Yetkin Karaoğlu
15 Eyl 2026
I delivered my presentation: Reconfiguring Sacred Space in Ōmoto: From Ise Jingū to Baishō-en.
On 5–6 September 2026, I represented the Faculty of Theology at Ordu University at the IV International Conference on Historical Studies in Senigallia, Italy. Held under the theme “Ab Aeterno: Sacred Time and Space in Religions,” the conference offered an opportunity to exchange ideas with scholars from different countries.
On the second day, I delivered my presentation, “Reconfiguring Sacred Space in Ōmoto: From Ise Jingū to Baishō-en.” My presentation focused on the reconfiguration of sacred space within the Japanese religious movement Ōmoto. Moving from Ise Jingū to Baishō-en, I explored two central questions: What makes a place sacred, and who has the authority to determine where the sacred centre lies? These questions opened a discussion of the relationship between sacred space and religious authority.
Ordu Divinity Faculty supported the conference as an academic sponsor for the second time. Organized by the Angelica Catalani Association and the Centre for Advanced Mediterranean-Balkan Studies, the event formed part of the association’s 40th anniversary celebrations. It also received support from Italy’s Ministry of Tourism, the Marche Regional Council, the Marche Regional Education Office, and the Municipality of Senigallia.
Over two days, participants examined sacred time and space through interdisciplinary discussions of origin myths, ritual calendars, and places of worship. Institutional representatives included Mauro Minestroni, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye; Corrado Canafoglia, representing the Marche Region; and Carmen Narcisa Enache, representing the Marche Regional Education Office. Their contributions highlighted the role of scholarly exchange in intercultural dialogue and educational cooperation.
My thanks to Prof. Nicola Maria Camerlengo, the conference’s scientific director, the organizing team, and all the scholars whose presentations enriched our discussions.
#OrduUniversity #HistoryOfReligions #Ōmoto #SacredSpace #Senigallia #AcademicCollaboration
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