Call for Papers: Muslim Societies in Central Eurasia: Intellectual Legacy, Contemporary Realities, and Future Directions

International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT, USA)
Alliance of Civilizations Institute (MEDIT), Ibn Haldun University (Türkiye)
Institute of Knowledge Integration (IKI, Georgia)

9th Forum
Muslim Societies in Central Eurasia: Intellectual Legacy, Contemporary Realities, and Future Directions
October 23-27, 2026
Istanbul, Türkiye

The International Institute of Islamic Thought, Alliance of Civilizations Institute (Ibn Haldun University), and Institute of Knowledge Integration invite submissions for the 9th Forum on “Muslim Societies in Central Eurasia: Intellectual Legacy, Contemporary Realities, and Future Directions,” which is scheduled to take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from October 23 to 27, 2026. 

The spectrum of topics for in-depth discussions at the forum encompasses the following:  

• The Qur’anic framework as an alternative methodological and epistemological paradigm in the globalized era 
• Engaging the Qur'an and Sunnah as sources of thought, knowledge, and civilization
• The legacy of Jadidism (Islamic revivalism) and the role of regional Muslim intellectual thought in shaping an integrated paradigm in social sciences 
• A value-oriented approach to social sciences in the light of regional initiatives  
• Developing new frameworks in the social sciences beyond positivism and Eurocentrism
• Prospects for the implementation of the integration of knowledge initiatives in educational institutions in Central Eurasia 
• Rethinking Muslim educational curricula and institutions in Central Eurasia
• New approaches towards enhancing economic well-being
• New approaches towards understanding inner (spiritual) well-being
• Islamic conceptions of the good life (al-ḥayāt al-ṭayyiba) and their relevance to contemporary Muslim societies in Central Eurasia
• Adab al-baḥth wal-munāẓara and Islamic ways of disagreement: Historical roots and contemporary practice in Central Eurasia
• Challenges of Muslims in Central Eurasian Muslim-minority countries
• Building bridges of understanding in Central Eurasian multi-religious communities
• Muslims’ identity and daily life in Central Eurasia

The forum aims to bring together scholars, researchers, and practitioners from across the humanities and social sciences in the Central Eurasian region who engage with the intellectual, cultural, and socio-religious dimensions of Muslim life therein. We particularly welcome contributions that draw on Islamic conceptual frameworks, including those derived from the Qur'an and Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, ethics, civilizational thought, and adab al-baḥth wal-munāẓara, as substantive theoretical and methodological resources for addressing the region's contemporary intellectual and social challenges. The application is expected to focus on one of the topics listed above and provide a comprehensive original study. 

The complete application must include a proposed title, an extended abstract (1000-word text, containing a clear statement of the research problem, objectives, originality, methodology, and expected findings), and brief biographical information of the applicant (100 words).  Applications are due by 15 May 2026 and should be sent to forum@ikiacademy.org. If the application is accepted, the full paper (5000-7000 words) is anticipated to be submitted by 15 August 2026.  Selected high-quality papers will be published as an edited book after the event.

The forum’s language is English. Travel and accommodation expenses for selected paper presenters will be covered by the organizers.