An Ancient Calendar in Modern Times: The Hijri Calendar and Its Significance

Organized by the Astronomy and Space Sciences Candidate Club on April 21, 2025, the event titled “An Ancient Calendar in Modern Times: The Hijri Calendar and Its Significance” offered a multifaceted exploration of the Hijri calendar, whose historical roots trace back to Islamic civilization.

The guest speaker of the program was Mr. Tuğrul Çekirdek, President of the Hijri Calendar Research Center. In his comprehensive presentation, he provided an in-depth overview of the principles, development process, historical evolution, and current relevance of the Hijri calendar. Topics ranged from its formalization during the time of Caliph Umar to its integration into modern digital calendar systems.

The talk emphasized that the Hijri calendar is not merely a tool for timekeeping, but also a profound cultural element reflecting the mindset and rhythm of an entire civilization. Participants gained valuable insights into its continued importance today, especially in marking religious observances and monthly lunar cycles.