On Friday, April 4, 2025, the Psychology (PSY) study program at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) hosted two captivating public lectures, offering students and guests a unique interdisciplinary exploration of psychology, history, and Islamic art.
The first lecture, titled "Mind and Healing: The Evolution of Psychology in the Ottoman Empire – The Case of Süleymaniye Dārüşşifa (House of Healing)," was delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Kaya Göktepe. A clinical psychologist and specialist in the psychology of religion, Dr. Göktepe offered an enriching perspective on mental health practices in the Ottoman Empire, focusing on the Süleymaniye Dārüşşifa—one of the most advanced healing institutions of its time. Her lecture highlighted the integration of music therapy, environmental design, spiritual care, and humoral theory in holistic treatment approaches, illustrating the profound intellectual and medical legacy of the Ottoman era.
The second lecture, “Kufic Script in the Ottoman Press: Aesthetics and Identity from the 19th and 20th Century,” was presented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Erdem Göktepe of Istanbul Ticaret University. An accomplished academic and visual artist, Dr. Göktepe examined the evolution and significance of Kufic calligraphy in Ottoman printed materials during the empire’s period of modernization. Through vivid examples from newspapers, magazines, and book covers, he demonstrated how Kufic script served not only as an aesthetic feature but also as a cultural and ideological statement, bridging the traditional Islamic identity with the new visual language of modern mass communication.
Together, these two lectures offered attendees a rare and enriching blend of historical insight and artistic expression—an opportunity to explore how psychology, spirituality, and design have intersected and evolved across time. The event was also a reflection of IUS's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and critical thinking.
