Istanbul conference on Muslim Ummah concludes

A three-day conference titled "The Muslim Ummah," using the Arabic word for community, concluded in Istanbul on Tuesday.

The conference organized by the Center for Islam and Global Affairs of Istanbul's Sabahattin Zaim University was themed "Fault lines and perils facing Muslim societies: The challenges of sectarianism, secularism, nationalism, and colonialism".

It brought together 20 international scholars.

The closing session titled "The future of Muslim societies in a Global World: Conversation with scholars" was moderated by Sami A. Al-Arian, the center's director.

He asked a question on Turkey's economy to Mehmet Bulut, the university's rector.

Bulut said: "Turkey has some aims for 2023, 2053, 2071, a millennial perfective."

He was referring to specific goals and targets set by Turkey that include major improvements in the economy, energy, healthcare and transportation for 2023, which marks the centenary of the Republic of Turkey, and 2053 that will mark the 600th anniversary of Istanbul's conquest and 2071 that marks the 1,000th anniversary of Malazgirt Battle.

The Battle of Malazgirt, also known as Battle of Manzikert, of Aug. 26, 1071 saw Seljuk Turks led by Sultan Alparslan defeat a Byzantine army and open up Anatolia for Turkish domination.

"Turkey for the first time maybe after 2002 has experienced a stable situation compared to the other Muslim countries," he said.

"It seems that this new presidential system will give some strong support to realize these aims for Turkey," he added.

Mujeeb R. Khan of University of California, Berkeley said: "What the U.S. is uncomfortable is the fact that Turkey [is] asserting a regional leadership role."

"Turkey, of course, does not have a choice...Even if you want to avoid the Middle East, the Middle East comes to you," he added.