The conference titled "Instrumentalization of the Sacred: Socio-Political Dimensions of Religious Exploitation," organized as part of the 20th anniversary events of Kastamonu University, was held with high participation in the Faculty of Theology Conference Hall. 

Speaking at a program prepared in collaboration with the Faculty of Theology, the Muhammed İhsan Oğuz Application and Research Center, and the Muhammed İhsan Oğuz Foundation, Deputy President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ahmet İshak Demir addressed the distinction between the essence of religion and its exploitation within a historical and sociological framework.  

Starting with the recitation of the Quran, Prof. Dr. Demir emphasized the importance of correctly understanding and interpreting religion, noting that Muslims' historical experiences may not always align perfectly with the religion's original sources. At this point, he emphasized that deviations that sometimes occur can be rectified through continuous accounting based on the Quran and Sunnah.  

Defining the exploitation of religion as the instrumentalization of sacred values to exploit the goodwill of individuals or groups for material or spiritual gain, Demir stated that this situation has serious consequences for both religious and social trust.  

Touching on historical examples, Prof. Dr. Demir recalled events from Islamic history, such as the Incident of the Mosque of Dhirar and the Incident of the Arbitrators, and explained how religion could be instrumentalized. He stated that the incident in which pages of the Quran were attached to the ends of spears is one of the most striking examples of the sacred being used for political purposes. Recalling the example of Giordano Bruno from Western history, Prof.Dr.Demir stated that similar forms of exploitation have been observed in different geographies and periods.

Addressing the youth as well, Prof. Dr. Demir emphasized that religion is a guide that liberates people, highlighted the importance of critical thinking against information pollution, and stated that religious knowledge should be obtained from reliable sources.  

The event, attended by Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan and Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, Vice President of the Muhammed İhsan Oğuz Foundation M. İhsan Oğuz, and Center Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aykaç continued with the presentation of awards to the students who ranked in the Ilmihal Reading Competition organized across our University.  

The program concluded with great interest and a photo session.