Emre Soncan
Keith Ellison, the first Muslim member of the US Congress, has said Turkey is the most important country in the region and the best example of how Islam and democracy can coexist.
Ellison, visiting Turkey upon the invitation of the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON), had talks with Turkish officials, including Finance Minister Ali Babacan, in Ankara. The congressman told Today’s Zaman in an interview that it is very important for Turkey to undertake humanitarian aid mission in this region, while praising Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s initiatives with respect to the unrest and chaos in the Mideast and North Africa. Ellison pointed to the historical link between the US and Turkey and said the ties will continue to grow closer in the future, too.
April 22, 2011
Gülen Movement: A Religious Community (cemaat) or a Social Community (camia)?
Hadi Uluengin
Before studying the Gülen movement, first, we must agree on definitions.
Such a consensus will place the discussion on a more appropriate and objective foundation. This lexicon agreement is required first and foremost because of recent claims and accusations—which are perhaps true, perhaps false, or perhaps half true, half false—laid against this very movement.
Here is the question before us:
Do the large masses united around the spiritual and intellectual personality of the opinion leader residing in Pennsylvania feature a 'religious' community, that is a 'cemaat'— the buzzword frequently used here in Turkey? Or is the term 'social community' or 'camia' a better fit? I believe the latter one is more accurate, and let me share my reasons.
Before studying the Gülen movement, first, we must agree on definitions.
Such a consensus will place the discussion on a more appropriate and objective foundation. This lexicon agreement is required first and foremost because of recent claims and accusations—which are perhaps true, perhaps false, or perhaps half true, half false—laid against this very movement.
Here is the question before us:
Do the large masses united around the spiritual and intellectual personality of the opinion leader residing in Pennsylvania feature a 'religious' community, that is a 'cemaat'— the buzzword frequently used here in Turkey? Or is the term 'social community' or 'camia' a better fit? I believe the latter one is more accurate, and let me share my reasons.
April 21, 2011
Gulen Movement: An attempt to represent Islam and Muslims positively
Monami Haque*
Many of today’s global problems, particularly related to politics, have been associated with Muslims or Islam. The 9/11 incident along with other acts of terrorism further nurtured feeling of hatred toward Islam and its followers. Such negativities, as portrayed by the Western media in particular, have fostered displeased feelings among the global public. Efforts to patch up such feelings however, have not been as successful in reducing the feelings of hatred and animosity among some groups. While efforts are being taken to explain that such negative actions are un-Islamic, it would probably be difficult to change the negative perceptions if the public are not provided with more convincing pictures that help mend bridges for peaceful co-existence. One such group advocating dialogues among communities and faiths, tolerance and acceptance is the Gülen movement.
The personality behind the Gülen movement is an individual by the name of Fethullah Gülen, a former Turkish state imam who has risen to become Turkey’s most famous Islamic intellectual. As a religious intellectual and peace activist, Gülen has influenced a whole generation of Muslims globally and inspired them to play an important role in dialogue and educational projects worldwide. The good part of his writings is that it motivates people to put his thoughts into practice: the ideas do not remain theory and inspirations but become a charter or action-plan implemented by members of the movement.
Many of today’s global problems, particularly related to politics, have been associated with Muslims or Islam. The 9/11 incident along with other acts of terrorism further nurtured feeling of hatred toward Islam and its followers. Such negativities, as portrayed by the Western media in particular, have fostered displeased feelings among the global public. Efforts to patch up such feelings however, have not been as successful in reducing the feelings of hatred and animosity among some groups. While efforts are being taken to explain that such negative actions are un-Islamic, it would probably be difficult to change the negative perceptions if the public are not provided with more convincing pictures that help mend bridges for peaceful co-existence. One such group advocating dialogues among communities and faiths, tolerance and acceptance is the Gülen movement.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
April 20, 2011
How to solve the Kirkuk problem?
Harun Akyol *
The staffroom fell silent as my colleagues all looked at each other, not sure if I was joking. The normal end of term conversation as to where people were going for their summer holidays had fallen flat when I mentioned my forthcoming trip to Iraq.
Even worse, I was heading off to Kirkuk, the oil-rich center of deathly ethnic conflict. Jokes were made about life insurance and blessings for a safe return given. I, despite numerous warnings from friends and colleagues, remained excited and keen to carry out my fieldwork.
The staffroom fell silent as my colleagues all looked at each other, not sure if I was joking. The normal end of term conversation as to where people were going for their summer holidays had fallen flat when I mentioned my forthcoming trip to Iraq.
Even worse, I was heading off to Kirkuk, the oil-rich center of deathly ethnic conflict. Jokes were made about life insurance and blessings for a safe return given. I, despite numerous warnings from friends and colleagues, remained excited and keen to carry out my fieldwork.
April 19, 2011
Why do they lie about Fethullah Gülen?
Mehmet Kalyoncu *
For many of those who have admired the ideas of the scholar Fethullah Gülen and at varying levels took part in fulfilling those ideas for the service of humanity, it has been a lamentable fact that the international community does not know as much as it should about either Gülen or the worldwide Hizmet (Service) Movement he has inspired.
For many of those who have admired the ideas of the scholar Fethullah Gülen and at varying levels took part in fulfilling those ideas for the service of humanity, it has been a lamentable fact that the international community does not know as much as it should about either Gülen or the worldwide Hizmet (Service) Movement he has inspired.
April 18, 2011
New York State Assemblyman gives a proclamation for Fethullah Gulen
New York State Assembly Member Cymbrowitz presented a proclamation for Fethullah Gulen during the 4th Annual Friendship Dinner organized by the New York based Turkish Cultural Center.
Assemblyman Cymbrowitz said that the teachings of Fethullah Gulen not only inspire Turkish people but also others: “this individual had such an influence on so many people and that I have to say that you don’t have to be Turkish to be influenced by this amazing man, it is an honor to be here today to represent the proclamation to Mr. Fethullah Gulen and this is an assembly proclamation and it’s important for me to read it to you…”
Below, he reads the assembly proclamation:
Assemblyman Cymbrowitz said that the teachings of Fethullah Gulen not only inspire Turkish people but also others: “this individual had such an influence on so many people and that I have to say that you don’t have to be Turkish to be influenced by this amazing man, it is an honor to be here today to represent the proclamation to Mr. Fethullah Gulen and this is an assembly proclamation and it’s important for me to read it to you…”
Below, he reads the assembly proclamation:
April 17, 2011
Media & Values Panel held in Melbourne University
Nisa Nur Terzi
A panel titled “Media and Values” which took place in Melbourne on the weekend (Saturday April 2, 2011) witnessed the detailed examination of the media and its biases by local and international journalists and academics. Organized by the Australian Intercultural Society and The Fountain Magazine, the conference was held at the Sidney Myer Asia Centre in Melbourne University and was attended by 300 participants, including the Aydın Nurhan, the Turkish Consulate General, Jose Alvarez, the State Director of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Andrew Crisp, Assistant Commissioner of the Victoria Police, academics and university students. The panel commenced with Professor Greg Barton from Monash University who introduced the panelists to the audience.
A panel titled “Media and Values” which took place in Melbourne on the weekend (Saturday April 2, 2011) witnessed the detailed examination of the media and its biases by local and international journalists and academics. Organized by the Australian Intercultural Society and The Fountain Magazine, the conference was held at the Sidney Myer Asia Centre in Melbourne University and was attended by 300 participants, including the Aydın Nurhan, the Turkish Consulate General, Jose Alvarez, the State Director of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Andrew Crisp, Assistant Commissioner of the Victoria Police, academics and university students. The panel commenced with Professor Greg Barton from Monash University who introduced the panelists to the audience.
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