11th Islamic Economics Workshop," organized by the Research Center for Islamic Economics under the umbrella of the İLKE Foundation, has achieved its objectives. This annual workshop, dedicated to providing human-centered solutions to challenges, gathers distinguished researchers in the field. The theme of  this year was "Islamic Economics and the Environment," aiming to explore innovative approaches at the confluence of Islamic economics and environmental considerations.

Islamic finance has significant potential in the realms of development and the environment.

Mustafa Afşin Sancar, Director of the Center for Islamic Economics Research (İKAM), emphasized the increasing importance of environmental issues in our agenda.

Sancar also emphasized prevalent issues, including income inequality and the overconsumption of resources.He stated, "We see different paradigms, different possibilities with Islamic economics. We will discuss what these possibilities are and how they can be implemented. Islamic finance has substantial potential to contribute to development and environmental issues."

Suat Tüccar, Head of Product Management and Digital Banking Group in Ziraat Participation Bank, emphasized that the academic studies in the field of Islamic economics have a clear impact on the sector, with participation banks (Islamic Bank) standing out as the most significant concrete result of these endeavors. In concluding his discourse, he underscored the imperative for symbiotic collaboration between the academic research in Islamic economics and the industry. Emphasizing the reciprocal benefits that could be derived from such collaboration, he highlighted the pivotal role that cooperation between these domains plays in fostering a more robust and comprehensive understanding of Islamic economic principles.

Call for Practical and Realistic Solutions

Lütfi Sunar, Chairman of the ILKE Foundation, expressed his hope that Islamic economics would offer realistic and implementable solutions related to the environment, emphasizing its potential to address environmental issues.

In addressing environmental concerns, Ayhan Karahan, IGIAD President,  emphasized our responsibility to leave an undisturbed world for future generations, without causing harm to the environment. He highlighted that in this regard, the Islam provides humanity with vital ideas and concepts related to justice, balance, and moderation.

Islamic Economics Implementation Award

In the year 2023, the Emergency Aid Volunteers Association (ACİLDER) was honored with the Islamic Economics Implementation Award.  This association, committed to the distribution of essential items required by numerous families daily under the motto "Do Not Waste, Spend in Charity," has been proactively aligned with the "Zero Waste" objective, which has garnered increased attention in recent times.

Within the framework of the Islamic Economics Awards, the "Islamic Economics Research Award" was presented to Prof. Dr. Ahmet Faruk Aysan for his significant contributions through important research in the field. Dr. Ozan Maraşlı received the "Islamic Economics Thesis Award" for his doctoral thesis titled "The Economics of Awqaf in Turkey." Lastly, Murat Çizakça, who has contributed to the field with over 200 works, was honored with the "Contribution to Islamic Economics Award."

As part of the kickoff for the 11th Islamic Economics Workshop, we hosted a panel discussion titled "The Role of Islamic Economics and Finance in the Face of Environmental Crises." Led by Prof. Dr. Necmettin Kızılkaya from Istanbul University, the panel featured insightful contributions from Ömer Emeç, Deputy General Manager of Albaraka Türk, and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Faruk Aysan, a faculty member at Hamad bin Khalifa University in Qatar. Throughout the engaging two-day workshop, researchers from various corners of the globe presented their unique perspectives.