The award ceremony for the "Muhammed İhsan Oğuz VI. Graduate Thesis Competition in Theology," organized by the Muhammed İhsan Oğuz Application and Research Center at Kastamonu University with the support of the Muhammed İhsan Oğuz Foundation, was held on October 27, 2025, in the Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Central Library. 

The competition was organized to encourage postgraduate research in theology and contribute to academic studies. 

The ceremony was attended by Kastamonu Deputy Governor Mevlüt Özmen, AK Party Kastamonu MP F. Serap Ekmekci, Kastamonu Bar Association President Özgür Demir, Vice Rector and Faculty of Theology Dean Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, Deputy Mayor Ahmet Üstün Göksoy, Muhammed İhsan Oğuz Foundation Board Chairman İhsan Oğuz, as well as numerous guests, academics, and students. 

In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan emphasized that theological studies are an academic activity and a social and cultural responsibility. In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Atalan made the following statements: Islamic civilization has placed a high value on science, wisdom, and knowledge throughout history; this understanding has been one of the strongest pillars of our society. For this reason, it is essential that scientific production is not limited to pure theory but can offer solutions to today's problems. The contributions of our young academics who are being awarded today to Islamic culture and civilization are a source of pride for us. "

Following the opening speeches, the award-winning students presented their work in a panel moderated by Prof. Dr. Sönmez Kutlu, a faculty member at Ankara University's Faculty of Theology. The panel's first speaker was Ömer Biçecek, recipient of the Master's Degree Incentive Award. Biçecek provided information about her study titled "Body Image and Religion in Conservatism: An Intergenerational Analysis (The Case of Diyarbakır)."

Following this, Fatma Cengiz, the recipient of the Master's Third Place Award, presented her study titled "The Effect of Using the Flipped Classroom Model on Attitudes Toward Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge Lessons."  Yusuf Nurullah Yemez, who won the Master's Second Prize, presented his research titled "The Life and Political Activities of Asad al-Din Shirkuh." Edanur Özyılmaz, who won the Master's First Prize, also participated in the panel with her study titled "Human Conceptions in the Context of Transhumanism and Kalam."

Among the panel's doctoral-level speakers, Gökhan Coşgun, recipient of the Doctoral Incentive Award, provided information to the participants with his study titled "Eşrefzâde Necîb Abdulkadir b. İzzeddîn and the Theology Divan." Edip Yılmaz, winner of the Third Prize in Doctoral Studies, presented his research titled "The Relationship Between Sect and Politics: The Case of Early Ash'arism and Mu'tazilism." Osman Said Evdüzen, the second-place winner of the doctorate award, presented his study titled "The Nature of Mixed Method Writing and the Transformation of Hanafi Methodology." Finally, Şeyma Genan, the recipient of the PhD First Prize, concluded the panel by presenting her study titled "The Phenomenon of Zabt in Early Mushafs: Examples from the Turkish and Islamic Works Museum Damascus Documents Collection."

In the Q&A session following the panel, participants exchanged ideas about their work with the award-winning researchers. At the end of the program, plaques were presented to the speakers.

The award ceremony, which began after the lunch break, continued with a moment of silence and the reading of the Turkish National Anthem. Afterward, the participants were treated to a recitation from the Holy Quran. 

The program featured speeches in the following order: Associate Professor Dr. Mustafa Aykaç, Director of the Muhammed İhsan Oğuz Application and Research Center; M. İhsan Oğuz, President of the Muhammed İhsan Oğuz Foundation; Özgür Demir, President of the Kastamonu Bar Association; Vice Rector Professor Dr. Mehmet Atalan; Vice Governor Mevlüt Özmen; and AK Party Member of Parliament F. Serap Ekmekci. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aykaç stated that the competition continues with an increasing number of participants each year, and that this year, 73 master's and 78 doctoral theses were evaluated by 62 jury members who are experts in their fields. He expressed his satisfaction with the competition's growing popularity and thanked everyone who contributed. 

Speaking on behalf of the foundation, M. İhsan Oğuz thanked all the researchers who participated in the competition, stating that the foundation's founder, Muhammed İhsan Oğuz, was a source of inspiration for them in the world of science and ideas. He also said that they would launch a new study that would provide additional contributions to the projects supported by TÜBİTAK regarding Muhammad Ihsan Oğuz. 

Lawyers Association President Özgür Demir stated that Muhammed İhsan Oğuz was not only a scholar but also a symbol of justice and morality, and spoke about his contributions to Kastamonu's legal tradition. 

Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan stated that the works of Muhammed İhsan Oğuz cover a wide range of subjects such as creed, theology, jurisprudence, Sufism, and ethics. This legacy is not just a publication but an expression of a vibrant connection between text and life". 

Deputy Governor Mevlüt Özmen described Kastamonu University as "a beacon of knowledge that illuminates the city," stating that even after the death of Muhammed İhsan Oğuz, the university continued to train scientists, achieving immortality in the field of science. 

AK Party MP F. Serap Ekmekci stated that Kastamonu has hosted science and scholars throughout history, adding, "Today, we are proud to be part of this deep-rooted tradition here." "he said. Ekmekci emphasized that he would continue to provide all kinds of support for the name and works of Muhammed İhsan Oğuz to be passed on to future generations. 

Following the speeches, plaques of appreciation were presented to the scientific committee, and awards were given to the students who placed in the "Muhammad Ihsan Oğuz Graduate Thesis Competition in Theology."