“Fasting and Health” panel organized by Near East University Faculty of Theology will be moderated by Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and participated by Rector of Istanbul University Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar, İnönü University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kızılay and Bingöl University Rector Prof. Dr. İbrahim Çapak.
Near East University, which is listed among the top 10 universities in Turkey in the “World University Rankings 2024” list announced by METU URAP, as the best university in TRNC, is preparing to host the rectors of the well-established universities of Turkish higher education. The panel will be held on Friday, March 29, at 14.00 in hall 1 of the İrfan Günsel Congress Center. The panel organized by the Near East University Faculty of Theology will be open to public participation free of charge.
Following the panel, university rectors will inspect the Near East University campus and make important contacts to strengthen the cooperation between Turkey and the TRNC universities.
The first Ramadan of Dr. Suat Günsel Mosque will be crowned with the “Fasting and Health” panel
Dr. Suat Günsel Mosque, which bears the name of the founder of Near East University and is a part of the only Faculty of Theology in TRNC, was opened for worship in January by Vice President of Turkey Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Industry and Technology Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Kacır, President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş and TRNC state protocol. Following its opening, the first mahya was hung during the month of Ramadan. Dr. Suat Günsel Mosque continues to have its busiest days with the intense interest of Muslims. At the same time, students of Near East University Faculty of Theology also are preparing themselves for the future at Dr. Suat Günsel Mosque.
“Ramadan is a spiritual month for believers in Islam. Fasting in this month is a duty for Muslims. By fasting for a month, members of the Islamic religion have a spiritual experience as well as an experience that has physical, spiritual and social dimensions.” said Near East University Faculty of Theology Dean Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mahfuz Söylemez, and added “While having this experience, they not only coordinate food and beverage consumption, but also try to internalize values such as patience, endurance and spiritual purification. All of this must be done by going beyond the routine that the body is used to. This necessarily requires focusing on the effects of fasting on health.”
Prof. Dr. Söylemez said, “Using this body that God has entrusted to us correctly is another divine obligation placed on us. Therefore, it is of great importance to stay healthy while fasting during Ramadan, try to eat right, and consume food in accordance with doctors’ recommendations. We are organizing the ‘Fasting and Health’ panel for this purpose.”
“In our panel, the importance of Ramadan according to Islam will be emphasized, and the contributions of fasting to mental and physical health will be examined by academics who are experts in the field of medicine, and they will share important information about how we should protect our health with proper nutrition during iftaar and sahur,” said Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mahfuz Söylemez and added, “I would like to express my gratitude to our esteemed rectors who will participate in our panel.”
