects, with emphasis on the Ottoman-Europe Cash Wagfs Project. HBKU and IZU will also facilitate visiting researchers from the two universities in conducting research in the area of Islamic economics and finance.

Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin said: “The College of Islamic Studies at HBKU is at the forefront of contemporary Islamic studies in the region, contributing to the advancement of knowledge sharing and thought leadership in this field. The agreement with Istanbul Sabahttin Zaim University, one of the most respected centers of Islamic academia, will enrich students and researchers from both universities, and highlights our commitment to unite scholars and thought leaders from around the globe to enhance our programs.”

To further enhance cooperation, HBKU and IZU will jointly organize symposia, seminars, and conferences and provide mutual support by participating in each other’s events where feasible. To round off the agreement, HBKU will also explore collecting published literature and bibliographic data originating from Turkey on Islamic Economics and Finance (IEF) for use in CIS’s IEF Databank project.