This course explores the life,
thought, and achievement of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi (1874-1960).
Starting with Nursi’s context in Turkey, it explores the evolution of
his thought from the Old Said to the New Said.
Particular emphasis is placed on his apologetics for Islam in a secular
environment, his commitment to non-violence, and his strong commitment to
constructive relations between Christians and Jews.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
1) Said
Nursi, The Words, Volume One from the Risale-I-Nur Collection
2) Said
NursiI, The Rays, Volume four from the Risale-I-Nur
Collection
3) Sukran
Vahide, The Author of the
Risale-I-Nur,
BEDIUZZAMAN SAID NURSI, Volume Five;
4) Fred
Reed, Anatoilia Junction: A Journey into Hidden Turkey;
5) Ibrahim M.
Abu-Rabi‘, ed., Islam at the Crossroads: On the Life and Thought
of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi
Please
note that both Ibrahim Abu-Rabi‘ and
Sukran Vahide will teach the first three days.
I)
First day, Monday, June 13, 2005
Nursi in a historical
context: Introduction to modern Ottoman and Turkish History
READING:
Sukran
Vahide, the author of the Risale-I-Nur, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, entire
text
II)
Second day, Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Spiritual
Dimensions of Risale-I-Nur
READING:
Said
Nursi, The Words, Volume One from the Risale-I-Nur collection: pp.
1-318 [from beginning to the end of the twenty second word]
III)
Third day: Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Spiritual
Dimensions of Risale-I-Nur
READING:
Said
Nursi, The Rays, Volume four from the Risale-I-Nur Collection; pp. 1-291.
IV)
Fourth day, Thursday, JUNE 16, 2005
Spiritual
Dimensions of Risale-I-Nur
READING:
Said
Nursi, The Rays, Volume four from the Risale-I-Nur Collection; pp.
292-579.
Dr.
Faris Kaya will give a 2-hour lecture on the Rays, between 9:00 AM and
11:00 AM. Dr. Ian Markham will give a 2-hour lecture on ethics and Nursi between
1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
V)
Fifth day, Friday, June 17, 2005
Nursi's
Legacy in Contemporary Turkey
READING:
Fred
Reed, Anatolia Junction: A Journey into Hidden Turkey. Entire text
Fred
Reed will lecture in the morning session on his book.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1)
Each student should give on presentation in class and
2)
Write an extensive review of Ibrahim Abu-Rabi, Islam at the Crossroads: On
the Life and Thought of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi
Ibrahim
Abu-Rabi