PROF. DR. İBRAHİM KALIN
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Kalın is a distinguished Turkish academic, philosopher, and public intellectual whose work bridges Islamic philosophy, comparative thought, and contemporary political discourse. Born on September 15, 1971, in Istanbul to a family originating from Erzurum, Kalın’s early academic pursuits laid the foundation for a career that seamlessly integrates scholarly rigor with public service. He served as the Chief Advisor and Spokesperson to the President of Turkey, and currently holds the position of Head of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT). He is also a prolific writer and commentator on topics ranging from Islamic thought to East-West relations.
Books
Barbar, Modern, Medeni
Ben Ve Ötesi
Gök Kubbenin Altında
İslam ve Batı
Knowledge in Later Islamic Philosophy
Mulla Sadra
Meet the Author & Works
How to be at home everywhere
In his book «The Fundamental Concepts of Metaphysics,» delivered as a lecture course in 1929-30, the German philosopher Martin Heidegger quotes a fragment from Georg Philipp Friedrich Freiherr von Hardenberg known as Novalis on the meaning of philosophy: “Philosophy is really homesickness, an urge to be at home everywhere.” While describing it as «romantic,» Heidegger ... Read more
Ibn Khaldun has a Message for us
Abd al-Rahman ibn Muhmmad Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406), one of the greatest minds of the Islamic intellectual tradition and best known for his magnum opus Muqaddimah, wrote about history, culture, society, civilization and political power more than any other Muslim thinker. His profound observations of the North African societies, of which he was a part, led ... Read more
The mental and spiritual fragmentation of the Muslim world
The Muslim world suffers from disunity, poverty and bad governance. Political fragmentation runs deep across what the classical scholars called dar al-Islam, the land of peace. Civil wars, sectarian and tribal conflicts, occupations and military interventions and failed states and weak governments squander the natural and human resources of Muslim countries. What is more alarming ... Read more
Academic Foundations and Philosophical Contributions
Kalın commenced his academic journey with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Istanbul University. His quest for deeper understanding led him to the International Islamic University Malaysia, where he earned a Master’s degree in Islamic philosophy. Furthering his studies, he obtained a Ph.D. in Islamic studies from George Washington University in 2002, under the mentorship of renowned philosopher Seyyed Hossein Nasr. His doctoral research culminated in the publication of Knowledge in Later Islamic Philosophy: Mullā Ṣadrā on Existence, Intellect, and Intuition by Oxford University Press in 2010, a seminal work exploring the epistemological frameworks of the 17th-century philosopher Mullā Ṣadrā.
Kalın’s academic endeavors are characterized by a profound engagement with post-Avicennan Islamic philosophy, particularly the metaphysical and epistemological dimensions of thinkers like Mullā Ṣadrā. His scholarship delves into the synthesis of reason, revelation, and intuition, offering insights into the harmonization of classical Islamic thought with contemporary philosophical paradigms.
Academic Positions and Teaching Roles
Between 2002 and 2005, Kalın served as an Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he taught courses on Islamic philosophy and theology. His commitment to fostering interfaith and intercultural understanding was further exemplified during his tenure as a faculty member at Georgetown University’s Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding from 2016 to 2018. Additionally, he lectured on Islamic philosophy at Ibn Haldun University between 2019 and 2022, attaining the rank of professor in 2020.
Founding of SETA and Public Intellectualism
In 2005, Kalın founded the SETA Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research in Ankara, serving as its director until 2009. Under his leadership, SETA emerged as a prominent think tank contributing to policy analysis and public discourse in Turkey. Kalın’s role in SETA underscored his dedication to bridging academic scholarship with practical policy considerations, fostering a nuanced understanding of socio-political dynamics in Turkey and beyond.
Government Service and Diplomatic Engagements
Kalın’s transition into public service began in 2009 when he was appointed as Chief Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of Turkey. His portfolio expanded to include roles such as Coordinator of the Office of Public Diplomacy, Deputy Undersecretary for Foreign Relations and Public Diplomacy, and Deputy Secretary General responsible for Strategy and International Relations at the Office of the President. In December 2014, he was appointed as the first official Presidential Spokesperson, a position he held until June 2023. During his tenure, Kalın played a pivotal role in articulating Turkey’s foreign policy positions and engaging with international stakeholders.
In June 2023, Kalın was appointed as the Director of the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), reflecting his extensive experience in foreign policy and strategic affairs. Under his leadership, MİT has emphasized intelligence-driven strategies and the integration of advanced technologies to address evolving security challenges.
Scholarly Contributions and Publications
Beyond his administrative and diplomatic roles, Kalın has maintained an active presence in academic and intellectual circles. His publications include:
- Knowledge in Later Islamic Philosophy: Mullā Ṣadrā on Existence, Intellect, and Intuition (Oxford University Press, 2010)
- Islam and the West (2007), awarded by the Writers Association of Turkey
- Ben, Öteki ve Ötesi: İslam-Batı İlişkileri Tarihine Giriş
- Barbar, Modern, Medeni
- Perde ve Mânâ: Resim Üzerine Yazılar
- Akıl ve Erdem: Modern Dünyada Müslüman Siyasallık
- Being Muslim in the Age of Twitter and Netflix (in Turkish)
Kalın has also contributed to several encyclopedias, including the MacMillan Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Encyclopedia of Islamic Philosophy, and the Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World. His writings often explore the intersections of tradition and modernity, advocating for a revival of Islamic intellectual traditions in contemporary contexts.
Personal Interests and Multilingual Proficiency
Fluent in English, Arabic, Persian, and French, Kalın’s linguistic abilities have facilitated his engagement in diverse cultural and academic settings. He is also an accomplished musician, proficient in playing the bağlama, and has shared his musical talents through various performances and recordings. His artistic pursuits reflect a holistic approach to cultural expression, intertwining music with his philosophical and intellectual endeavors.
Institutions Ibrahim Kalin Has Worked At:
- Sabancı University – 2004-2014, Faculty Member in Philosophy and Islamic Studies
- Istanbul Sehir University – 2014-2020, Rector
- Presidency of Social and Cultural Affairs of Turkey – 2018-Present, Vice President
- Harvard University – Visiting Scholar, 2006-2007
- Oxford University – Visiting Scholar, 2008
- Georgetown University – Visiting Scholar, 2010
- Istanbul Technical University – 2001-2004, Faculty Member in Philosophy and Islamic Studies
Awards Received by Ibrahim Kalin:
- Award for Academic Achievement in Philosophy and Religious Studies, Istanbul Technical University, 2004
- Member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences, 2011
- Global Thinkers Award, Foreign Policy magazine, 2019
- Young Scientist Award, Turkish Scholars Association, 2010
- Turkish Thought Institute Award, 2015
- International Scientific Research and Education Award, 2020