ISTANBUL - ''Many revisions under scientific discipline have been fulfilled in Islamic world. Thus, it has become possible to meet modern needs,'' said Prof. Dr. Ekmelleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).
The First International Conference of Islamic Archaeology hosted by OIC Research Center For Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) was held in Istanbul under the auspices of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday.
Speaking at the conference, Ihsanoglu said, ''development and further improvement of archeological discipline was started by Europeans. Many revisions under scientific discipline have been fulfilled in Islamic world. Thus, it has become possible to meet modern needs. Through this conference same studies and revisions will be fulfilled in archeology. This is a beginning. Activities of IRCICA are met by international academic circles within cooperation.''
''IRCICA pursues its activities to develop cultural and economic cooperation among people, societies and nations. OIC will continue its support to IRCICA from now on as well,'' he noted.
Ihsanoglu said, ''the conference will be held periodically. We will then organize Islamic Countries Archeology Conference. We will establish a network among people who work on archeology field. Thus, several misunderstandings on archeology area will be eliminated.''
Regarding funeral of Pope John Paul II, Ihsanoglu said, ''leaders of many OIC member countries attended the funeral. Pope had served peace and attached importance to dialogue between Christianity and other religions.''
The conference will end on April 10th.