Beytülmakdis Studies is an intellectually exciting and stimulating field of inquiry that seeks to understand the region of Beytülmakdis from an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives. The field explores the theoretical and conceptual framework within which Muslims approach Beytülmakdis, as well as examining the ways in which the region has been manifest within the contexts of international relations, politics and history from the time of the rise of Islam to the present day. The approach consists of political, social, religious, historical, and geographical perspectives on Beytülmakdis with in-depth studies and critical analyses of particular aspects and approaches. Beytülmakdis Studies addresses how can the region be understood within the context of the relationship between the land, the people, and the vision of Beytülmakdis as a model for multiculturalism. This master programme at the Social Sciences University of Ankara (ASBU) is not only the first taught Master in Turkish Universities but is also the first of its kind in West Asia (Middle East) as well as the whole of the Muslim World. The origin of this field of inquiry dates back to its academic establishment within British Universities nearly two decades ago and currently at Malaysian Universities with the founder of the field Prof. Dr. Abd al-Fattah El-Awaisi. Turkey’s long standing historical connections with Beytülmakdis together with its rich heritage makes it the ideal place to analyse and study Beytülmakdis and its impact locally, regionally and internationally. Being part of this exciting and timely programme, local and international students at ASBU enjoy the opportunity to study and engage with the founder as well as internationally renowned pioneering scholars and experts in this field of inquiry. The program is based on current and progressive research and takes into consideration the needs and preferences of national and international students. It will address the Intellectual Nakba (crisis in knowledge) and provide a solid combination of established and research-led teaching that would provide the necessary environment for fostering research. As well as engaging students with the contemporary academic debates on several aspects of Beytülmakdis, such as, the geopolitical uniqueness of the Beytülmakdis region and its effect on the rest of the world in the past, present and future; the programme will highlight how modern Beytülmakdis is shaped in part by dialogue with its own past and in part by response to external influence in the region; and how contemporary Muslims seek to relate their heritage in Beytülmakdis from the past to the radical situation of today.

It encourages postgraduate students to specialised on this timely needed field of inquiry, to educate and produce the next generation of scholars in Beytülmakdis Studies who will produce progressive research in the field. It will give the student a solid theoretical, conceptual and historical grounding in order to better comprehend and interpret the current development in the region.