November 30, 2013

Gülen ‘speechless’ on gov’t action plan against Hizmet movement

Islamic Scholar Fethullah Gülen has described himself as “speechless” and expressed his disappointment about a National Security Council (MGK) decision in 2004 signed by the government and recommending an action plan against the Hizmet (Gülen) movement.

Speaking Turco-tweetish more fluently

Arzu Kaya Uranlı

As you might remember, last week I mentioned that according to research company eMarketer, Turkey has the highest Twitter penetration in the world. While Turkey's Internet population is 36.4 million, its Twitter users are estimated at 11.3 million, giving a Twitter penetration rate of 31.1 percent. However, I now believe that Turkish users have further extended these numbers in the last two weeks.

When paths part...

Orhan Miroğlu

The Hizmet movement and the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) have arrived at a critical junction in the road.

Did Erdoğan say ‘shut up' to Gen. Eruygur?

Emre Uslu

Liberal daily Taraf has published yet another document showing that the government, back in 2004, signed an agreement with the generals to fight the Gülen movement. The document outlined that the government agreed to prevent Gülen sympathizers from getting jobs in state institutions.

Prep school wars

Sevgi Akarçeşme

For over two weeks, since the Zaman daily unveiled the government's draft legislation to close privately owned prep schools, Turkey has been discussing this one issue. That is a big deal for a country where the agenda changes frequently with shocking political events and scandals that would typically make headlines for months in a “normal” country.

Pacifica Institute San Diego holds its Dialogue and Friendship Dinner

Pacifica Institute logo
Pacifica Institute’s San Diego chapter held its 9th Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner at Marriott Hotel, La Jolla. The gathering saw the attendance of some 170 guests including academics, bureaucrats and religious figures.

Atilla Kahveci, Pacifica Institute’s vice-president, in his inaugural address, reflected on the crucial role of occasions that bring people of diverse faiths and cultures in fostering intercultural understanding, cooperation and peace.