Dr. Esposito: The Gulen Movement Introduces Turkey to the World

Ayten Çiftçi

Dr. John L. Esposito, a professor of Islam at Georgetown University in the United States said that the Gülen Movement has brought a major contribution to the recognition of Turkey in the world. Dr. Esposito who came to Turkey for the workshop entitled 'Transition from dictatorship to democracy', which was organized by the Turkish Prime Ministry's Office of Public Diplomacy and the Georgetown University the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, stated, "The whole world should benefit from the services performed by the Gülen movement.” Esposito told the Zaman newspaper that the movement has a big mission not only in Turkey but in the world, and further added, "They have neither political nor ideological efforts. They have one goal. That is to enlighten the world with education. This is why we need the Gülen Movement in this age.” Stating that he wrote a book about the Gülen movement in 2003, Esposito said that he did not want to meet Fethullah Gulen only to be objective about him. Esposito noted that Gülen's house was very close to his house, "One day I could have visited him, but I was afraid that those around me would doubt my objectivity if they thought I was friends with Gulen".

Turkish schools not only educate, but also teach the language of love

Praising the Turkish schools serving abroad, John L. Esposito expressed that these schools are known by everyone around the world offering an education of high quality. Esposito stated that the Turkish schools operate human-centered, regardless of Muslim, Christian or Jewish ethnic background.

According to Professor Esposito, the main sources of the world's sufferings are ignorance, poverty and factions that lead to conflicts. Stating that the Turkish schools, opened with the inspiration by Fethullah Gulen's ideas, in this context is seen as a model school, Esposito said, "These schools operate under extraordinary acts of responsibility. They offer an organized and stable education regardless of pecuniary interest. Moreover, the finance is provided by businessmen and Turkish volunteers in Turkey.” Esposito says the number of schools should increase especially in the areas where youth problems are at peak, "Because they not only educate, but also teach the language of love.” Esposito affirmed that Gulen Movement’s aim is a world that is free of conflict and turmoil.

Original article [in Turkish] published on Zaman, 09 October 2011, Sunday
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