Fethullah Gülen on Turkey's Position in the World

Mehmet Gündem: How much do you think Turkey belongs to the Islamic world, to the Turkic world, and to Europe, particularly now that we find ourselves in this process (of EU membership)? Within the framework of a search for "A Nation in the World Balance," which is a title of one of your articles, where do you think Turkey belongs to?

Fethullah Gulen: Attached to its historical, national, and religious values, Turkey is a country where its own interpretations that pertain to the religious life are more to the front. Turkey has distinctive interpretations with respect to the Islamic principles based upon the essential resources. A sense of belonging is related with proximity in terms of emotions, thoughts, logic, philosophy, and interpretation of life; on the other hand, certain major affairs will be undertaken along with those who share the same values and interests. This is a very significant reality in relationships between countries, but it does not prevent Turkey from entering the EU and realizing certain projects with the Europeans.

The current process with the EU is just a beginning and a bargaining stage. We need to look out to the horizon carefully. To the same degree that we appreciate what they have brought about in science, art, and the development of civilization, we need to realize that Europe, and to some extent America, are getting old. Although they shine like the sun in the sky today, this sun is approaching its dusk. Turkey, on the other hand, is experiencing the first glimpses of the dawn; it is a dynamic young country in the process of a resurrection. Rather than the present blinding glimmer of others, we need to look in the direction of the newborn or prospective gleams.

Turkey is a promising country in the future. I don't speak off the top of my head. Turkey is a reality and no other country will be able to contend with us in the future. We have tripped over so many times for various reasons, but we have managed to invent new systems of recovery each time. Today, there is much brainstorming in our country and the zeal for research has been revived. Our present situation does not lead down a blind alley; it indicates an effort for further exploration. Turkey will attain its rightful place in the world balance, provided that she can make good use of her dynamics. We should not ignore the fact that social movements take place across a span of time. They don't happen instantly. This nation will demonstrate its character sooner or later. "With my eyes half-closed, I am glancing at such a Turkey," as the poet said.

Excerpted from the part of the interview published on fgulen.com, 14 January 2005, Friday