TÜBİTAK provides 3 million lira in funding for 'Eco-Theological Analysis of Rain Prayers' project

Developed under the umbrella of the Bursa Uludağ University Project Development and Coordination Office and led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öznur Özdemir, the international study examines rain prayers that took place between the 7th and 11th centuries in the context of the relationship between environment and faith.

The aspect that makes the study noteworthy and brought it to the agenda on social media is that TÜBİTAK, which was established to ensure Turkey's development in the scientific and technological fields, provided 3 million lira in funding for this project.

The project, titled "Eco-Theological Analysis of Rain Prayers as an Example of Participatory Prayer in Islamic History (7th-11th Centuries)," is an international study supported by TÜBİTAK 2515-COST that examines rain prayers (istiska) that took place between the 7th and 11th centuries in the context of the relationship between environment and faith (eco-theology). The project aims to analyze how these prayers, as a socially participatory ritual, shaped the theological approach to the ecological crisis.

The main focus points of the project are listed as follows:

Eco-Theological Approach: Examines how the nature-human-creator relationship is established in the Islamic tradition through rain prayers.

Historical Framework: Covers practices between the 7th and 11th centuries (the early and classical periods of Islam).

Participatory Prayer (Istiska): Analyzes the role of this ritual, which takes place with the participation of all segments of society, in creating social and environmental awareness.

Project Team: The project includes Research Assistant Dr. Mahmut Cihat İzgi, Öznur Özdemir, and other researchers...

This study is a current academic research aimed at understanding social and spiritual solutions to environmental problems in Islamic thought in light of historical data.

ABOUT TÜBİTAK

The primary purpose of TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye) is to develop, encourage, and coordinate science and technology in line with Turkey's development goals.

The institution's main areas of activity and goals are as follows:

Research and Development (R&D): To conduct, commission, and support basic and applied research in the field of positive sciences.

Guidance on Science Policies: To provide consultancy to the government in determining science and technology policies.

Academic and Industrial Support: To increase cooperation between universities and industrial organizations, and to provide project support and scholarships for research projects.

Popularizing Science: To spread the culture of science in society; to organize project competitions and events, especially to encourage young people to engage in scientific work.

Access to Information: To facilitate access to existing scientific and technical information and ensure the sharing of this information.

About the 2515 - COST Action Members R&D Support Program

The 2515 - COST Action Members R&D Support Program aims to support R&D projects that are compatible with the Action in terms of subject matter, conducted by Turkish researchers who serve as Management Committee and/or Working Group members in international thematic networks called COST Actions within the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST Association).

As of May 25, 2023, the quota for the 2515 COST Action Members R&D Support Program cannot be used to join an appropriate Action as a Management Committee member, and applications can only be made by individuals who are already members of the Management Committee/Working Group in the Actions.

Within the scope of the 2515 - COST Action Members R&D Support Program, projects up to 3,000,000 TL, excluding project incentive premiums (PTİ) and institutional shares, are supported. The upper limit for project duration is 36 months.

News Source: 12punto