Coordinated by the Dean of Faculty of Theology of Near East University Prof. Dr. Mahfuz Söylemez and organised by the Malatya Metropolitan Municipality Department of Culture and Social Affairs due to History of Islam Programme, a panel titled as “Discussion on Prophet to Caliphate” was held in Malatya.

According to the press release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mahfuz Söylemez made the opening speech of the “Discussion on Prophet to Caliphate” panel, which was held at the Art Gallery hall of Malatya Metropolitan Municipality. It was pointed out that during his speech, Prof. Dr. Söylemez provided details regarding the first two years of the aforementioned programme and what is to follow.

Prof. Dr. M. Mahfuz Söylemez "We have entered the third year of our programme. As you can all remember, we discussed issued on Prophet Muhammad during the first two years. He established an idea and he is the founder of our beliefs and values.” It was stated that the period subsequent to the death of Prophet Muhammad, the new period, was scrutinised at the panel which was held as part of the History of Islam courses.

The History of Islam and Prophetic Biography Courses have been running for three years…
It was pointed out that with the initiatives of Near East University Faculty of Theology, discussions and panels are being organised on the History of Islam and Prophetic Biography in Malatya, Turkey. Through the initiatives and coordination of the Dean of Faculty of Theology of Near East University Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mahfuz, and with the full support of the Department of Social Affairs of Malatya Metropolitan Municipality, the main focus of the first two years of the programme was prophetic biography; such that during the first year the Mecca Period was examined and a book was published by the Malataya Metropolitan Municipality. On the other hand, during the second year of the programme, Medina period was examined and a book was again published. Currently, for the academic year of 2018-2019, Prophet Ebûbekir and Prophet Ömer periods will be scrutinised.

Prof. Dr. Söylemez: "The knowledge produced by the Near East University Faculty of Theology not only contributed to the TRNC but also provided to the service of Turkey…"
It was asserted that subsequent to the panel, Dean of Faculty of Theology of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mahfuz Söylemez made a statement regarding the matter and expressed that the panel was to be followed by a series of seminars which will serve as a start to courses on Prophet Ebu Bekir; later to be followed by the caliphate of Prophet Ömer. He further provided details regarding the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Near East University-especially about the NEU Faculty of Theology. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mahfuz Söylemez pointed out that the faculty only had a history of seven years and that as time passes; it was taking its highly esteemed position with its achievements. He also stated that the knowledge the knowledge produced at the NEU Faculty of Theology contributed to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as well as contributing to Turkey. He ended his words by stating that this programme was only one of many programmes they were running in Turkey.