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.