Tarih: 12.03.2025
Halal Life Panel Organized by Lokman Hekim University in Washington DC
Lokman Hekim University organized the “Halal Life Panel” in cooperation with the Diyanet Center of America in Washington DC on March 8-9, 2025. In addition to Dr. Mehmet Altuğ, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of our university and Rector Prof. Dr. Fatih Gültekin, Zafer Soylu, President of the Halal Accreditation Authority (HAK) and board member of the Islamic Halal Accreditation Forum (IFHAB), Ihsan Övüt, Secretary General of the Standards and Metrology Institute of Islamic Countries (SMIIC) and many experts attended the event.
Halal Certification and Industry Problems Discussed
The first day of the panel started with a workshop to share current thinking on the halal ecosystem. Academics, non-governmental organizations, halal certification bodies and industry representatives discussed the halal certification systems in the US, challenges and solutions.
Opening speeches were delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih Kanca from Diyanet Center of America, Dr. Mehmet Altuğ from Lokman Hekim University, SMIIC Secretary General İhsan Övüt and HAK President Zafer Soylu. Then, in the sessions attended by the presidents of IFANCA and ISWA, the well-established halal certification bodies in the USA, topics such as halal certification systems, halal status of additives, challenges faced by the halal industry in North America and practical applications of halal marketing were discussed. Our Rector Prof. Dr. Fatih Gültekin also gave information about the halal studies carried out at our university such as halal certification, halal product development master's program, awareness trainings, workshops and scientific research.
Day Two Addressing Halal Life from a Broad Perspective
The second day of the event continued with the “Halal Symposium”, which addressed the impact of halal practices on industries and daily life. Following the opening speeches, the panel discussed food processing, halal living concept and halal slaughtering processes. The panel was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih Kanca from the Diyanet Center of America, with Prof. Dr. Fatih Gültekin from Lokman Hekim University, Dr. Medet Coşkun from the Presidency of Religious Affairs, and Prof. Dr. İbrahim Kürtül from Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University.
In addition to reinforcing Lokman Hekim University's international studies in the field of halal life, an important step was taken to strengthen its leadership in education on a global scale. With such organizations, our university will continue to contribute to both the spread of halal life awareness and the promotion of academic activities at the international level.
