Usul Academy’s 2-week Youth Retreat in Istanbul

Futuwwah Program

July 15-26, 2024

Inspired by the thousand year-old tradition of Futuwwah —the ethical code of virtuous youth—, Usul Academy’s Futuwwah Program aims to inspire love and appreciation in young Muslim students for Islam as a rooted living tradition in a spiritual, scholarly, and pleasant environment.

Set in Istanbul’s historic madrasahs, Futuwwah program students will participate in the revival of teaching and learning according to the Islamic Tradition. Participants will be introduced to a variety of Islamic studies material, covering topics such as Tafsir of Surah Yusuf, Islamic theology (Aqidah), lessons and inspirations from the book of Futuwwah, and more.

Just as important as scholarly work is to foster a sense of suhbah fellowship and an appreciation for the heritage of Islamic civilization. The daily program also includes culturally immersive activities such as art, sightseeing at various sites in Istanbul, and a day trip to Bursa.

Futuwwah Program Teachers

  • Recep Şentürk

    President, Usul Academy

  • Samir Mahmooud

    Academic Director, Usul Academy

  • Ebad Rahman

    Muslim Life Coordinator, Columbia University

  • Amina Darwish

    Associate Dean for Religious and Spiritual Life and Advisor for Muslim Life, Stanford University

  • Qayyim Naoki Yamamoto

    Professor, Marmara University

  • Furkan Şentürk

    PhD Candidate, Columbia University Course Instructor, Usul Academy

Program Schedule

Please note the program is tentative and subject to change based on varying circumstances.

  • Reviving the pursuit of 'ilm in Istanbul's traditional Madrasahs.

  • Imbibing knowledge from esteemed scholars.

  • Forming a sense of fellowship and bonding with your brothers and sisters.

  • Discovering Istanbul's historic landmarks.

  • Experience traditional forms of Islamic Art

  • Immersing yourself in the Islam Civilization's living heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The program is open to male and female college students 18-25 years of age.

  • The program cost for 2023 was $1,750, covering accommodation, tuition, meals, and transportation in and around Istanbul. Participants are responsible for organizing their own flights.

  • The cost covers: tuition, accommodation, daily meals and transporation in an around Istanbul. Students are responsible to arrange their own flights to Istanbul.

  • Students will be staying in segregated dorms in Fatih district. There is a separate building for females and males each walking distance from the location of the classes. Students will be sharing rooms with 4-5 other students, All meals will be provided by the accommodations.

For any inquiries please e-mail: info@usul.academy

What our students say

  • My summer at Futuwwah was a time of introspection and spiritual grounding. The time I spent in Turkey was truly blessed, and came at critical juncture in my life. At Futuwwah, I forged a sisterhood unlike any other, and found myself constantly surrounded by found brothers and sisters who had my best interest at heart. The knowledge that was passed down, and the conversations that were had, were invaluable, and the mentorship I received was unmatched. My eyes have been opened to the beauty and complexity of knowledge that is rooted in our deen. Words cannot properly articulate how transformative this was for me, and how indebted I am to Futuwwah faculty for not only making this an enjoyable experience, but for becoming a cornerstone and baseline for my acquisition of Islamic knowledge in the future.

    Ola

  • From the moment I arrived and met the students and teachers I knew I was in for the experience of a lifetime, and boy was I right! From the extremely detailed classes to the elaborate tours of Istanbul and Bursa I really had the most influential and profound experience of my life. I loved every second of it and would definitely recommend to anyone who is interested in deepening their Islamic knowledge and having an immersive cultural experience to take the opportunity.

    Ubaidullah

  • The Futuwwah Program is an extremely beneficial and enjoyable program that gives its participants a window into the world of Islamic scholarship and civilization. Between great teachers, a beautiful location, and fun classmates the overall experience is unforgettable.

    Elija