All Africa Global Media via COMTEX
Mogadishu - The ministry of education for the transnational federal government of Somalia has disclosed it had signed an education related deal with Nile Organization which is from Turkey.
August 22, 2011
Turkey, South Africa agree to waive visas, draft free trade agreement
Today's Zaman
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said on Sunday that Turkey has reached an agreement with South Africa to mutually waive visa requirements and increase bilateral visits, with an aim toward enriching diplomatic and trade ties, as he announced plans for a visit to South Africa by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the coming months.
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said on Sunday that Turkey has reached an agreement with South Africa to mutually waive visa requirements and increase bilateral visits, with an aim toward enriching diplomatic and trade ties, as he announced plans for a visit to South Africa by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the coming months.
August 21, 2011
For Muslim couple in Alabama Ramadan means fasting, then feasting, as all over the world
Roy Hoffmann
MOBILE - In south Alabama, as in their native Turkey, Ümit and Gülcan Gunebir observe Ramadan with prayer and fasting.
During each of the 30 days of the religious observance — this year, Aug. 1 – Aug. 30 — the couple rise before dawn in their west Mobile home, eat breakfast, then do not let food or drink pass their lips until sundown.
MOBILE - In south Alabama, as in their native Turkey, Ümit and Gülcan Gunebir observe Ramadan with prayer and fasting.
During each of the 30 days of the religious observance — this year, Aug. 1 – Aug. 30 — the couple rise before dawn in their west Mobile home, eat breakfast, then do not let food or drink pass their lips until sundown.
August 20, 2011
GYV gathers politicians, diplomats at iftar dinner in Turkish capital
Today's Zaman
Many distinguished figures, including cabinet members, politicians, diplomats, businessmen and journalists, came together at the same iftar (fast-breaking dinner) table on Thursday night in an event held by the Ankara branch of the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV).
Many distinguished figures, including cabinet members, politicians, diplomats, businessmen and journalists, came together at the same iftar (fast-breaking dinner) table on Thursday night in an event held by the Ankara branch of the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV).
August 19, 2011
Robustness and civility: Themes from Fethullah Gülen
Paul Weller *
The 7/7 attacks on the London transportation system in 2005, perpetrated by Muslims raised in the UK, shocked the British government, many Muslims and the wider civil society.
Subsequently, the UK’s multiculturalist policy consensus has been subject to intensive criticism. Politicians and some parts of civil society have challenged a perceived “separatism” within Muslim communities. These people emphasize a need for shared values and social cohesion and advocate the promotion of “moderate Islam” and “moderate Muslims.”
The 7/7 attacks on the London transportation system in 2005, perpetrated by Muslims raised in the UK, shocked the British government, many Muslims and the wider civil society.
Subsequently, the UK’s multiculturalist policy consensus has been subject to intensive criticism. Politicians and some parts of civil society have challenged a perceived “separatism” within Muslim communities. These people emphasize a need for shared values and social cohesion and advocate the promotion of “moderate Islam” and “moderate Muslims.”
August 18, 2011
The Concepts of Tolerance and Dialogue within the Context of Gülen’s Thought
Darian C. De Bolt
Fethullah Gülen sums up some of his central ideas when he writes, “Throughout the four corners of the world, people of truth and love…are carrying messages of love, tolerance and dialogue with everyone”(2004, 174). These three concepts, love, tolerance, and dialogue, show up again and again throughout Gülen’s writings, speeches, sermons, and interviews. What I would like to do is to examine particularly the concepts of tolerance and dialogue within the context of Gülen’s thought. I will concentrate particularly on the concepts of tolerance and dialogue because it is these ideas that personally attracted me to his thought. Although it is obvious I will relate these concepts to the Western tradition, you must understand that Gülen grounds these notions firmly within his own deep commitment to and knowledge of his faith tradition of Islam. However, let me begin in reverse order starting with dialogue.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
August 17, 2011
Binnaz Toprak and Ahmet Sik and the Gulen Movement
Onur Emir
The Gulen (or, as it is recently being called, the Hizmet) Movement has been both praised and criticized by academics and the media. In this post I discuss recent criticisms levelled by Binnaz Toprak and Ahmet Sik towards the Movement. My aim is to show readers the different perspectives of the critiques on the Gulen Movement.
The Gulen (or, as it is recently being called, the Hizmet) Movement has been both praised and criticized by academics and the media. In this post I discuss recent criticisms levelled by Binnaz Toprak and Ahmet Sik towards the Movement. My aim is to show readers the different perspectives of the critiques on the Gulen Movement.
August 16, 2011
The Growth of School System in Diverse Soils
Cemil Genç
Gulen schools have been presenting stunning performance regardless of the society have been initiated.
In this article, we would like to accentuate the successful expansion of the schools in different parts of the world. We thought the International Turkish Language Olympiads numbers would be a good indicator of the expansion of the Gulen inspired schools all over the world.
Gulen schools have been presenting stunning performance regardless of the society have been initiated.
In this article, we would like to accentuate the successful expansion of the schools in different parts of the world. We thought the International Turkish Language Olympiads numbers would be a good indicator of the expansion of the Gulen inspired schools all over the world.
August 15, 2011
Turkish students receive medals in Int’l Science Olympics
Today's Zaman
This year all 23 students representing Turkey through the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) in the International Science Olympics received medals in various branches of science.
Madagascar's first international award came from the Turkish school's student
Cihan News Agency
Miary Lalah Rakotoarison, a student attending a Turkish school in Madagascar, which gained its independence 50 years ago, brought an international success to his country. Miary Lalah Rakotoarison won a gold medal in The Young Inventors Project Competition, held in Georgia under the math category. Team coach Talgat Amanov who got his education in Kyrgyzstan from a Turkish school is now working at the Turkish school in Madagascar. Rakotoarison became the pride of his country.
Miary Lalah Rakotoarison, a student attending a Turkish school in Madagascar, which gained its independence 50 years ago, brought an international success to his country. Miary Lalah Rakotoarison won a gold medal in The Young Inventors Project Competition, held in Georgia under the math category. Team coach Talgat Amanov who got his education in Kyrgyzstan from a Turkish school is now working at the Turkish school in Madagascar. Rakotoarison became the pride of his country.
August 14, 2011
Samanyolu telethon for Somalia raises more than TL 25 million
Bayram Emir
More than TL 25 million has been raised in a special telethon organized by the Samanyolu Media Group and Turkish charity foundation Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) for famine-stricken Somalia.
Titled “İnsanlık Ölmedi” (Humanity Has Not Died), the show was aired as part of relief efforts and was broadcast by stations affiliated with the Samanyolu Media Group, including STV and Samanyolu Haber TV, on Thursday night. The show was hosted by Gezegen Mehmet, a famous radio host.
More than TL 25 million has been raised in a special telethon organized by the Samanyolu Media Group and Turkish charity foundation Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) for famine-stricken Somalia.
Titled “İnsanlık Ölmedi” (Humanity Has Not Died), the show was aired as part of relief efforts and was broadcast by stations affiliated with the Samanyolu Media Group, including STV and Samanyolu Haber TV, on Thursday night. The show was hosted by Gezegen Mehmet, a famous radio host.
August 13, 2011
Turkey role model for region, Pakistani FM says
Servet Yanatma
The 34-year-old Pakistani foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, has left an impression in Turkey on a first-time official visit abroad this week, as the country received the young official with a warm welcome in Ankara.
The 34-year-old Pakistani foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, has left an impression in Turkey on a first-time official visit abroad this week, as the country received the young official with a warm welcome in Ankara.
August 12, 2011
Journalists and Writers Foundation gathers all colors of Turkey at iftar
Esra Maden
Many distinguished figures including Turkey's spiritual leaders, politicians, artists, businessmen and journalists came together at the same iftar (fast-breaking dinner) table on Tuesday night in an event held by the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV).
Many distinguished figures including Turkey's spiritual leaders, politicians, artists, businessmen and journalists came together at the same iftar (fast-breaking dinner) table on Tuesday night in an event held by the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV).
August 11, 2011
160 tons of relief supplies were sent to Somalia
The drought that has swept over East Africa has become a major human catastrophe, especially the border regions of Somalia, Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia. African people are struggling with death and have left their towns and cities to come to camps on the borders. Kimse Yok Mu (KYM) arrived to the region of African Horn when the crisis started and KYM is continuing non-stop to help, sending 7 containers of basic food assistance to Somalia by ship from Mersin.
August 10, 2011
ANALYSIS: Norway massacre: going beyond madness
Ahmad Ali Khalid *
Breivik was a product of Islamophobic rhetoric and his violence did not emerge in a vacuum. Breivik was no madman — he was in enough control of his mental faculties to substantiate his ideological views over a 1,500-page dossier extensively quoting journalists, writers and philosophers.
The best way to deny accountability is to run towards insanity. Even the sane welcome this prospect as long as the burdens of responsibility are lifted from their shoulders. Madness negates any shred of moral responsibility, which opens up a disturbing world. Breivik’s massacre was not an act of madness. It was a cruel and vicious act of terrorism no doubt but it was brutally calculated. There was nothing indiscriminate in his mind about his attacks — he deliberately targeted people who were part of the ruling party.
The best way to deny accountability is to run towards insanity. Even the sane welcome this prospect as long as the burdens of responsibility are lifted from their shoulders. Madness negates any shred of moral responsibility, which opens up a disturbing world. Breivik’s massacre was not an act of madness. It was a cruel and vicious act of terrorism no doubt but it was brutally calculated. There was nothing indiscriminate in his mind about his attacks — he deliberately targeted people who were part of the ruling party.
August 9, 2011
Gülen Movement and Transparency
İsmail Mesut Sezgin
The transparency of the Hizmet or Gülen Movement has long been a theme of various critics – writers, intellectuals and politicians. In the context of Turkey where secularism is deployed as a means to control religion rather than to separate it from politics, it is not hard to understand why this theme has been so popular. Since Ataturk placed severest legal restrictions on religious institutions and important sites (like graveyards and religious centres), all religious groups, in order to exist all, have been forced to give themselves a make-over. Some, such as the Mevlevis (Rumi), Bektashis and Alavis, were more successful than others at securing the approval of the authorities. However, other groups, including other Sufi movements, have to be registered with and monitored by the official authority (Diyanet) responsible for religious affairs in Turkey.
August 8, 2011
[RAMADAN NOTES] Almsgiving in Ramadan
Kerim Balcı
Muslims all over the world greet Ramadan with wishes of generosity and abundance in the grace of God. This may sound like a paradox since Ramadan is also the month of abstaining from eating and drinking, the prime worldly needs we cannot fully abandon.
Muslims all over the world greet Ramadan with wishes of generosity and abundance in the grace of God. This may sound like a paradox since Ramadan is also the month of abstaining from eating and drinking, the prime worldly needs we cannot fully abandon.
August 7, 2011
Kimse Yok Mu sent first aid group to Africa
The humanitarian crisis in Africa mobilized the Kimse Yok Mu (KYM) volunteers. Millions of people are face to face with hunger in Somalia and KYM's team went to the capital Mogadishu to organize aid.
August 6, 2011
Hagop Arzumanian's Prayer Rug and "Gülen's" Watch
Zaman
Hagop Arzumanian, a former soccer referee, is an Istanbul born Armenian. Arzumanian who spent his childhood in Kurtulus, Istanbul and emigrated to Argentina in 1948, came to his hometown for Turkish Language Olympiads after 63 years of longing.
Hagop Arzumanian, a former soccer referee, is an Istanbul born Armenian. Arzumanian who spent his childhood in Kurtulus, Istanbul and emigrated to Argentina in 1948, came to his hometown for Turkish Language Olympiads after 63 years of longing.
August 5, 2011
The Gülen Movement and the Wakf Tradition in Anatolian Culture
Taptuk Emre Erkoç
In a previous post (1) on this site, recent literature on the economic aspect of the Gülen Movement was presented for readers interested in following up this theme from a variety of approaches and perspectives. As indicated in that post, from here on we will look more closely at the concepts that underpin the Gülen Movement’s financial structure. We begin with the wakf tradition in Anatolian culture and how it has shaped and motivated financial contributions to the Movement.
In a previous post (1) on this site, recent literature on the economic aspect of the Gülen Movement was presented for readers interested in following up this theme from a variety of approaches and perspectives. As indicated in that post, from here on we will look more closely at the concepts that underpin the Gülen Movement’s financial structure. We begin with the wakf tradition in Anatolian culture and how it has shaped and motivated financial contributions to the Movement.
August 4, 2011
The Key Factors behind the Success of Gülen-Inspired Schools
Ahmet Orhan Polat *
ABSTRACT
Fethullah Gülen is an innovative Islamic scholar and educator who encouraged education as the path to building a peaceful future. In light of Gülen’s philosophy, the fruits of this educational investment are seen around the globe as these schools distinguish themselves in acquiring academic excellence and moral values in home and host countries. The Gülen-inspired schools, both in their originating country Turkey and abroad, have attracted the attention of scholars due to their continuous academic accomplishments and emphasis on universal ethical values. The provision of quality educational service is evident not only in less developed countries, but also in advanced economies which have an internationally comparable advantage in supplying high standards of education.
ABSTRACT
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| Fethullah Gulen |
August 3, 2011
Predictable Irrationality of Hizmetophobia: Islamophobia in the Case of Hizmet Movement
Aristotle defines human beings as rational animals, emphasizing reason as a characteristic of human nature. Two thousand years later Descartes rejected the traditional notion of humans as "rational animals," suggesting instead that they are nothing more than "thinking things"1. Today both seem to be challenged further, especially when we consider decision-making and judging others. Using many interesting case studies, Dan Ariely demonstrates in his bestseller that when the issue at hand is somewhat complicated, where even the complexity is as little as an additional choice in a survey form, we humans make rather irrational decisions without thinking. The story does not end there, no matter how silly our initial decisions were, those become anchors for us, and we make a habit of repeating them in the long-term -- hence the title of Ariely's book, Predictably Irrational.2
August 2, 2011
Trip to Turkey leaves a lasting impression
Charley Honey
The meal was incredible: savory lentil soup, two kinds of bread and salad, stuffed peppers, a scrumptious chicken casserole and a tasty pudding called muhallebi, followed by black tea in dainty glass cups.
When you eat like this, you know you’re in Turkey.
The meal was incredible: savory lentil soup, two kinds of bread and salad, stuffed peppers, a scrumptious chicken casserole and a tasty pudding called muhallebi, followed by black tea in dainty glass cups.
When you eat like this, you know you’re in Turkey.
August 1, 2011
Yobe's Peculiar Boarding Primary Schools
Kabir Matazu
Senator Mamman Ali, the late Governor of Yobe State, had the grand vision of turning around the educational fortunes of the state. Our reporter investigates his dream and the state of schools today.
Senator Mamman Ali, the late Governor of Yobe State, had the grand vision of turning around the educational fortunes of the state. Our reporter investigates his dream and the state of schools today.
International Salahaddin Turkish School opens branch in Cairo
Anadolu Agency
One of Egypt's most prestigious schools, the International Salahaddin Turkish School in Cairo, has opened a branch in Beni Suef city after a huge demand.
One of Egypt's most prestigious schools, the International Salahaddin Turkish School in Cairo, has opened a branch in Beni Suef city after a huge demand.
July 31, 2011
The more we learn, the more we are the same
Amanda McGill *
Turkey. A cradle of civilization and religion. On a recent trip with the Niagara Foundation’s Nebraska Chapter, I walked the streets of St. John, Trojan warriors and sultans. History was everywhere I looked.
But Turkey is not just about the past. Some 60 percent of the Turkish population is under the age of 35, making it a young nation with minds ready to learn and lead in the 21st century.
Turkey. A cradle of civilization and religion. On a recent trip with the Niagara Foundation’s Nebraska Chapter, I walked the streets of St. John, Trojan warriors and sultans. History was everywhere I looked.
But Turkey is not just about the past. Some 60 percent of the Turkish population is under the age of 35, making it a young nation with minds ready to learn and lead in the 21st century.
July 30, 2011
OIC head İhsanoğlu: Breivik’s massacre in Norway is only the tip of the iceberg
Mahir Zeynalov
The chief of the world’s largest Muslim body has said the Norway massacre and blast that left at least 76 dead and dozens injured is only “the tip of the iceberg,” warning that the incident is the latest product of rampantly rising extremist political movement sweeping across Europe.
The chief of the world’s largest Muslim body has said the Norway massacre and blast that left at least 76 dead and dozens injured is only “the tip of the iceberg,” warning that the incident is the latest product of rampantly rising extremist political movement sweeping across Europe.
July 29, 2011
Kimse Yok Mu to step up efforts in East Africa
Today's Zaman
As part of its Ramadan 2011 campaign, Turkish charity Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) has announced it will intensify its relief efforts in East Africa, which has been hit hard by the worst drought in decades.
July 28, 2011
The era of dialogue will never be over
Kerim Balcı
It was in 1994 that I read Fethullah Gülen's declaration of all the ages until the resurrection to be an “era of dialogue.” At that time, I was surprised to hear such decisiveness in the voice of a Muslim scholar, in labeling the ages to come as an especially peace-seeking era.
It was in 1994 that I read Fethullah Gülen's declaration of all the ages until the resurrection to be an “era of dialogue.” At that time, I was surprised to hear such decisiveness in the voice of a Muslim scholar, in labeling the ages to come as an especially peace-seeking era.
July 27, 2011
Review of Literature on Economic Aspect of Gulen Movement
Taptuk Emre Erkoç
As with other community-based organizations and social movements, the financial resources raised and deployed by the Gülen Movement have been the subject of intense curiosity. However, neither in academic journals nor in newspapers have the economic aspects of the Movement been examined on the basis of evidence and consistently applied reasoning. Or, to say it in a straightforward way, the curiosity has not been of the best, disinterested kind. In this series of articles I will try to discuss the financial dimension of the Gülen Movement strictly on the basis of concrete findings and analysis (not speculation and ill-informed guesswork). By way of background for future articles, I will present here a very brief literature review. But first, a few reflections on the nature of the Movement, misconceptions about which are the reason for the unhealthy speculation about its finances will be touched upon here.
As with other community-based organizations and social movements, the financial resources raised and deployed by the Gülen Movement have been the subject of intense curiosity. However, neither in academic journals nor in newspapers have the economic aspects of the Movement been examined on the basis of evidence and consistently applied reasoning. Or, to say it in a straightforward way, the curiosity has not been of the best, disinterested kind. In this series of articles I will try to discuss the financial dimension of the Gülen Movement strictly on the basis of concrete findings and analysis (not speculation and ill-informed guesswork). By way of background for future articles, I will present here a very brief literature review. But first, a few reflections on the nature of the Movement, misconceptions about which are the reason for the unhealthy speculation about its finances will be touched upon here.
July 26, 2011
Book Review: Civic Service Without Borders
Anwar Alam *
The Gülen Movement, as it is usually referred to in English, has attracted the attention of “critical public minds and scholarship” throughout the world in recent years for two important reasons. First, Fethullah Gülen’s ideas and praxis demonstrate the potential role of religion in reshaping the present violent, conflict ridden world into an inclusive, humanistic society and world order based on the principles of pluralism, intercultural dialogue, and mutual living. Second and more important, Gülen, through his twin tools of Islamic hermeneutics and public actions, particularly in the field of education, has restored the “humane face of Islam” in the public eye—something that was lost due to centuries of a radical, positivist, secular and Orientalist narrative of Islam and more recently due to acts of violence in the name of Islam—and has demonstrated the complementarity of Islam and modernity. This reconciliation of faith and reason—both in terms of theory and action—solves a conundrum that has plagued the Islamic scholars for long.
The Gülen Movement, as it is usually referred to in English, has attracted the attention of “critical public minds and scholarship” throughout the world in recent years for two important reasons. First, Fethullah Gülen’s ideas and praxis demonstrate the potential role of religion in reshaping the present violent, conflict ridden world into an inclusive, humanistic society and world order based on the principles of pluralism, intercultural dialogue, and mutual living. Second and more important, Gülen, through his twin tools of Islamic hermeneutics and public actions, particularly in the field of education, has restored the “humane face of Islam” in the public eye—something that was lost due to centuries of a radical, positivist, secular and Orientalist narrative of Islam and more recently due to acts of violence in the name of Islam—and has demonstrated the complementarity of Islam and modernity. This reconciliation of faith and reason—both in terms of theory and action—solves a conundrum that has plagued the Islamic scholars for long.
July 25, 2011
‘If whoever touched Fethullah Gülen was doomed, we would have been ashes by now’
Fatih Vural
"A number of things have been published against me; dozens of books have been written. However, I have never done anything to keep an unprinted book from publication.
I only pursued my rights as a citizen by legal means in the face of baseless accusations, slander, and assaults against my individual rights. Even books which were identified as illegal by court decisions and whose authors were sentenced to pay compensation have been reprinted.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
I only pursued my rights as a citizen by legal means in the face of baseless accusations, slander, and assaults against my individual rights. Even books which were identified as illegal by court decisions and whose authors were sentenced to pay compensation have been reprinted.
July 24, 2011
A reader's digest for the 9th International Turkish Olympiads
9th International Turkish Olympiads took place between June 15-30. Below are some news excerpts and insider stories that were not published in our blog earlier.
July 23, 2011
There's not such a Stage Performance in the World
Gülizar Baki
The children of the International Turkish Olympiads show their performances during a week but behind the stage, there is a group of 40 people who have worked for 8 months in order to prepare the students for their performances. The old dancer of 'Fire of Anatolia', Cemil Özen, is directing the group.
The children of the International Turkish Olympiads show their performances during a week but behind the stage, there is a group of 40 people who have worked for 8 months in order to prepare the students for their performances. The old dancer of 'Fire of Anatolia', Cemil Özen, is directing the group.
July 22, 2011
Fethullah Gülen and Islamic scholarship’s contribution to democracy (2)
Muhammed Çetin
Law, order and human rights
Fethullah Gülen analyzes the different rights recognized in Islam, including the freedom of religion and belief, thought and expression, to own property and the sanctity of one's home, to marry and have children, to communicate and to travel, and the right to an unimpeded education.
Law, order and human rights
Fethullah Gülen analyzes the different rights recognized in Islam, including the freedom of religion and belief, thought and expression, to own property and the sanctity of one's home, to marry and have children, to communicate and to travel, and the right to an unimpeded education.
July 21, 2011
Fethullah Gülen and Islamic scholarship’s contribution to democracy (1)
Muhammed Çetin
Since the fifth century BCE, democracy has been discussed by political theorists, philosophers and members of diverse societies and cultures.
Since the fifth century BCE, democracy has been discussed by political theorists, philosophers and members of diverse societies and cultures.
July 20, 2011
Fethullah Gülen's Search for a Middle Way between Modernity and Muslim Tradition
Ahmet T. Kuru *
Are the constant and allegedly transcendental principles of religion compatible with ever changing human experiences? This question has been at the center of the debates about the relationship between religion and modernity, in general, Islam and modernity, in particular. The answer of many modernists has been negative. Modernization and secularization theorists had claimed that religion was a traditional phenomenon which would eventually wither away (Inkeles and Smith 1976, 27-28). According to these theorists, there was a dichotomy between modernity and Muslim tradition (Stark and Finke 2000, 1-82). Therefore, Muslims should choose "Mecca or mechanization" (Lerner 1958, 405).
Are the constant and allegedly transcendental principles of religion compatible with ever changing human experiences? This question has been at the center of the debates about the relationship between religion and modernity, in general, Islam and modernity, in particular. The answer of many modernists has been negative. Modernization and secularization theorists had claimed that religion was a traditional phenomenon which would eventually wither away (Inkeles and Smith 1976, 27-28). According to these theorists, there was a dichotomy between modernity and Muslim tradition (Stark and Finke 2000, 1-82). Therefore, Muslims should choose "Mecca or mechanization" (Lerner 1958, 405).
July 19, 2011
Global Frontier to Relentless Action; a Piece of Mind about Gulen Movement
Sadık Çınar
As stated in BBC radio 4 programme we are now facing “most successful Islamic movement” or some might say “world’s best kept secret” namely Gulen or Hizmet movement. It is remarkable with its vision, activities and volunteerism. I would mention about Gulen Movement’s global frontier and relentless action. I chose these two because anyone who has overviewed the Movement notices these two characteristics at first snapshots.
As stated in BBC radio 4 programme we are now facing “most successful Islamic movement” or some might say “world’s best kept secret” namely Gulen or Hizmet movement. It is remarkable with its vision, activities and volunteerism. I would mention about Gulen Movement’s global frontier and relentless action. I chose these two because anyone who has overviewed the Movement notices these two characteristics at first snapshots.
July 18, 2011
Civility in Fethullah Gülen's Activism
Dr. Wanda Krause *
Islamic-based forms of organization are classically presented as deficient in "civility" or, in fact, antithetical to civil principles.
Islamic-based forms of organization are classically presented as deficient in "civility" or, in fact, antithetical to civil principles.
July 17, 2011
Social Innovation for Peaceful Coexistence: Rumi and Fethullah Gulen
İhsan Yılmaz
If one had to summarize the main message of the 32 papers presented at the international conference on "Peaceful Coexistence: Fethullah Gülen's Initiatives for Peace in the Contemporary World" into a single sentence, I would suggest: "What would Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi say to Europe if he lived in today's world?"
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| Gulen Conference, Netherlands |
July 16, 2011
Four Frontrunners in Peace [Rosa Parks, Said Nursi, Oscar Romero, and Fethullah Gulen]
Fr. Thomas Michel
People who Have Devoted Their Lives to Peace
Peace has many sides, and peacemakers are not all of one type. What peacemakers have in common is their willingness to put into action the thirst that all good people have for peace: to put their desire for peace into words, and to match their words with deeds. Peacemakers are those who are ready to work for change in society in non-violent ways, who protest injustice without acting unjustly toward those who perpetrate wrongs, who try to reconcile those involved in conflict without themselves becoming part of the conflict.
People who Have Devoted Their Lives to Peace
Peace has many sides, and peacemakers are not all of one type. What peacemakers have in common is their willingness to put into action the thirst that all good people have for peace: to put their desire for peace into words, and to match their words with deeds. Peacemakers are those who are ready to work for change in society in non-violent ways, who protest injustice without acting unjustly toward those who perpetrate wrongs, who try to reconcile those involved in conflict without themselves becoming part of the conflict.
July 15, 2011
How Fethullah Gülen Generated Social Responsibility?
Martin Taylor
Surveillance cameras, community policing (on top of regular policing), “citizenship” classes in schools, even penalties for anti-social behaviour – these and other measures testify to the widespread feeling that society needs help to look after itself. In the UK, the current government has a broad policy agenda, tagged “The Big Society”, which aims to support voluntary groups committed to reviving social responsibility. Even if the state has the will and resources to do so, it simply cannot replace the care and concern of people for each other and for their “commons” – the amenities and public spaces which are a collective heritage, and which they should preserve, improve and pass on.
Surveillance cameras, community policing (on top of regular policing), “citizenship” classes in schools, even penalties for anti-social behaviour – these and other measures testify to the widespread feeling that society needs help to look after itself. In the UK, the current government has a broad policy agenda, tagged “The Big Society”, which aims to support voluntary groups committed to reviving social responsibility. Even if the state has the will and resources to do so, it simply cannot replace the care and concern of people for each other and for their “commons” – the amenities and public spaces which are a collective heritage, and which they should preserve, improve and pass on.
July 14, 2011
Arınç praises Turkish schools in Nigeria
Hurriyet Daily News
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç, who attended the Developing 8, or D-8, meeting in Nigeria, shared his impressions of his visit through his Twitter account.
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç, who attended the Developing 8, or D-8, meeting in Nigeria, shared his impressions of his visit through his Twitter account.
Turkish Deputy PM Arinc shares Nigeria visit on Twitter
Anadolu Agency
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, who is currently in Nigeria to attend D-8 meeting, shared his impressions from his visit through his Twitter account.
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, who is currently in Nigeria to attend D-8 meeting, shared his impressions from his visit through his Twitter account.
July 13, 2011
After a friend: Ibrahim M. Abu-Rabi
İbrahim Özdemir *
Ibrahim Abu Rabi was my friend and mentor. After quoting him in a private conversation, I heard the news that he was dead. Cahit Sıtkı was once more proved right. We do not know when death will find us and where.
Maybe for this reason, news of untimely deaths upsets us. This was the case with Ibrahim’s death, which was upsetting not only for me but also for all his Christian, Muslim and Jewish friends. We all agreed that his death was too soon.
Ibrahim Abu Rabi was my friend and mentor. After quoting him in a private conversation, I heard the news that he was dead. Cahit Sıtkı was once more proved right. We do not know when death will find us and where.
Maybe for this reason, news of untimely deaths upsets us. This was the case with Ibrahim’s death, which was upsetting not only for me but also for all his Christian, Muslim and Jewish friends. We all agreed that his death was too soon.
July 12, 2011
Fethullah Gülen's Paradox: Combining Commitment and Tolerance
Lester R. Kurtz
The paradoxical fusion by Turkish sage Fethullah Gülen of intense faith commitment with tolerance results in a paradigm of Islamic dialogue. As a movement founded to foster spiritual commitment to a faith tradition, it now reaches out to non-Muslim believers and even non-believers...
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| Fethullah Gulen |
July 11, 2011
Turkish groups call for global peace at historic İstanbul meeting
Mahir Zeynalov
Turkish intercultural and interfaith organizations from 66 countries around the globe pledged to continue efforts to contribute to global peace and dialogue in a historic gathering in İstanbul on Saturday, sharing experiences that might help guide their future dialogue activities.
Turkish intercultural and interfaith organizations from 66 countries around the globe pledged to continue efforts to contribute to global peace and dialogue in a historic gathering in İstanbul on Saturday, sharing experiences that might help guide their future dialogue activities.
July 10, 2011
A German amateur sleuth and a Turkish police inspector
Marion James
This year, the Turkish Olympiads, which have just come to a glittering conclusion, can hardly fail to have been noticed around the country.
In previous years, the gathering together of children and youth from around the world to compete in various events that demonstrate their mastery of the Turkish language seemed to be a more shy affair, with only those close to the events knowing anything about it.
This year, the Turkish Olympiads, which have just come to a glittering conclusion, can hardly fail to have been noticed around the country.
In previous years, the gathering together of children and youth from around the world to compete in various events that demonstrate their mastery of the Turkish language seemed to be a more shy affair, with only those close to the events knowing anything about it.
July 9, 2011
Why do a minority fear Hizmet [Gulen Movement]?
Martin Taylor
Before addressing the above question it’s important to first put things in perspective. The Hizmet movement (a transnational faith inspired human centric movement inspired by the Turkish Islamic scholar and peace activist Fethullah Gülen) enjoys huge support and sympathy among the Turkish people in mainland Turkey and among communities around the world where it operates. It could not otherwise deliver the services that it does – a thousand schools; even more dialogue organisations; clinics; media outlets; humanitarian aid and other charitable NGOs – in over a 130 countries around the world. Operations on this scale require a massive amount of human and financial resources, inconceivable without the sustained commitment of its participants and the support of sympathisers. Empirical research tells us that participants in Hizmet donate between 5 and 25 per cent of their annual income as well as a considerable amount of their time and know-how to Hizmet services. Others have suggested that 84 percent of Turks have a favourable opinion of Fethullah Gülen and the the movement he inspires. Both the sheer size, scale and variety of the movement’s activities and empirical research into its resource mobility prove that Fethullah Gülen and the Gulen movement enjoys the support and sympathy of the majority of the Turkish people.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
July 8, 2011
Strategic Defamation of Fethullah Gulen: English vs. Turkish (*)
Doğan Koç
Fethullah Gulen is a moderate Turkish Muslim scholar who is mostly known for his education and dialogue activities. Gulen Movement, named after him, has established hundreds of education and dialogue institutions throughout the world. Several books, hundreds of articles and news reports have been written about Gulen himself and the Movement.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
July 7, 2011
The Gülen Movement and Islam
Enes Ergene
It is important for me to underline that the Gülen movement is not an ideologically driven organization. Fethullah Gülen is against the use of religion as a political ideology. It would be wrong to perceive the Gülen movement as akin to political Islamism.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
July 6, 2011
Chandra: Improving relations to bring more Indian tourists to Turkey
Şaban Gündüz
Charge d’affaires at the Indian Embassy in Ankara AVS Ramesh Chandra has said more Indian tourists will come to visit Turkey as relations between the two nations grow stronger, with Indian visitors expected to increase from last year’s 63,000 to 90,000 this year.
Charge d’affaires at the Indian Embassy in Ankara AVS Ramesh Chandra has said more Indian tourists will come to visit Turkey as relations between the two nations grow stronger, with Indian visitors expected to increase from last year’s 63,000 to 90,000 this year.
Azerbaijani representatives scoop 21 medals in 9th International Turkish Language Olympiads
Today.Az
Azerbaijani students have gained seven gold, ten silver and four bronze medals in the 9th International Turkish Language Olympiads.
Azerbaijani students have gained seven gold, ten silver and four bronze medals in the 9th International Turkish Language Olympiads.
July 5, 2011
ROK Turkish Olympiad winner gives medal to Korean War veteran
Today's Zaman
Turkish Olympiad winner Nyeon Kwon of South Korea has given her medal and award worth TL 1,500 to a Turkish veteran of the Korean War, in a unique demonstration of loyalty, according to a Bugün report published on Sunday.
Turkish Olympiad winner Nyeon Kwon of South Korea has given her medal and award worth TL 1,500 to a Turkish veteran of the Korean War, in a unique demonstration of loyalty, according to a Bugün report published on Sunday.
Another successful Turkish Olympiads ends on a high note
Esra Maden
For 15 days, 1,000 children from 130 countries across the world came to Turkey as part of the Turkish Olympiads. They made appearances in 24 provinces from East to West, where the students mixed with each other and local people in the places they visited.
For 15 days, 1,000 children from 130 countries across the world came to Turkey as part of the Turkish Olympiads. They made appearances in 24 provinces from East to West, where the students mixed with each other and local people in the places they visited.
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