July 4, 2014

Some thoughts on Hizmet

Husnu Demir

One important informal ‘institution’ or tradition within the movement is the cay sohbets (tea discussions). These sohbets are weekly or monthly gatherings that bring people together – almost like a book club or study circle where books are read, at least some text of Fethullah Gulen’s and usually various other sources- possibly including magazines, poems or videos. These gatherings are very important as it allows people to become informed intellectually, spiritually and are where the seeds for service oriented projects planted and brainstormed. From such gatherings committees are formed and the ground work for institutions are laid.

CHP's Öztrak: Gov't preparing to turn witch-hunt into clean-up

The Justice and Development Party (AK Party), which has launched a witch-hunt in state agencies, purging every civil servant who it deems is affiliated with the faith-based Hizmet movement, is passing laws to carry out a complete clean-up in the state bureaucracy, Faik Öztrak, deputy chairman of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), has said.

Turkish army denies general may be dismissed

Turkish army has denied reports that one of its generals is not "favored by the government" and that the authorities are seeking his purge because of alleged links to the Hizmet movement.