An Examination of Universal Values: Kari Nizamuddin Bin Mulla Huseyin's Work Entitled Science of Morality (Ilm-i Ahlak)

Menşure AŞCI; Haktan KAPLAN

Authors

Menşure AŞCI (Assoc. Prof. Dr.), Selçuk University, Faculty of Education, Department of Turkish and Social Sciences Education, Division of Turkish Education Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3938-4828
Haktan KAPLAN (Assoc. Prof. Dr.), Selçuk University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Turkish Language and Literature Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6693-6766

Keywords:

Education, , Turkish Education, Values, Universal Values, Science of Morality

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine what universal values are present in Kari Nizamuddin Bin Mulla Huseyin’s work titled Science of Morality (Ilm-i Ahlak) and to reveal how often these values are mentioned. The data collection tool used in the study was a list of values described as universal values covered by the living values education program supported by UNESCO and implemented in many parts of the world, as well as values included in the secondary school Turkish and social studies curricula. The values of cooperation, happiness, honesty, humility/modesty, love, peace, respect, responsibility, simplicity, tolerance, freedom, and unity/solidarity, as well as goodness, morality, cleanliness, helpfulness, patriotism, diligence, courage, and justice, were identified, and the findings section of the study was created. Values education programs implemented around the world and in Turkey offer many advantages. These include a decrease in risky behaviors, an increase in positive social skills, an increase in positive attitudes toward school and school success and an increase in social-emotional skills. The work titled Science of Morality, which was examined for this purpose, largely aligns with the values established by UNESCO and the outcomes of values education. The presence of multiple value elements throughout the work demonstrates that Science of Morality is a rich resource for values education.

Author Biography

Haktan KAPLAN, (Assoc. Prof. Dr.), Selçuk University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Turkish Language and Literature

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haktan Kaplan completed his B.A. in Turkish Language and Literature at Selçuk University in 2013, earned his M.A. in 2016 under the supervision of Dr. Aziz Ayva, and received his Ph.D. in 2021 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Selçuk Peker at the Institute of Social Sciences of Necmettin Erbakan University, specializing in Turkish folk literature, mythology, and sacred cultural spaces. Since 2017, he has served in the Department of Turkish Language at Selçuk University and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2023. Before his university career, he briefly worked as a Turkish Language and Literature teacher within the Ministry of National Education. At the university level, he has taught courses on Turkish folklore, epic tradition, cultural memory, urban folklore, children’s traditional games, values education, and teaching Turkish as a foreign language. His academic output includes 15 scholarly articles (13 international, 2 national), 20 conference papers (14 international, 6 national), 6 authored scientific books, and 13 book chapters, demonstrating strong and sustained scholarly productivity. His research interests encompass Turkish folklore, Alevi–Bektashi literature, mythology, hagiographic narratives, cultural heritage, narrative studies, urban folklore, children’s games, and values education. For his contributions to the field, he has been honored with the Ziya Gökalp Achievement Award (2024) and the TÜBİTAK Publication Incentive Award (2025).