Foundations and research centres from Saudi Arabia as well as from abroad such as IHH and Zamzam Foundation from Somalia which is also IHH’s partner in Somalia participated in the event.
In the expo held in conjunction with the symposium IHH’s booth garnered so much attention from the visitors. Minister of Social Development and Labour Mr. Mofarrej Al-Haqbani visited the booth along with other delegations and received a brief about IHH’s operations.
The presentations scheduled in the program were focused on the revival of civilization of waqf. Various papers deliberating on the waqf institutions’ contribution to national economy, their role in social, educational and cultural service and that it should be increased along with various other topics were presented by experts.
Izzet Şahin’s Presentation on “Waqf Experience in Turkey”
IHH board member Izzet Şahin presented a paper entitled “Waqf Experience in Turkey.” In his presentation Şahin asserted that every state founded by Turks after they have embraced Islam was indeed a civilization of waqf. "The interregnum which started after the collapse of Ottoman state is about about to come to an end and the significance of waqf institution and civil society has increased rapidly” he added.
Minister Veysi Kaynak Explains "Charity in Turkey and Ottoman Waqfs”
Minister of State and Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey, Veysi Kaynak, who talked in the last session of the symposium, provided information about "Charity in Turkey and Ottoman Waqfs.” Minister Kaynak asserted that restored properties of waqfs and the amendments in Law of Foundations during his own government are the best works in this field. He also gave a brief about the amount of relief aid delivered to over 3 million refugees in Turkey through official and civil society’s efforts.
Islamic Waqfs Symposium is going to be held next year in the same date. In the declaration at the closing ceremony it was decided to set up committees dedicated to increase operational capacity, operation regions worldwide and financial resources of waqfs.
