University rejects hosting evolution workshop

"The Evolution School," a two-day workshop organized by a university club and a local doctors' chamber, was held at a social hall of tradesmen after the club's university refused to hold the event. 

While the Pamukkale University in the province of Denizli did not officially refuse to host the event, it verbally stated the event would not be held on its campus, the organizers told Do?an News Agency.

Prof. Gökhan Önem, the head of the Denizli Chamber of Doctors, thanked the university's Populists Health Group, the co-organizers, at the opening of the event. 

"Of course we received criticism over the meeting but as a person who believes in science, this criticism means nothing," Önem said. 

The workshop covered presentations on the mechanisms of evolution, the evolution of viruses, reproduction and aging, bringing together Turkish scholars specializing in the subject. The workshop concluded on Dec. 20. 

Evolution is a sensitive issue in Turkey, with some Islamic scholars defending that the theory contradicts with the tenets of Islam.

In Photos: US defense chief visits ?ncirlik base as part of tour to boost regional support against ISIL

In photos: Turkey commemorates Rumi with 'Night of Union' ceremony in Konya

Pictures released by the Armed Forces depict destruction in southeastern Sur amid clashes, curfew

In Photos: Ta?yaran Valley in Aegean region to become nature park

Halfeti - A town of mesmerizing beauty

Exhibition shows Istanbul through eyes of children

Secret weapons of Turkish army: locally produced rocket launchers, missile systems

The bugs of Ankara: The weirdest scenes that anyone can run into in Turkish capital

A bird's eye view tour of Turkey's eastern...