Fethullah Gulen sends condolences to martyrs, criticizes method

Abdülhamit Bilici

Fethullah Gulen

The Wall Street Journal published an interview with Fethullah Gülen yesterday. In this interview, Gülen reveals a perspective that is different from those expressed by the Turkish public opinion about the latest Gaza incident.

The interview comprises many other topics in addition to Gülen’s approach to the matter at hand. The section dealing with Gaza can be assessed from three angles: First, concerning the method followed prior to the horrible attack on the ship carrying humanitarian aid volunteers, he criticizes it, saying diplomatic channels should have been exhausted. Second, he criticizes the manner in which Israeli soldiers interfered, saying that it was ugly. Third, he expresses regret for our citizens who died in the attack, to whose families he offered his condolences.

Fethullah Gülen expresses condolences over slain peace activists

Today's Zaman

Fethullah Gulen

In the wake of the killings of at least nine peace activists on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, prominent Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has expressed his regret for the tragic incident and extended his deepest condolences to the families of the slain activists as well as the Turkish nation and all of humanity.

In his message on Friday, Gülen noted that the activists were attacked as they were sailing to end the human tragedy in Gaza.

“I wish God's mercy upon our people who set sail with the intention of putting an end to the human tragedy in Gaza and who were martyred in the unfortunate attack they suffered, and I convey my condolences to their families, our nation and to humanity,” the message read.

Reclusive Turkish Imam Criticizes Gaza Flotilla

Joe Lauria

Fethullah Gulen

Saylorsburg, PA.- Fethullah Gülen, a controversial and reclusive U.S. resident who is considered Turkey's most influential religious leader, criticized a Turkish-led flotilla for trying to deliver aid without Israel's consent.

Speaking in his first interview with a U.S. news organization, Mr. Gülen spoke of watching news coverage of Monday's deadly confrontation between Israeli commandos and Turkish aid group members as its flotilla approached Israel's sea blockade of Gaza. "What I saw was not pretty," he said. "It was ugly."

Mr. Gülen said organizers' failure to seek accord with Israel before attempting to deliver aid "is a sign of defying authority, and will not lead to fruitful matters."

Dr. Ergil answers 100 questions about Fethullah Gülen and his movement

Murat Tokay

Professor Doğu Ergil, a distinguished political scientist, has completed his two-and-a-half-year study on the volunteers movement inspired by Fethullah Gülen.

Titled “100 Soruda Fethullah Gülen ve Hareketi” (Fethullah Gülen and His Movement in 100 Questions) (Timaş Publishing House), Ergil’s book dissects the movement from a social science perspective and based on the answers Gülen gave.

“Fethullah Gülen seeks a Turkish renaissance. ... The Gülen movement is currently Turkey’s most important export asset. ... The key to the success of the Gülen movement is that they believe in their cause.”