Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: "The line of Islamic medicine shined again with Ibn Sina"

President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, participated in the 2nd International Eurasian Medical Congress held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The program aimed to develop medical collaborations between Turkish-speaking countries, and during his speech, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that modern psychiatric medicine owes much to Islamic teachings. He also added that the line of Islamic medicine was revived by Ibn Sina.

The congress in Samarkand, Uzbekistan was attended by many doctors from the international arena. The 2nd International Eurasian Medical Congress aimed to enhance cooperation in the field of medicine among Turkish-speaking countries.

Tarhan explained the roots of modern psychiatric medicine

During the opening of the congress, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University, gave a presentation titled "The Roots of Modern Psychiatric Medicine."

"They combined Natural Philosophy with Islamic Creed"

Providing information about the first hospital and pharmacy established by the Abbasids, Tarhan stated, "The first hospital in Europe was founded by the Andalusian Umayyads. The belief that 'there is a cure for every disease except death' promoted medicine in the Islamic world. Herbal medicines and syrups were produced, and the word 'syrup' is derived from this. Islamic scholars adopted Galen's hypothesis of 'Earth, Air, Fire, Water' mixture. They also explained temperament and disposition in this way. They defined hormonal imbalances. They combined Natural Philosophy with Islamic Creed and experienced the Golden Age of Islam."

A groundbreaking doctor in his time, Abu Bakr al-Razi…

Tarhan mentioned that Abu Bakr al-Razi was a groundbreaking doctor in his time, saying, "He wrote 237 books, half of which are related to medicine. He advocated for experimental medicine and emphasized the importance of observation. He was the first to implement medical consultation. He wrote a book on smallpox and measles. He defined differential diagnosis. His 25-volume encyclopedia, 'Al-Hawi,' is famous."

"The line of Islamic medicine revived with Sina"

Highlighting the importance of Ibn Sina in the history of medicine, Tarhan stated, "The line of Islamic medicine was revived with Sina. Just as Goethe is to Germans, Da Vinci is to Italians, and Aristotle is to Greeks, Ibn Sina is to Muslim Turks. Ibn Sina wrote down all existing medical knowledge in his book 'Al-Qanun al-Shifa.' He introduced the concepts of infection, hygiene, and quarantine to the West. His works were taught as the primary text for 500 years. There is no book that has been taught for as long as his."

"Mevlana strengthens positive values"

In his discussion on positive psychology and Mevlana, Tarhan stated, "Positive psychology strengthens the positive, and Mevlana strengthens positive values. Positive psychology aims to heal without causing harm, and the Masnavi approaches in the same way. Positive psychology is the Science of Happiness, and the Masnavi has created its own rituals."

"Modern psychiatric medicine owes much to Islamic teachings, even if it does not reference them"

Tarhan also provided information about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) therapy.
Finally, Tarhan said, "Modern psychiatric medicine, even if it does not reference them, owes much to Islamic teachings."

Representing Üsküdar University

During the congress, Prof. Haydar Sur, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Üsküdar University, gave a presentation on "The View of Islamic Medical Scholars on Public Health and Their Works on This Topic." Asst. Prof. H. Dilek Güldütuna from the Institute for Sufism Studies also delivered a presentation titled "The Relationship Between Medicine and Spirituality: Abu Zayd al-Balkhi."

The development of medical history was addressed from a wide range of perspectives
On the first day of the congress, the development of medical history in the Islamic civilization and its historical geography was discussed. On subsequent days, conferences and discussions were held in various fields such as surgery, radiology, urology, and gastroenterology.

Practical workshops were held

Additionally, practical workshops, including live surgeries, were conducted for participants from local and Central Asian countries. Throughout the congress, information and experiences were shared regarding educational methods, student exchange, and summer school programs between universities and medical faculties.

Türkiye was represented on the international stage

Furthermore, as part of the congress, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University, and Prof. Haydar Sur, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, participated in the Future Collaborations Roundtable Meeting, representing Türkiye and Üsküdar University on the international stage.

The main topics of the congress included:

• History of Medicine
• Minimally Invasive Surgery and Robotic Surgery
• Oncology and Oncological Surgery
• Diagnostic and Therapeutic Gastroenterology
• Education and Simulation in Medicine
• Modern Technology in Medicine
• Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)