19 January 2026
Anita Kartika Pasaribu
.webp)
FIB USU PR - On Monday, 19 January 2026, the undergraduate program in historical science of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), organized a Public Lecture entitled “Acehnese Historical Consciousness: A Critical View on Aceh–Ottoman Relations through a Letter.” The event was held at the Academic Senate Room of Universitas Sumatera Utara.
The lecture was opened with an introductory remark by Prof. Dr. Budi Agustono (USU). It was attended by the Head and Secretary of the Study Program, lecturers, and students of the historical science program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, USU. The keynote speaker was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Özay from the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC–IIUM), and the session was moderated by Lestari Dara Cinta, S.S., M.A., a lecturer in the History Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, USU.
The study of Aceh’s history holds a significant position in understanding the historical dynamics of Indonesia and the broader Islamic world, particularly within the context of transregional relations between the Aceh Sultanate and the Ottoman Empire. These relations not only reflected political and military diplomacy but also demonstrated the historical consciousness of the Acehnese people as part of the global Muslim community.
One of the key sources for examining Aceh–Ottoman relations is diplomatic correspondence, which documents communication, interests, and political perspectives from both sides. These letters are valuable not merely as historical records, but also as mediums through which identity, political legitimacy, and Islamic solidarity were constructed and negotiated.
Through this Public Lecture, students, lecturers, and members of the academic community were invited to critically re-examine Aceh–Ottoman history through historiographical approaches and primary source analysis. The presence of an international scholar with expertise in Islamic and Ottoman studies was expected to enrich academic perspectives and foster interdisciplinary discussion.
This event also formed part of the university’s commitment to academic internationalization and the strengthening of scholarly networks between Universitas Sumatera Utara and international academic institutions.
.png)
The Public Lecture is expected to serve as a productive forum for scholarly dialogue in advancing the study of Aceh’s history and the Islamic world. Through a critical engagement with historical sources, the event aims to cultivate reflective historical consciousness, particularly among students and the academic community of Universitas Sumatera Utara.
FIB USU History Lecturer Becomes Speaker at International Seminar at Hasanuddin University
NewsDeparture of Malay Literature Students for Research and Community Service in Pahang Village
NewsFaculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara Holds First Morning Assembly Under New Leadership
