A panel on "Understanding Erol Güngör" was organized by Selçuk University (SU) and Anadolu Education Culture and Science Foundation.

To the panel held at Sultan Alparslan Cultural Center. Selcuk University Rector Prof.  Dr. Metin Aksoy, Chairman of the Board of the Anadolu Education Culture and Science Foundation Hayrullah Başer, Dean of the Faculty of Literature Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Hacıgökmen, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism Prof. Dr. Onur Köksal, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Sciences Prof. Dr. Ramazan Altıntaş, lecturers, foundation members and students attended.

Selcuk University Rector Prof. Dr. Metin Aksoy said that Erol Güngör had great efforts to bring the University to what it is today. As the Rector of Selcuk University he expressed that they are trying to continue with the weight of the office that Prof. Dr. Güngör left. Prof. Dr. Aksoy maintained that Erol Güngör, who grew up in an environment that is compatible with science, has been a defender of Turkish-Islamic thought throughout his life. Combining the classical scientific heritage he brought from his family with modern science at Universities in Turkey and abroad, he always portrayed an exemplary scientist for those who come with him with his rational, scientific approach and personality that is loyal to his roots. Invited to America, the center of this school in the years when behavioralism, which opened great horizons in social sciences, gained the greatest momentum, Prof. Dr. Erol Güngör made important studies in the field of social psychology here and gave training and projects with the authorities of his field”.

“CONTRIBUTED IMPORTANT TO TURKISH-ISLAMIC HISTORY”

Prof. Dr. Aksoy stated that with the objective and rational perspective of behavioralism, Erol Güngör made a great contribution to the Turkish nation's ability to make sense of their own identity with the analyzes he made on Turkish-Islamic culture and history. Explaining that he did this by analyzing his own culture and values from an objective point of view, Prof. Dr. Aksoy said, “As a great thinker, he contributed to Turkish thought and Turkish-Islamic history with works such as nationalism, Islam and modernity. He made his mark among the important names in this field”. Rector Prof. Dr. Aksoy, who thanked those who contributed to the organization of the panel added that they will continue their commemoration programs on the 40th anniversary of Erol Güngör's death.

“WE WILL CONTINUE TO EXPLAIN OUR VALUES”

Anadolu Education Culture and Science Foundation Chairman of the Board Prof. Dr.  Hayrullah Başer noted that Erol Güngör left hundreds of works. Stating that personalities such as Erol Güngör, Nurettin Topçu, and Cemil Meriç are values that should be understood well, Başer maintained that “We tried to explain our values through various programs, as in Aliya İzzetbegovic at Selcuk University and different universities. We will continue to talk about it from now on”.

After the opening speeches it was time for the panel moderated by Prof. Dr. Caner Arabacı. Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın talked about “Erol Güngör and His Thought Structure in My Memories”, Hitit University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Hilmi Demir gave a speech on "Reflections on the Current Issues of Islam". Yıldırım Beyazıt University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Özcan Güngör gave speech about “Cultural Change with its Sociological Dimension and Turkey”,

Şahbaz, on the other hand, made a statement on "Erol Güngör as a Marginal Chief Editor".