- Özvar: “The Council of Higher Education will always remain committed to ensuring the continuity of scholarly traditions.”

- Imam al-Bukhari’s contributions to Hadith studies and historiography discussed at an international symposium in Denizli

October 9, 2026

Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education (CoHE), visited Denizli to attend Pamukkale University’s new academic year opening ceremony and hold a series of meetings.

Özvar began his visit by meeting with Pamukkale University Rector Prof. Mahmud Güngör, who briefed him on the university’s ongoing work and academic activities.

Özvar then attended the opening of the international symposium entitled “Imam al-Bukhari’s Scholarly Legacy: Traditional and Modern Approaches,” organized by Pamukkale University.

In his address, Özvar emphasized the importance of preserving long-established scholarly traditions and passing them on to future generations. Recalling that he had first encountered Imam al-Bukhari’s works during his university years, Özvar highlighted the distinctive place of Hadith studies in the history of Islamic thought.

Stating that Hadith studies constitute one of the fundamental disciplines through which the life, daily practices and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad are transmitted to subsequent generations, Özvar noted that this field is among the defining characteristics of the Islamic scholarly tradition.

Özvar also pointed out that Hadith studies had significantly influenced the development of historical research, as well as religious sciences, and stressed that Imam al-Bukhari’s scholarly legacy should be examined from the perspectives of different academic disciplines.

Imam al-Bukhari’s scholarly journeys offer an example for academics

Addressing the importance of researchers travelling to different regions to acquire knowledge and advance scientific development, Özvar said that Imam al-Bukhari’s scholarly journeys, which contributed to the development of Hadith studies, continued to serve as an example for academics today.

Emphasizing that academic mobility was important not only for Islamic studies but for all scientific disciplines, Özvar said, “The mobility of academics is one of our most important priorities.”

Recalling that the Yatağan area of Denizli had a long-established scholarly tradition, historically known for its madrasas, Özvar stressed the importance of preserving this heritage.

Özvar stated, “The Council of Higher Education will always remain committed not to allowing scholarly traditions to be interrupted, but to ensuring their continuity.”

Referring to ongoing efforts to catalogue Imam al-Bukhari manuscripts held in Türkiye, Özvar described the initiative as an important contribution and expressed his hope that the work would be completed as soon as possible.

The symposium was attended by Denizli Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger; Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Coşkun Yılmaz; Pamukkale University Rector Prof. Mahmud Güngör; former President of the Presidency of Religious Affairs Prof. Ali Erbaş; Director of the International Imam Bukhari Research Centre in Uzbekistan Prof. Shovosil Ziyodov; as well as academics and other invited guests.