As part of the Post-Doc Seminars initiated by Near East University, Prof. Dr. Besim Dellaloğlu, one of Turkey’s most distinguished sociologists and authors, shared his insights on critical subjects, including “Reformation, Secularization, and Secularism”. Hosted by the DESAM Research Institute and moderated by Prof. Dr. Murat Sayan, Rector’s Advisor and DESAM Institute Board Member, the seminars offered participants a deeper understanding of the processes shaping social and cultural change.
In these discussions, Prof. Dr. Dellaloğlu focused on the evolving role of concepts such as secularism and secularization in shaping belief systems and societal structures. He emphasized the historical development of these concepts, particularly how the transition from feudalism to industrialization has impacted religious diversity within societies. “Secularism,” he noted, “is about the state maintaining neutrality towards religion, ensuring equal treatment of all belief systems, especially in public institutions like education.” His examination of these ideas provided participants with a valuable perspective on how secularism and related concepts function in contemporary social dynamics.
Prof. Dr. Besim Dellaloğlu graduated from Boğaziçi University with a degree in Political Science and International Relations, later completing his PhD in sociology at Mimar Sinan University. In addition to his academic career, he spent significant time as a French-speaking tour guide during his undergraduate and graduate years. Post-doctorate, he conducted research and taught at various universities abroad, contributing to an international dialogue on sociology. Back in Turkey, he has lectured at institutions such as Mimar Sinan, Marmara, Istanbul Bilgi, Galatasaray, Kırklareli, and Sakarya universities. He is also a prolific author, with numerous published works to his name.