International Symposium December 9-10, 2025

The Qurʾān – Bridging Tradition and Modernity in Search of Understanding

This international symposium invites scholars, researchers, and students to a profound academic engagement with the evolving landscape of Qurʾānic interpretation. Jointly organized by the Karlsruhe University of Education and the University of Vienna, the event offers a dynamic space to explore how classical approaches to the Qurʾān can be reimagined in light of the intellectual, social, and ethical challenges of the modern world. Moving beyond traditional exegetical paradigms, this symposium brings together diverse perspectives, methodologies, and cultural contexts in a shared search for renewed understanding.

From hermeneutical innovations rooted in literary theory, linguistics, and historical criticism to the influence of modern rationalism, science, and socio-political realities, the symposium provides a platform for critical reflection on how the Qurʾān continues to speak—urgently and meaningfully—into our contemporary moment.

Panel Overview

1. Linguistic Approaches to the Qurʾān
Language and Meaning in the Qurʾān: Focuses on literary, rhetorical, and semantic analyses of the Qurʾānic text.

2. Paradigmatic Approaches to the Qurʾān
Modern Perspectives: Science, Society, and Gender: Explores how scientific, social, and feminist frameworks shape contemporary Qurʾānic interpretation.

3. Deductive Approaches to the Qurʾān
Themes and Concepts in Qurʾānic Interpretation: Examines thematic and goal-oriented readings that derive broader meanings from specific verses.

4. Historical & Comparative Approaches
Context and Comparison in Qurʾānic Interpretation: Considers how the Qurʾān has been interpreted across time and traditions, including historical and interreligious perspectives.

The enduring relevance of the Qurʾān lies not only in its preservation, but in our ability to engage it with fresh eyes—where tradition informs, and new methods illuminate, the path to deeper understanding.
Tuğrul Kurt

In an age of rapid change, the quest to understand the Qurʾān is not merely an academic pursuit—it is a vital effort to connect timeless revelation with the complexities of modern life, ensuring its guidance remains meaningful across cultures and generations.
Ibrahim Aslandur

Schedule and Poster

Conference Poster
PDF 695.5 KB Conference Program
PDF 1.5 MB

Rationale and Relevance

Since the 19th century, the interpretation of the Qurʾān has been marked by a productive tension between reverence for tradition and the necessity of engaging with modern thought. Theologians and scholars across the globe have grappled with how to honor the deep roots of Qurʾānic exegesis while responding to rapidly changing social realities—from the rise of scientific paradigms to questions of justice, gender, and pluralism.

This symposium is a response to that intellectual urgency. It seeks not only to document but to advance the scholarly discourse on Qurʾānic hermeneutics by spotlighting contemporary methodologies that are both critically rigorous and socially engaged. With contributions from around the world, it will illuminate the Qurʾān’s interpretive possibilities in our time—across languages, cultures, and epistemologies.