International Symposium on Balkan Periodicals: Trajectory of the Islamic Thought, 1990-2018

International Symposium on Balkan Periodicals: Trajectory of the Islamic Thought, 1990-2018

June 12-14, 2026
Skopje/North Macedonia
/

CALL FOR PAPERS

The study of contemporary Islamic thought in the Balkans has been gaining increasing significance, necessitating deeper and comparative research. Examining contemporary thought comprehensively through primary sources like periodicals offers significant momentum to such studies. The Balkans, hosting various ideologies and experiencing diverse political regimes, have served as a laboratory for social and political developments.

In the past century, the Balkans have been directly impacted by two world wars, witnessing numerous unifications and divisions at the state level. Politically and intellectually, this period saw significant shifts. At the start of the century, Muslims in the region became minorities and underwent various nation-building processes. Between the end of World War II and the 1990s, Muslims faced challenging and oppressive conditions. With the post-1990 global transformations, new dynamics emerged: Islam and Muslims became more visible in public life, engaging with the European Union and the Islamic world, resulting in the production of new identities and cultures.

Throughout the last century, Islamic thought in the Balkans has explored diverse topics such as jurisprudence, theology, state, society, politics, nation, culture, and gender. Periodicals like magazines and newspapers have been prominent mediums for these discussions. Studying these periodicals from 1918 to 1945, 1945 to 1990, and 1990 to 2018 provides a structured understanding of the topics, concepts, actors, and institutions shaping Islamic thought in the Balkans. These studies are crucial for tracing the development and trajectory of Islamic thought in the region and for analyzing the transformations, continuities, and ruptures in Bosniak, Albanian, and Turkish Muslim identities across countries and regions.

An international symposium titled International Symposium on Balkan Periodicals: The Trajectory of Islamic Thought, 1918-1945″ was held in Skopje, North Macedonia, on February 24-25, 2024. Over 30 presentations on periodicals were delivered by participants from eight different countries.

An international symposium titled International Symposium on Balkan Periodicals: The Trajectory of Islamic Thought, 1945-1990″ was held in Skopje, North Macedonia, on June 13-15, 2025. Over 37 presentations on periodicals were delivered by participants from eight different countries.

In 2026, the third phase of this project will focus on the 1990-2018 period, examining periodicals published in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Serbia, and Romania. These publications will be analyzed concerning the fundamental themes of Islamic thought during this period.

Balkan Periodicals: The Trajectory of Islamic Thought, 1918-2018 project is managed by the Balkan Studies Foundation (BSF) and supported by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB).

Papers at the symposium can be presented in English, Turkish, Albanian, or Bosnian. The symposium organizing committee will cover all accommodation and meal expenses for participants.
/

Application Link: 

https://forms.gle/SzfVDxARmEAYhYSW8

/
Below are examples but not limited of periodicals published in Balkan countries during the 1990-2018 period.   

Albania: Zani i Nalte, Univers, Drita e Kur’anit, Etika, Drita Islame

Kosovo: Takvim, Edukata Islame, Dituria Islame, Studime Islame, Buletini, Paqja, Frymezimi, Hikmet

Bosna-Hercegovina: Ljiljan, Novi Muallim, Dani, Forum Bosnae

North Macedonia: Albislam, Dituria, El Hilal, Shenja

Greece: Hür Hakka Davet, Mihenk, Rehber

Serbia: Nur, Glas islama

Montenegro: Elif, Almanah

Bulgaria: Müslümanlar/Мюсюлмани, Kalem, Мюсюлманско общество (Müsülmansko obştestvo), Селям (Selam), Икра (İkra), Hak ve Özgürlük, Kırcaali Haber

Romania: Hakses, Müftiyat, Islamul Azi

Croatia: Bošnjačka pismohrana, Behar
/ 

Important Dates 

February 20, 2026, Deadline for abstract submission

February 28, 2026, Announcement of accepted abstracts

May 15, 2026, Deadline for full paper submission

May 25, 2026, Announcement of the accepted papers

June 01, 2026, Announcement of the the symposium guide

June 12-14, 2026 Organization of the symposium
/ 

Symposium Organizing Committee

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Köroğlu, Istanbul University, Türkiye (Chair)

Dr. Sevba Abdula, Balkan Studies Foundation, North Macedonia

Assist. Prof. Dr. Serdar Serdaroğlu, International Balkan University, North Macedonia

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sacid Öztürk, Kırkareli University, Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamdi Çilingir, Sakarya University, Greece

Dr. Sedad Beslija, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Vedat S. Ahmed, Muslim Denomination, Bulgaria

Dr. Besir Neziri, Islamic Community of Kosovo, Kosovo

Dr. Besnik Emini, Institute of Spiritual and Cultural Heritage of Albanians, North Macedonia

Assist. Prof. Dr. Fatih Şabani, Trakya University, Albania

Muhammed Eser, Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, Türkiye
/  

Secretariat

Zehra A. Sadiki, Balkan Studies Foundation, North Macedonia
/ 

Symposium Scientific Committee

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Görmez, International University of Türkiye for lslam, Science and Technology, Türkiye

Prof. Dr. Ihsan Fazlıoğlu, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Türkiye

Prof. Dr. Cemil Aydın, The University of North Carolina, USA

Prof. Dr. Musa Musai, University of Tetova, North Macedonia

Prof. Dr. Qufli Osmani, University of Tetova, North Macedonia

Prof. Dr. Ekrem Demirli, Istanbul University, Türkiye

Prof. Dr. Murteza Bedir, Istanbul University, Türkiye

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bulut, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Türkiye

Prof. Dr. Şener Bilal, International Balkan University, North Macedonia

Prof. Dr. Petar Todorov, Institue of National History, North Macedonia

Prof. Dr.  Hana Younis, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lindita Latifi, University of New York-Tirana, Albania

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Erken, Marmara University, Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mevludin Ibishi, International Balkan University, North Macedonia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zahit Atçıl, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdülkadir Macit, Kocaeli University, Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ertuğrul Karakuş, Kırklareli University, Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Halil Üçer, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alim Arlı, Istanbul Technical University, Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yunus Uğur, Marmara University, Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süleyman Güder, Istanbul University, Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ermin Sinanovic, Center for Islam in the Contemporary World, Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ercüment Asil, Fatih Sultan Mehmet University, Türkiye

Assist. Prof. Dr. Bujamin Bela, Mother Teresa University, North Macedonia

Assist. Prof. Dr. Selime Hasanova, Sofia Higher Islamic Institute, Bulgaria

Assist. Prof. Dr. Memiş Merdan, Constantine of Preslav Shumen University, Bulgaria

Assist. Prof. Dr. Plarent Ruka, University of New York-Tirana, Albania

Assist. Prof. Dr. Drita Memeti, University of Tetova, North Macedonia

Assist. Prof. Dr. Agron Islami, Ali Hadri Institute of History, Pristina, Kosova

Dr. Deniz Memedi, Mother Teresa University, North Macedonia

Dr. Kenan İsmaili, Muftiny of Skopje, North Macedonia

Dr. Necdet Subaşı, Ministry of National Education, Türkiye

Dr. Hüseyin Bostancı, Bakesh, Greece

Dr. İbrahim Zeyd Gerçik, Marmara University, Türkiye
/ 

Article Writing Rules

Please take note of the following writing rules to ensure your submission aligns with the symposium standards:

1. Format: All papers must be written in APA style. This includes proper citations, references, and formatting throughout the document. Please refer to the latest edition of the APA Publication Manual for detailed guidelines.
2. Length: The paper should be between 5000 to 8000 words, excluding the abstract, references, and appendices. Ensure that the content is well-structured, clear, and concise.
3. Structure: Your paper must include the following sections:
   • Abstract: A concise summary of your paper (150-250 words), outlining the main objective, methodology, and conclusions.
   • Introduction: Provide a clear introduction that presents the topic, objectives, and significance of your research.
   • Conclusion: Summarize the main findings and discuss the implications of your research, suggesting potential areas for further study.
   • References:Include a complete list of references in APA format.
4. Author Information: Along with your paper, please include the following personal

details:

• ORCID number
• Email address
• Academic title
• Institutional affiliation

5. Publication:Papers will either be published as an edited book or as a proceeding book. The final decision will be based on the outcome of the paper evaluations.