IDDEF’s International Education Vision: Scholars from 30 Countries Gather in Istanbul

The Federation of Associations that Value Humanity (IDDEF) hosted an important international gathering as part of its educational activities carried out abroad. Scholars and opinion leaders working in the field of Islamic sciences from more than 30 countries came together at the “International Scholarly Consultation Meeting” held in Istanbul between April 5–10, 2026.

At the meeting, held under the theme “The Importance of Authentic Islamic Education and IDDEF’s Future Vision in Education,” educational activities carried out in different regions were comprehensively discussed, and a common educational perspective for the future of the Ummah was presented.

The final report prepared at the end of the program was shared with the public on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 14:00, at the Neslişah Sultan Cultural Center in Fatih, Istanbul.

“This Gathering Is a Shared Responsibility for the Future of the Ummah”

Speaking at the opening of the program, IDDEF President Mehmet Turan emphasized that the gathering was not merely a meeting, stating, “Today, we are not only holding a meeting here. We have come together to share a common responsibility for the future of the Ummah, to combine our experiences, and to jointly build the future of Islamic education.”

Stating that since its establishment IDDEF has considered education as the fundamental element for the revival and reconstruction of the Ummah, Turan noted that they aim to contribute to the spread of knowledge and wisdom through activities carried out in different parts of the world.

In his speech, Mehmet Turan also drew attention to the difficulties experienced across the Ummah, especially in Gaza, emphasizing that these processes once again reveal how vital it is to raise strong and conscious generations.

A Common Roadmap for International Education Established

During the three-day consultations, participants evaluated the challenges encountered in the field, shared their experiences, and reached a consensus on a common roadmap to advance educational activities.

With the final declaration prepared as a result of the meetings, IDDEF’s fundamental principles and future vision in the field of education were shared with the public.

The declaration emphasized that authentic Islamic education should be carried out in accordance with the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah tradition, by qualified personnel and in line with proper methodology. It was also stated that education is not only an individual necessity but also the strongest tool for social development, and that activities will be carried out in 56 countries through a joint consultation model.

A Local and Sustainable Education Model for Every Region

The final declaration stated that sustainable and locally tailored education models will be developed in each region in collaboration with local scholars and opinion leaders. Among the long-term goals is the establishment of at least one male and one female madrasa in every region, down to the smallest settlements.

It was emphasized that IDDEF carries out its activities not with a charity-based approach but with a partnership-based model, and that its educational efforts are planned with a strategic vision of at least 50 years.

Education Will Remain a Priority Even in Times of Crisis

The declaration also stated that rapid and coordinated response mechanisms will be established to ensure that educational activities are not interrupted during wars, natural disasters, and crisis periods. Drawing particular attention to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, it was emphasized that education remains the most important element sustaining the resilience of the Ummah even in times of crisis.

It was also stated that educational activities will be carried out together with social support elements such as shelter, food, and healthcare, thus implementing a holistic development model.

“International Goodness Is Targeted Through Education”

In IDDEF’s final declaration, it was stated that education-centered efforts aim to spread knowledge, morality, and humanitarian development across different parts of the world.

The statement emphasized that they act in line with the understanding that “the greatest service to a person is to serve their faith and spirituality,” and that the decisions taken will be implemented fully in the field.

IDDEF officials stated that this gathering is a beginning and that international consultation meetings will continue to be held regularly.