Launch Ceremony of Our Master’s Program in Argumentation and Conflict Studies Held

The launch ceremony of the Master’s Program in Argumentation and Conflict Studies, initiated at Ibn Haldun University in partnership with QatarDebate, took place on October 13, 2026, on our campus. The ceremony hosted scholars and diplomatic representatives from Türkiye and abroad.

During the launch, addresses were delivered by Prof. İrfan Gündüz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Prof. Atilla Arkan, Rector of Ibn Haldun University; Dr. Hayat Abdulla Maarafi, Executive Director of QatarDebate; and Assist. Prof. Ercüment Asil, Director of the Alliance of Civilizations Institute.

Following the opening addresses, Asst. Prof. Rahmi Oruç presented the Master’s Program in Argumentation and Conflict Studies. Bridging our civilization’s deep-rooted debate tradition with contemporary scientific methodologies, the program aims to cultivate researchers who can accurately analyse today's complex issues and generate effective solutions.

In his address, Prof. İrfan Gündüz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, referenced the "clash of civilizations" thesis, asserting that civilizations ensuring the welfare of society will inherently endure, whereas others will fade away. Prof. Gündüz emphasized the compassionate character of Islamic civilization that unites societies under a common roof. He also conveyed a message of unity, expressing gratitude to the State of Qatar for consistently assuming a mediatory role amid regional conflicts across the Middle East. Furthermore, he extended his thanks to Dr. Hayat Abdulla Maarafi for bringing Qatari and Turkish youth together under the umbrella of QatarDebate.

Understanding, Critique, and the Ability to Manage Differences

Dr. Hayat Abdulla Maarafi, Executive Director of QatarDebate, highlighted the vital importance of youth engaging in debates aimed at generating solutions to global challenges. She stated that the Master’s Program in Argumentation and Conflict Studies provides a high-caliber academic foundation for these practices.

Dr. Maarafi noted that communities across the International Conference on Debate and Dialogue research network, the QatarDebate research fellowship program, and the main and youth sessions of the Doha Forum play a pivotal role in supporting young people to cultivate understanding, critical thinking, and the skills needed to navigate differences.

The Ethics of Debate and Our Intellectual Heritage

Speaking at the launch, Rector Prof. Atilla Arkan underlined the significance of upholding the ethics of debate (adab al-bahth wa al-munazara), which constitutes an integral part of our intellectual heritage. Drawing attention to escalating disinformation and the reality that regional crises can rapidly escalate into global challenges, Prof. Arkan underscored the indispensable need for negotiation, debate, and sharing ideas through ethical communication during such turbulent times.

Prof. Arkan noted that our University's multilingual educational vision, coupled with its rich, interdisciplinary curriculum encouraging students to cultivate multifaceted perspectives, forms the robust foundation underpinning this newly launched master's program.

Building a Better World

Asst. Prof. Ercüment Asil, Director of the Alliance of Civilizations Institute, underscored the core concepts of consciousness, justice, and wisdom in his speech. He expressed that the Master’s Program in Argumentation and Conflict Studies envisions empowering a new generation to build a world anchored in these principles.

Asst. Prof. Asil remarked that, endowed with centuries of cultural and scientific heritage, our civilization stands among the most productive in world history, emphasizing that Ibn Haldun University and MEDIT strive tirelessly to serve as the voice of our society and civilization.

The launch ceremony concluded with a commemorative group photograph.