Dear Colleagues, Friends, and Visitors,
For nearly five decades, my academic endeavors have been devoted to the study of Islam, Islamic law (fiqh), the history of Turkish legal systems, and, in particular, the implementation of Islamic legal principles within the Ottoman Empire. Over the course of this period, I have authored numerous scholarly books and articles in Turkish, English, and Arabic, and have contributed to a broad array of national and international academic conferences. My work has also led to invitations from various media outlets, including prominent television networks across Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East, to engage in public discussions on related topics.
Until recently, I had not established a personal website or presence on social media. However, upon the consistent encouragement of colleagues, students, and friends, I have created this platform to facilitate the direct sharing of my academic work. Here you will find access to scholarly articles, summaries of books, recordings of lectures and discussions, and relevant news and reflections. The aim is to provide a resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in the fields of Islamic law and legal history.
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, where the boundaries between communities and cultures continue to narrow, it is more important than ever to foster informed and respectful engagement. Muslims and non-Muslims alike now live and work alongside one another in diverse societies. In such a context, mutual understanding is not merely desirable—it is essential. With a global Muslim population now exceeding 1.9 billion, there exists a wide range of belief and practice within the Muslim world. While many strive to live in accordance with Islamic legal norms, others engage with these norms through cultural, intellectual, or historical lenses. Nonetheless, the foundational sources of Islamic law—the Qur’an, the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition), scholarly consensus (ijmāʿ), and analogical reasoning (qiyās)—remain central to Islamic legal and ethical thought.
A nuanced understanding of Islamic law is important not only for Muslims in guiding their personal and collective lives but also for non-Muslims who interact with Muslim communities. Academic inquiry into these subjects can promote deeper intercultural awareness and contribute to a more respectful and informed public discourse.
As this website continues to develop, I welcome your engagement and support. Specifically, I would be grateful for:
- Thoughtful and constructive feedback, including the identification of any inaccuracies;
- Contributions of scholarly materials, such as articles, multimedia content, or academic updates;
- Support—intellectual, material, or otherwise—to sustain and expand the scope and quality of this project.
Thank you for visiting, and I hope the resources provided here will be of benefit.
With sincere regards,
Ahmed Akgunduz