Stuart William
While reading an article about Robert Putnam’s ‘hunkering down’ theory, I was struck by how close Putnam comes to one of the most vital points at the core of Fethullah Gulen’s teachings on dialogue.
‘Hunkering down’ is the phrase Putnam used to describe how people can react when they are exposed to others of different cultural heritage and ethnicity. He developed this idea after extensive observation of what was really happening in urban areas where large numbers of immigrants had settled among the ‘host’ community.
December 20, 2011
December 19, 2011
African Union President demands more Turkish schools
Ayten Çiftçi
African Union President and Equatorial Guinea Foreign Minister Eustaquio Nseng Esono, speaking to Today's Zaman on Sunday, said he would like to see the number of Turkish schools on the African continent rise.
After attending the Turkey-Africa Partnership Ministerial Review Conference held on Friday in İstanbul, Esono said Africa can only solve its current problems through education and that the number of Turkish schools in various countries in Africa should be increased. Being president of the Africa Union, which consist of 54 African countries, Esono said the demand for schools is increasing day by day, Turkish schools play an important role in meeting this demand, but more Turkish schools are needed.
African Union President and Equatorial Guinea Foreign Minister Eustaquio Nseng Esono, speaking to Today's Zaman on Sunday, said he would like to see the number of Turkish schools on the African continent rise.
After attending the Turkey-Africa Partnership Ministerial Review Conference held on Friday in İstanbul, Esono said Africa can only solve its current problems through education and that the number of Turkish schools in various countries in Africa should be increased. Being president of the Africa Union, which consist of 54 African countries, Esono said the demand for schools is increasing day by day, Turkish schools play an important role in meeting this demand, but more Turkish schools are needed.
December 18, 2011
Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival Attracts Thousands in Los Angeles
Medialog Platform
A four-day Turkish festival, the Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival 2011, organized by the Pacifica Institute, opened its doors to visitors in southern California on Thursday [October 6] and continued attracting masses at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa on its last day [Sunday, October 9] this year, as was the case when the event was organized for the first time in 2009.
Medialog Platform from Journalists and Writers Foundation also attended the festival along with a group of journalists from Istanbul, Turkey.
A four-day Turkish festival, the Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival 2011, organized by the Pacifica Institute, opened its doors to visitors in southern California on Thursday [October 6] and continued attracting masses at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa on its last day [Sunday, October 9] this year, as was the case when the event was organized for the first time in 2009.
Medialog Platform from Journalists and Writers Foundation also attended the festival along with a group of journalists from Istanbul, Turkey.
December 17, 2011
KYM Clinic has risen in helping Ugandan patients
Kimse Yok Mu
KYM opened a clinic which has become the hope of Ugandan patients who are living in a country struggling with health problems.
KYM opened a clinic which has become the hope of Ugandan patients who are living in a country struggling with health problems.
Adana volunteers care for 13 Ugandan children
Kimse Yok Mu
359 students were brought from African countries for education by KYM, and 13 of them are having their education in Adana Private Burc Ozgoren High School. The KYM Adana branch volunteers are giving them a helping hand.
The students came to the Association and were given gift packages including coats, shoes, pants, shirts, and other clothes.
359 students were brought from African countries for education by KYM, and 13 of them are having their education in Adana Private Burc Ozgoren High School. The KYM Adana branch volunteers are giving them a helping hand.
The students came to the Association and were given gift packages including coats, shoes, pants, shirts, and other clothes.
December 16, 2011
What makes the Gülen Movement different from movements of the past and present in Europe?
fgulen.org
Although the Gülen Movement is a contemporary movement, it concerns itself with forms of action, content and meanings that are qualitatively different from the tradition of struggle frequently seen in European societies.
It does not fit into the conventional categories of the workers’ movement of industrial capitalism and modern leftist movements.
Although the Gülen Movement is a contemporary movement, it concerns itself with forms of action, content and meanings that are qualitatively different from the tradition of struggle frequently seen in European societies.
It does not fit into the conventional categories of the workers’ movement of industrial capitalism and modern leftist movements.
Fethullah Gülen's message of condolence for deceased Egyptian scholar Dr Abdelhaleem Uways
Fethullah Gülen
I am deeply saddened by the news that Dr Abdelhaleem Uways, a great scholar, a man of virtue, and my brother, has passed away.
My most sincere sympathies are with his family for this great loss of all Muslims. I pray that Allah makes his grave a heavenly garden of intimacy.
Published on fgulen.com, 12 December 2011, Monday
My most sincere sympathies are with his family for this great loss of all Muslims. I pray that Allah makes his grave a heavenly garden of intimacy.
Published on fgulen.com, 12 December 2011, Monday
December 15, 2011
AK Party-Gülen community relationship
Salih Tuna, Yeni Şafak
Over the past few days, many columnists have been analyzing the relationship between the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government and the Gülen community. Numerous questions have been raised, for example, “Has the Gülen community turned its back on the AK Party, or has the AK Party turned its back on the Gülen community?”
Over the past few days, many columnists have been analyzing the relationship between the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government and the Gülen community. Numerous questions have been raised, for example, “Has the Gülen community turned its back on the AK Party, or has the AK Party turned its back on the Gülen community?”
December 14, 2011
Old reflexes of media against faith will rise again
Zafer Özcan
The name of Ferhat Barış first came to public attention in 1999 in the wake of the release of a videotape that was doctored in a way to make the public believe that religious scholar Fethullah Gülen was trying to get Turkey under his control and was shown on various TV stations.
Journalist Barış fought against a smear campaign targeting the religious people of Turkey through his columns published in the Zaman daily. The tape incident is only one example of attempting to manipulate public opinion carried out in recent decades in Turkey.
The name of Ferhat Barış first came to public attention in 1999 in the wake of the release of a videotape that was doctored in a way to make the public believe that religious scholar Fethullah Gülen was trying to get Turkey under his control and was shown on various TV stations.
Journalist Barış fought against a smear campaign targeting the religious people of Turkey through his columns published in the Zaman daily. The tape incident is only one example of attempting to manipulate public opinion carried out in recent decades in Turkey.
December 13, 2011
Kazakhstan presents medals to Turks for contributing to bilateral relations
Today's Zaman
Turks who have contributed to Turkish-Kazakh relations were presented medals at a reception organized by the Kazakh Consulate General in İstanbul on Thursday evening.
At the reception hosted by Kazakh Consul General Askar Shokybayev to mark the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence, dozens of Turkish businessmen, academics, educators and representatives of civil society organizations received medals for their contributions to improving friendship and cooperation between Turkey and Kazakhstan.
Turks who have contributed to Turkish-Kazakh relations were presented medals at a reception organized by the Kazakh Consulate General in İstanbul on Thursday evening.
At the reception hosted by Kazakh Consul General Askar Shokybayev to mark the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence, dozens of Turkish businessmen, academics, educators and representatives of civil society organizations received medals for their contributions to improving friendship and cooperation between Turkey and Kazakhstan.
December 12, 2011
Babacan visits Turkish, Japanese schools in Sendai
Sunday's Zaman
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan, during a visit to Japan, on Wednesday visited a Turkish and a Japanese school in Sendai, both of which sustained severe damage in last March's earthquake and tsunami, the Anatolia news agency reported.
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan, during a visit to Japan, on Wednesday visited a Turkish and a Japanese school in Sendai, both of which sustained severe damage in last March's earthquake and tsunami, the Anatolia news agency reported.
Pakistani students donate to Turkish quake survivors
Anatolian Agency
Pakistani students have donated their pocket money to Turkish quake survivors.
Students receiving education in 18 Turkish schools in Pakistan and a group of Pakistani businessmen handed out 1.9 million rupee (almost 21,000 USD) to Turkish Ambassador in Islamabad Babur Hizlan.
Pakistani students have donated their pocket money to Turkish quake survivors.
Students receiving education in 18 Turkish schools in Pakistan and a group of Pakistani businessmen handed out 1.9 million rupee (almost 21,000 USD) to Turkish Ambassador in Islamabad Babur Hizlan.
December 11, 2011
‘US consults Turkey on most international issues’
Ayten Çiftçi
The US special envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), calling Turkey one of the US's closest allies, told Today's Zaman in an exclusive interview on Monday, “There are very few major international issues on which we do not consult Turkey on a regular basis.”
Rashad Hussain, a Muslim of Indian heritage, has served in the White House Counsel's Office and has advised President Barack Obama's administration on policy matters related to the Muslim world in his capacity as an envoy to the OIC.
The US special envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), calling Turkey one of the US's closest allies, told Today's Zaman in an exclusive interview on Monday, “There are very few major international issues on which we do not consult Turkey on a regular basis.”
Rashad Hussain, a Muslim of Indian heritage, has served in the White House Counsel's Office and has advised President Barack Obama's administration on policy matters related to the Muslim world in his capacity as an envoy to the OIC.
December 10, 2011
Govt, scholars, others chart path to nation-building
Information Nigeria
NIGERIA, and indeed the rest of the world, must promote dialogue between cultures and mass education of the citizenry, among others, in other to stem crises rooted in religious, ethnic, social or political differences.
The above was the fulcrum of recommendations made by a broad spectrum of academics, government officials, traditional rulers, media chieftains, clerics, jurists, diplomats, non-government organisations (NGOs) and students at a recent two-day international conference in Abuja, which attracted participants from across the world.
NIGERIA, and indeed the rest of the world, must promote dialogue between cultures and mass education of the citizenry, among others, in other to stem crises rooted in religious, ethnic, social or political differences.
The above was the fulcrum of recommendations made by a broad spectrum of academics, government officials, traditional rulers, media chieftains, clerics, jurists, diplomats, non-government organisations (NGOs) and students at a recent two-day international conference in Abuja, which attracted participants from across the world.
December 9, 2011
Global Ergenekon
Ekrem Dumanlı
The busy domestic political agenda may prevent us from seeing what has been going on around us. For instance, a small mobile home was burned in Germany and a historical secret was revealed.
The evidence left by two persons who committed suicide inside the mobile home shed light on murders committed 10 years ago. That the murderers were arrested and then released, that they held passports which only agents could have, and that they had confessed to assaults against Turks raised suspicions that they were protected by some units within the state. Germany is now in shock. For the first time it has become clear that racism is not a marginal discourse in Europe.
The busy domestic political agenda may prevent us from seeing what has been going on around us. For instance, a small mobile home was burned in Germany and a historical secret was revealed.
The evidence left by two persons who committed suicide inside the mobile home shed light on murders committed 10 years ago. That the murderers were arrested and then released, that they held passports which only agents could have, and that they had confessed to assaults against Turks raised suspicions that they were protected by some units within the state. Germany is now in shock. For the first time it has become clear that racism is not a marginal discourse in Europe.
December 8, 2011
Education, human capital and Arab Spring
Abdullah Bozkurt
I strongly believe that education is the most important formidable challenge facing the countries in the Middle East, which have been in stages of transition amid discontent, demonstrations, uprisings or even revolutions, while they try to map out trajectories for their future.
The ultimate success or terrible failure of the reforms and institutionalization process Arab countries have been undertaking for some time will undoubtedly hinge on the outcome of educational reforms. This was the message I carried to the prestigious Abant Platform over the weekend, which was organized in Gaziantep, a Turkish province on the border with Syria, with the title “The Future of the Middle East after the Arab Spring,” in cooperation with Zirve University.
I strongly believe that education is the most important formidable challenge facing the countries in the Middle East, which have been in stages of transition amid discontent, demonstrations, uprisings or even revolutions, while they try to map out trajectories for their future.
The ultimate success or terrible failure of the reforms and institutionalization process Arab countries have been undertaking for some time will undoubtedly hinge on the outcome of educational reforms. This was the message I carried to the prestigious Abant Platform over the weekend, which was organized in Gaziantep, a Turkish province on the border with Syria, with the title “The Future of the Middle East after the Arab Spring,” in cooperation with Zirve University.
December 7, 2011
The Arab Spring and Turkey
Ergun Babahan
First, let me underline one fact: The Arab world has not been on Turkey's radar only because of reasons related to religion.
The increased importance of this region as a market for Turkish exports has made the Arab lands precious for Turkey. Turkey mostly relied on European Union countries for trade, but during the last decade it has realized the risks of focusing on a single market and decided to diversify its trade partners.
First, let me underline one fact: The Arab world has not been on Turkey's radar only because of reasons related to religion.
The increased importance of this region as a market for Turkish exports has made the Arab lands precious for Turkey. Turkey mostly relied on European Union countries for trade, but during the last decade it has realized the risks of focusing on a single market and decided to diversify its trade partners.
December 6, 2011
Forum blames violence on wrong religious orientation
Eric Ikhilae
Recurring violence in parts of the country result mostly from wrongful interpretation of religious doctrines by clerics and spiritual leaders, participants at an international conference in Abuja have said.
They sought positive scientific knowledge and ideas to prevent the growing ignorance and superstition among Nigerians, saying this is responsible for frequent inter-religious conflicts and violence.
Stressing the importance of education for societal peace, the forum noted that it serves as a means of fostering understanding and cooperation for peaceful coexistence in any society.
Recurring violence in parts of the country result mostly from wrongful interpretation of religious doctrines by clerics and spiritual leaders, participants at an international conference in Abuja have said.
They sought positive scientific knowledge and ideas to prevent the growing ignorance and superstition among Nigerians, saying this is responsible for frequent inter-religious conflicts and violence.
Stressing the importance of education for societal peace, the forum noted that it serves as a means of fostering understanding and cooperation for peaceful coexistence in any society.
December 5, 2011
Imam in the Middle - Fethullah Gulen and the "Gulen" Movement
Ronni Mott *
In June 2007, I took a once-in-a-lifetime 12-day trip to Turkey. During our stay, our group visited multiple historic and religious sites. We visited Greco-Roman amphitheaters and the ruins of the former port city of Ephesus. We marveled at the mosque of 13th-century Islamic Sufi mystic and poet Rumi in Konya, and Byzantine Christian churches carved out of rock chimneys in Cappadocia. There, ancient murals depicting Bible stories covered every inch of the indoor surfaces. On the outside, nothing hinted at the beauty within.
What made this trip different from a typical tourist agenda was that we also visited schools, hospitals and businesses, and met with students, teachers, doctors and entrepreneurs. The Institute of Interfaith Dialog, a non-profit educational group led by Turkish Americans, planned, led and heavily subsidized the trip. I was part of a group of about 20 people from Jackson.
What made this trip different from a typical tourist agenda was that we also visited schools, hospitals and businesses, and met with students, teachers, doctors and entrepreneurs. The Institute of Interfaith Dialog, a non-profit educational group led by Turkish Americans, planned, led and heavily subsidized the trip. I was part of a group of about 20 people from Jackson.
December 4, 2011
US Congressman Charlie Dent: Many Americans think Turkey’s leadership in Middle East will be constructive
Esra Koşar
When Congressman Charlie Dent was offered an opportunity to visit Turkey, he thought this could be a great opportunity to assess the country’s influence in a tempestuous region.
He had a chance to see Turkey over the span of a week with his wife, Pamela. Although they had different reasons to be excited about the trip, they both found many more during their stay.
When Congressman Charlie Dent was offered an opportunity to visit Turkey, he thought this could be a great opportunity to assess the country’s influence in a tempestuous region.
He had a chance to see Turkey over the span of a week with his wife, Pamela. Although they had different reasons to be excited about the trip, they both found many more during their stay.
December 3, 2011
Afghan leaders: Increase in Turkish schools would help bring about peace
Ayten Çiftçi
Afghan religious leaders and diplomats, during a three-day program to discuss the future of Afghanistan, a country riddled with conflict, said increasing the number of Turkish schools would facilitate peace in the country.
Afghan religious leaders and diplomats, during a three-day program to discuss the future of Afghanistan, a country riddled with conflict, said increasing the number of Turkish schools would facilitate peace in the country.
December 2, 2011
US Congress members: Turkey, US partnership gets stronger
Today's Zaman
Representatives of the US Congress have said in Washington, D.C., that the partnership between Turkey and the United States is getting stronger as the Turkish democracy is a “shining model of strength” earned by basic freedoms and democracy at a time of Arab awakening.
Speaking at the "2011 Annual Congress, New Challenges-New Opportunities" co-hosted by the Turkic American Alliance (TAA) and the Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey (TUSKON), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said on Wednesday that Turkey's economy and regional leadership brought benefits not only to the Turkish people but also to the countries going through the Arab Spring and Turkey's ally, the United States.
Representatives of the US Congress have said in Washington, D.C., that the partnership between Turkey and the United States is getting stronger as the Turkish democracy is a “shining model of strength” earned by basic freedoms and democracy at a time of Arab awakening.
Speaking at the "2011 Annual Congress, New Challenges-New Opportunities" co-hosted by the Turkic American Alliance (TAA) and the Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey (TUSKON), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said on Wednesday that Turkey's economy and regional leadership brought benefits not only to the Turkish people but also to the countries going through the Arab Spring and Turkey's ally, the United States.
December 1, 2011
Abant Platform to discuss Turkey's role in post-Arab Spring
Today's Zaman
The prestigious Abant Platform, which regularly sponsors roundtable and panel discussions on issues crucial to Turkey, is set to discuss the future of the Middle East and Turkey's role amid demonstrations and revolutions taking place in Arab countries.
Main characteristics of the Gülen movement and the importance of education in globalising world
Prof. Dr. İsmail Albayrak *
While the cry for democratic values, human rights and intercultural dialogue is frequently heard, the global threat of war, terrorism, the increased gap between poor and rich, famine, malnutrition, global warming and pollution, and many other social and cultural problems, pose a real challenge for present citizens of the globe. To tackle these challenges is the prime concern of today’s intellectuals and politicians. Despite the existence of some pessimists, there are a number of initiatives working for the common good and expending great effort to eradicate these problems. The Gülen movement is one of the most influential initiatives which should be taken into consideration in this context. The question of how the formal and informal educational activities of the movement contribute to the solution of local and global problems is the second concern of this paper. Finally, as an extension of the movement’s global educational activities, the paper deals with Gülen’s approach to cultural and religious diversity and their relationship in modern societies.
While the cry for democratic values, human rights and intercultural dialogue is frequently heard, the global threat of war, terrorism, the increased gap between poor and rich, famine, malnutrition, global warming and pollution, and many other social and cultural problems, pose a real challenge for present citizens of the globe. To tackle these challenges is the prime concern of today’s intellectuals and politicians. Despite the existence of some pessimists, there are a number of initiatives working for the common good and expending great effort to eradicate these problems. The Gülen movement is one of the most influential initiatives which should be taken into consideration in this context. The question of how the formal and informal educational activities of the movement contribute to the solution of local and global problems is the second concern of this paper. Finally, as an extension of the movement’s global educational activities, the paper deals with Gülen’s approach to cultural and religious diversity and their relationship in modern societies.
November 30, 2011
Indonesia didn't forget to show its loyalty towards Van
Kimse Yok Mu
In 2004, before the Kurban holiday, the tsunami hit the city of Aceh and Turkey helped Indonesia. Now, the Indonesian Government General Secretary Dipo Alam donated $10,000 for the Van earthquake victims and showed the loyalty of Ace.
In 2004, before the Kurban holiday, the tsunami hit the city of Aceh and Turkey helped Indonesia. Now, the Indonesian Government General Secretary Dipo Alam donated $10,000 for the Van earthquake victims and showed the loyalty of Ace.
November 29, 2011
Kurban meat was distributed to a total of 237.352 families
Kimse Yok Mu
In Turkey, 58,309 families were given Kurban meat in many cities such as Diyarbakir, Bingol, Mardin, Sirnak and mostly in Van; Abroad, 179,043 families in Somalia, Pakistan, Palestine, Bosnia and 43 more countries were delivered the Kurban meat as well. All of these people were waiting for someone to help them and this year their faces are smiling.
People celebrated in Turkey and all over the world with enthusiasm. KYM has built brotherhood bridges in various parts of Turkey and 43 countries around the world with it's aid organizations and activities.
People celebrated in Turkey and all over the world with enthusiasm. KYM has built brotherhood bridges in various parts of Turkey and 43 countries around the world with it's aid organizations and activities.
November 28, 2011
Thailand government thanks Turkish donators
Kimse Yok Mu
The flood disaster has paralyzed life in the Pacific country Thailand. KYM continues it's help activities during Kurban holiday and has sent $20,000 to Thailand. 10 national newspapers and 8 television channels presented the donation as flash news and Thailand government officials showed their gratitude.
The flood disaster has paralyzed life in the Pacific country Thailand. KYM continues it's help activities during Kurban holiday and has sent $20,000 to Thailand. 10 national newspapers and 8 television channels presented the donation as flash news and Thailand government officials showed their gratitude.
November 27, 2011
Dispensing with the Turkish model
İhsan Yılmaz
CAIRO - After learning that I was in Egypt not only for research but also for academic collaboration, the manager in the famous Al Burg restaurant told me that Egypt and Turkey also need to collaborate, but it should be on the basis of equality not Turkey's imposition of its model on Egypt.
That seems to be a sentiment shared by many Egyptians. Almost all of them are curious about the Turkish experience, but they are quick to underline that the Egyptian case is different. The people I have spoken to -- ranging from the old elite to Hizb al-Wasat members, from independent intellectuals to Ikhwan activists -- gave me the impression that they were not happy with an imposition of a model on their country that they suspected has some Western backing too.
CAIRO - After learning that I was in Egypt not only for research but also for academic collaboration, the manager in the famous Al Burg restaurant told me that Egypt and Turkey also need to collaborate, but it should be on the basis of equality not Turkey's imposition of its model on Egypt.
That seems to be a sentiment shared by many Egyptians. Almost all of them are curious about the Turkish experience, but they are quick to underline that the Egyptian case is different. The people I have spoken to -- ranging from the old elite to Hizb al-Wasat members, from independent intellectuals to Ikhwan activists -- gave me the impression that they were not happy with an imposition of a model on their country that they suspected has some Western backing too.
November 26, 2011
Fethullah Gulen: Dervish of Our Times
Prof. Qazi Obaidur Rehman Hashmi *
Fethullah Gulen is a renowned and distinguished scholar of Islam having broad and in-depth knowledge of world history, politics and philosophy, besides having a comprehensive vision of world religions and religious movements. The main theme of his numerous writings and discourses, is interfaith dialogue which has assumed special significance in the backdrop of ideas like the end of history and clash of civilizations.
Fethullah Gulen is a renowned and distinguished scholar of Islam having broad and in-depth knowledge of world history, politics and philosophy, besides having a comprehensive vision of world religions and religious movements. The main theme of his numerous writings and discourses, is interfaith dialogue which has assumed special significance in the backdrop of ideas like the end of history and clash of civilizations.
November 25, 2011
Turkish Schools have changed the view against white people in Africa
Cihan Yenilmez / Ayten Çiftçi
African leaders, gathered in Istanbul, spoke highly of the Turkish schools that have captured the praise of plenty with voluntary education in Africa as well as many other countries. The ex-president of Comoros Abdallah Mohamed Sambi in whose country there is not a Turkish School, said: “Turkish Schools have changed the way Africans see the white people and I can’t wait to see a Turkish School in my own country”.
African leaders, gathered in Istanbul, spoke highly of the Turkish schools that have captured the praise of plenty with voluntary education in Africa as well as many other countries. The ex-president of Comoros Abdallah Mohamed Sambi in whose country there is not a Turkish School, said: “Turkish Schools have changed the way Africans see the white people and I can’t wait to see a Turkish School in my own country”.
November 24, 2011
Fethullah Gülen and the Kurdish Issue
Ergun Babahan
If you did not have a chance to watch Fethullah Gulen’s latest speech on Herkul.org, I really recommend that you do. Gulen is not only a preacher but also a very important social figure.
He ponders over many issues that range from faith to ethnic problems in Turkey.
If you did not have a chance to watch Fethullah Gulen’s latest speech on Herkul.org, I really recommend that you do. Gulen is not only a preacher but also a very important social figure.
He ponders over many issues that range from faith to ethnic problems in Turkey.
November 23, 2011
‘Africa's problems can be solved with Turkey-led commission’
Cihan Yenilmez / Ayten Çiftçi
African leaders called for the establishment of a Turkey-led commission to work toward solving the continent's complex issues during a summit in İstanbul on Monday.
The “Second African Summit of Muslim Religious Leaders,” organized by Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate and bringing together 125 religious leaders from 46 countries, began Monday at the Conrad Hotel in İstanbul.
African leaders called for the establishment of a Turkey-led commission to work toward solving the continent's complex issues during a summit in İstanbul on Monday.
The “Second African Summit of Muslim Religious Leaders,” organized by Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate and bringing together 125 religious leaders from 46 countries, began Monday at the Conrad Hotel in İstanbul.
November 22, 2011
White House praises Rumi Forum for advocating interfaith dialogue
Ali H. Aslan
The White House, on its official website, commended the Washington-based Rumi Forum, an international organization promoting interfaith dialogue and peace, for its work in fostering “inter-religious and intercultural understanding” in a “consistent” manner since its establishment in 1999.
The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, in a statement on its blog, said, “We were honored to attend the 2011 Rumi Peace and Dialogue Awards, the Turkish American organization's annual celebration of leadership towards global harmony.”
The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, in a statement on its blog, said, “We were honored to attend the 2011 Rumi Peace and Dialogue Awards, the Turkish American organization's annual celebration of leadership towards global harmony.”
November 21, 2011
‘Inception,’ the Gülen community and the PKK
Kurtuluş Tayiz *
I have been following anti-Fethullah Gülen broadcasts in the Kurdish media for some time now. Television stations, newspapers and Internet sites known for their closeness to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) have incessantly been spreading hostility amongst its readers against Gülen.
It wouldn’t be so difficult to understand if most of these publications remained within the acceptable limits of criticism (regardless of how harsh or how much that criticism might be). But the PKK has virtually put the Kurdish question aside to wage a war on the Gülen community. The PKK leaders have declared the Gülen community the “biggest enemy of the Kurdish people.” Individuals and organizations said to be close to the community have been included on the PKK’s list of targets.
I have been following anti-Fethullah Gülen broadcasts in the Kurdish media for some time now. Television stations, newspapers and Internet sites known for their closeness to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) have incessantly been spreading hostility amongst its readers against Gülen.
It wouldn’t be so difficult to understand if most of these publications remained within the acceptable limits of criticism (regardless of how harsh or how much that criticism might be). But the PKK has virtually put the Kurdish question aside to wage a war on the Gülen community. The PKK leaders have declared the Gülen community the “biggest enemy of the Kurdish people.” Individuals and organizations said to be close to the community have been included on the PKK’s list of targets.
November 20, 2011
Toward a culture of coexistence
İhsan Yılmaz
ABUJA, NIGERIA -- I am currently attending a conference titled “Establishing a Culture of Coexistence and Mutual Understanding.” As the conference organizers rightly underline, Nigeria is an important and relevant place for this conference not only because of its cultural, linguistic, ethnic and religious diversity, but also because it is where volunteers of the Hizmet movement inspired by Fethullah Gülen's ideas have established 16 schools, a university and a hospital.
ABUJA, NIGERIA -- I am currently attending a conference titled “Establishing a Culture of Coexistence and Mutual Understanding.” As the conference organizers rightly underline, Nigeria is an important and relevant place for this conference not only because of its cultural, linguistic, ethnic and religious diversity, but also because it is where volunteers of the Hizmet movement inspired by Fethullah Gülen's ideas have established 16 schools, a university and a hospital.
November 19, 2011
Conference endorses Gülen’s ideas as guides for Nigerian education system
Kerim Balcı
An international conference organized by the Ufuk Dialogue Foundation and The Fountain magazine under the auspices of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education and six Nigerian universities endorsed Fethullah Gülen’s ideas on a culture of coexistence and mutual understanding as among guiding principles of the Nigerian education system.
The first day of the conference titled “Establishing a Culture of Coexistence and Mutual Understanding: Exploring Fethullah Gülen’s Thought and Action” on Friday attracted to the conference hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, more than 300 statesmen and intellectuals including Nigerian Federal Minister of Education Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai and Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria Ali Rıfat Köksal. Professor Kyari Muhammad, a member of the local organizing committee read a special message from Gülen.
An international conference organized by the Ufuk Dialogue Foundation and The Fountain magazine under the auspices of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education and six Nigerian universities endorsed Fethullah Gülen’s ideas on a culture of coexistence and mutual understanding as among guiding principles of the Nigerian education system.
The first day of the conference titled “Establishing a Culture of Coexistence and Mutual Understanding: Exploring Fethullah Gülen’s Thought and Action” on Friday attracted to the conference hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, more than 300 statesmen and intellectuals including Nigerian Federal Minister of Education Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai and Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria Ali Rıfat Köksal. Professor Kyari Muhammad, a member of the local organizing committee read a special message from Gülen.
November 18, 2011
Troubled Nigeria discusses Gülen’s ‘culture of coexistence’
Kerim Balcı
Nigeria, which has been plagued by interfaith and intercultural conflict for some time now, is hosting a conference today and tomorrow discussing Turkish scholar Fethullah Gülen’s ideas and activities on establishing a culture of coexistence and mutual understanding.
The Abuja-based Ufuk Dialogue Foundation and The Fountain magazine representatives informed the local media about a conference at which Fethullah Gülen’s ideas and activities on establishing a culture of coexistence and mutual understanding will be discussed.
Nigeria, which has been plagued by interfaith and intercultural conflict for some time now, is hosting a conference today and tomorrow discussing Turkish scholar Fethullah Gülen’s ideas and activities on establishing a culture of coexistence and mutual understanding.
The Abuja-based Ufuk Dialogue Foundation and The Fountain magazine representatives informed the local media about a conference at which Fethullah Gülen’s ideas and activities on establishing a culture of coexistence and mutual understanding will be discussed.
Where is the other half in the Kurdish question?
İhsan Yılmaz
Very few people in Turkey can deny that it was the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) that sabotaged the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government's Kurdish opening attempts. The Habur incident was a clear PKK-orchestrated provocation that abused the bona fide intentions of officials. Just one week after Abdullah Öcalan declared that peace was near, out of the blue, for unknown reasons, the PKK started killing innocent civilians in the streets.
Very few people in Turkey can deny that it was the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) that sabotaged the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government's Kurdish opening attempts. The Habur incident was a clear PKK-orchestrated provocation that abused the bona fide intentions of officials. Just one week after Abdullah Öcalan declared that peace was near, out of the blue, for unknown reasons, the PKK started killing innocent civilians in the streets.
November 17, 2011
Fethullah Gülen’s views, concern for Kurdish problem nothing new, report shows
Today's Zaman
Contrary to claims that renowned Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has only just begun to put forward some proposals for the solution of Turkey’s long-standing Kurdish question, a collection of works published in this week’s Aksiyon magazine demonstrates that Gülen has been voicing his views and proposals on the subject since the early 1990s.
In a speech broadcast on the herkul.org website in late October, Gülen expressed his grief over the deaths of dozens of security members in terrorist attacks in the country’s Southeast while expressing his views about what measures should be taken for the peaceful resolution of the Kurdish and terrorism problem.
Contrary to claims that renowned Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has only just begun to put forward some proposals for the solution of Turkey’s long-standing Kurdish question, a collection of works published in this week’s Aksiyon magazine demonstrates that Gülen has been voicing his views and proposals on the subject since the early 1990s.
In a speech broadcast on the herkul.org website in late October, Gülen expressed his grief over the deaths of dozens of security members in terrorist attacks in the country’s Southeast while expressing his views about what measures should be taken for the peaceful resolution of the Kurdish and terrorism problem.
November 16, 2011
A Feb. 28 tactic from the PKK
Bülent Korucu
These days, the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) media is using a tactic to strike a blow at Fethullah Gülen that resembles one once used by the Feb. 28 supporters.
The Feb. 28 media, using a sort of cut-and-paste method with various sermons and discussions that have taken place, created lots of material for a lynching campaign. We could offer up lots of examples, but the most striking of them was this: While Gülen once actually said, “You cannot tell the CHP [main opposition Republican People’s Party] supporters to go to hell,” his words were manipulated to look like he said, “Let the CHP supporters go to hell.”
These days, the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) media is using a tactic to strike a blow at Fethullah Gülen that resembles one once used by the Feb. 28 supporters.
The Feb. 28 media, using a sort of cut-and-paste method with various sermons and discussions that have taken place, created lots of material for a lynching campaign. We could offer up lots of examples, but the most striking of them was this: While Gülen once actually said, “You cannot tell the CHP [main opposition Republican People’s Party] supporters to go to hell,” his words were manipulated to look like he said, “Let the CHP supporters go to hell.”
November 15, 2011
Benevolence in the Gulen Movement
Halit Okur
The concept of benevolence is very important part of Gulen Movement. Turkish speaking community calls Gulen Movement as Hizmet Movement. The word hizmet, which translates as service from Turkish, refers to public activities conducted by the followers of movement for the wellbeing of other people. It is important to notice that through their benevolent service to people, the followers of Gulen Movement hope to please and become closer to God. In such a way, benevolence lies at the essence of the Hizmet Movement and comprises its inalienable part.
The concept of benevolence is very important part of Gulen Movement. Turkish speaking community calls Gulen Movement as Hizmet Movement. The word hizmet, which translates as service from Turkish, refers to public activities conducted by the followers of movement for the wellbeing of other people. It is important to notice that through their benevolent service to people, the followers of Gulen Movement hope to please and become closer to God. In such a way, benevolence lies at the essence of the Hizmet Movement and comprises its inalienable part.
November 14, 2011
Pakistani Minister visits the baby who was born in a KYM tent
Kimse Yok Mu
Pakistan Punjab Province Food and Mineral Resources Minister Abdul Chafoor visited a family that survived the earthquake, and which KYM gave a helping hand to in Van. Pakistan Minister presented a crib as a gift for the baby.
The communities of many different countries run to help Van
Kimse Yok Mu
Immediately after the 7.2 earthquake in Van that shook all Turkey, many people and institutions from Turkey and all over the world mobilized to help Van. Ebru TV, broadcasting in the USA, held a live broadcast campaign for earthquake relief.
Immediately after the 7.2 earthquake in Van that shook all Turkey, many people and institutions from Turkey and all over the world mobilized to help Van. Ebru TV, broadcasting in the USA, held a live broadcast campaign for earthquake relief.
November 13, 2011
100 truckloads of relief supplies were distributed to earthquake survivors
Kimse Yok Mu
100 truckloads of aid, amounting to 4 million Turkish Liras was delivered and distributed to the earthquake survivors by the volunteers with the message "We always got your back."
100 truckloads of aid, amounting to 4 million Turkish Liras was delivered and distributed to the earthquake survivors by the volunteers with the message "We always got your back."
200 prefabricated houses to be built in Van
Kimse Yok Mu
Due to the violent 7.2 earthquake in Van, KYM continues it's emergency relief activities, which are now in full swing and have started the construction of prefabricated houses in the disaster region.
Due to the violent 7.2 earthquake in Van, KYM continues it's emergency relief activities, which are now in full swing and have started the construction of prefabricated houses in the disaster region.
November 12, 2011
"Sincerity" the Remedy
Cemil Genç
Fethullah Gulen’s solution to today’s problems are not only unique but also very practical. For example; one of the major challenges the people of religion and the scholars have been facing with is the lack of unity amount them. How come people of truth and concord oppose each other in rivalry? Unity belongs in reality to the people of peace and dispute to the hypocrites; how is it that these two have changed places? Today, people of truth, people of the law and people of reality all worshipping God have been confronted by this conflict all over the world.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
November 11, 2011
Turkish charity foundation opens hospital in Uganda
Ayşe Doğan / Mehmet Ali Poyraz
With the donations collected from a telethon charity campaign started by Turkish aid organization Kimse Yok Mu? (Is Anybody There) and Samanyolu Haber TV, construction of a humanitarian complex, which will include a school, hospital, a dinner hall and a vocational training school, has started in Uganda.
With the donations collected from a telethon charity campaign started by Turkish aid organization Kimse Yok Mu? (Is Anybody There) and Samanyolu Haber TV, construction of a humanitarian complex, which will include a school, hospital, a dinner hall and a vocational training school, has started in Uganda.
November 10, 2011
Turkish Cultural Center hosts dinner to promote peace, understanding
Harold McNeil
Local elected officials, community leaders and representatives from different faith-based organizations turned out Monday in the Hyatt Regency Buffalo for some Turkish-American hospitality.
The third annual Friendship Dinner organized by the Turkish Cultural Center offered not just tasty kebabs and baklava as hors d’oeuvres, but an opportunity to forge connections among a diverse group of people and promote peace.
Local elected officials, community leaders and representatives from different faith-based organizations turned out Monday in the Hyatt Regency Buffalo for some Turkish-American hospitality.
The third annual Friendship Dinner organized by the Turkish Cultural Center offered not just tasty kebabs and baklava as hors d’oeuvres, but an opportunity to forge connections among a diverse group of people and promote peace.
November 9, 2011
Niagara Foundation Peace and Dialogue Awards
Adil James
The Niagara Foundation held an awards ceremony Thursday October 27th, 2011 at the Westin Southfield, which celebrated several prominent people, including Graham W.J. Beal of the Detroit Institute of Arts, Janice M. Brown of the Kalamazoo Promise, Stephen Schram, Director of Broadcasting for Michigan Public Radio, and Victor Ghalib Begg, Community Activist.
About 100 people attended the awards ceremony and dinner.
The Niagara Foundation held an awards ceremony Thursday October 27th, 2011 at the Westin Southfield, which celebrated several prominent people, including Graham W.J. Beal of the Detroit Institute of Arts, Janice M. Brown of the Kalamazoo Promise, Stephen Schram, Director of Broadcasting for Michigan Public Radio, and Victor Ghalib Begg, Community Activist.
About 100 people attended the awards ceremony and dinner.
November 8, 2011
Nigerian Turkish schools slaughter 1000 cows for sallah
Zion Zadok
As service to Allah and to commemorate the Sallah celebration, the Nigerian Turkish International Schools under the UFUK Dialogue Foundation of the schools slaughtered 1000 cows for charity.
President of the Foundation, Tamer Çopuroğlu said in Abuja that the gesture was a yearly ritual performed by the NTIS with contributions from Turkish businessmen as well as Turkish college parents to give out meat to the handicaps, orphans and the indigent people within Nigeria. Çopuroğlu who said that the 1000 cows were slaughtered in the 17 Turkish Colleges in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Ogun, Yobe States and the FCT for distribution in villages and satellite towns within the states also advised able Muslims and those who were affluent to take up the challenge and reach out to the underprivileged as an act of worship to Allah or as a duty to the society.
As service to Allah and to commemorate the Sallah celebration, the Nigerian Turkish International Schools under the UFUK Dialogue Foundation of the schools slaughtered 1000 cows for charity.
President of the Foundation, Tamer Çopuroğlu said in Abuja that the gesture was a yearly ritual performed by the NTIS with contributions from Turkish businessmen as well as Turkish college parents to give out meat to the handicaps, orphans and the indigent people within Nigeria. Çopuroğlu who said that the 1000 cows were slaughtered in the 17 Turkish Colleges in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Ogun, Yobe States and the FCT for distribution in villages and satellite towns within the states also advised able Muslims and those who were affluent to take up the challenge and reach out to the underprivileged as an act of worship to Allah or as a duty to the society.
November 7, 2011
Ebru TV telethon collects nearly $800,000 for victims of Turkey quake
Aydoğan Vatandaş
The US-based Ebru TV has hosted a live telethon to collect donations to help relief and rebuilding efforts after a deadly earthquake that hit eastern Turkish province of Van last month.
The telethon, aired on Thursday, created an outpouring of support from big-hearted American public who helped raise almost $800,000 in pledges for the victims of the devastating earthquake.
Donations have been collected on behalf of Helping Hands Relief Foundation during the telethon hosted by EBRU TV, based in South Jersey.
The US-based Ebru TV has hosted a live telethon to collect donations to help relief and rebuilding efforts after a deadly earthquake that hit eastern Turkish province of Van last month.
The telethon, aired on Thursday, created an outpouring of support from big-hearted American public who helped raise almost $800,000 in pledges for the victims of the devastating earthquake.
Donations have been collected on behalf of Helping Hands Relief Foundation during the telethon hosted by EBRU TV, based in South Jersey.
November 6, 2011
Living the Love: Fethullah Gulen's Work and Vision
Cemil Genç
"You have to live your Love or else you’ll only end in words.”
Rumi
Human problems and contemporary terminology
The world that we live in today is full of pressing dilemmas and unsolved puzzles. Academics, intellectuals, policy-makers as well as opinion leaders struggle to define and find a permanent solution to the spread of nationalism, the challenges of democratization, the perils of globalization, and many other social concerns of deep importance. However, the lack of a common terminology hinders communication among the people and delays resolution of the disputes. Even when we seem to agree upon conceptual frameworks the lack of implementing power prevents us from delivering the positive results. Yet, our hope for a better future has never really died. At different points in history, people have been able to mobilize for good inspired by historical lessons and prominent ideas.
"You have to live your Love or else you’ll only end in words.”
Rumi
Human problems and contemporary terminology
The world that we live in today is full of pressing dilemmas and unsolved puzzles. Academics, intellectuals, policy-makers as well as opinion leaders struggle to define and find a permanent solution to the spread of nationalism, the challenges of democratization, the perils of globalization, and many other social concerns of deep importance. However, the lack of a common terminology hinders communication among the people and delays resolution of the disputes. Even when we seem to agree upon conceptual frameworks the lack of implementing power prevents us from delivering the positive results. Yet, our hope for a better future has never really died. At different points in history, people have been able to mobilize for good inspired by historical lessons and prominent ideas.
November 5, 2011
Ebru TV Telethon Raised Over $750,000
Ebru News
EBRU TV hosted a telethon in partnership with the Helping Hands Relief Foundation for victims of Turkiye's recent earthquake on Thursday evening.
The Telethon, which collected more than 750-thousand dollars in pledges was hosted by Ebru News anchors Logan Crawford and Diane Bakos.
EBRU TV hosted a telethon in partnership with the Helping Hands Relief Foundation for victims of Turkiye's recent earthquake on Thursday evening.
The Telethon, which collected more than 750-thousand dollars in pledges was hosted by Ebru News anchors Logan Crawford and Diane Bakos.
November 4, 2011
Islam’s real enemy: The Muslim-meter
Burak Bekdil
One cannot help but admire the often ignored quote by prominent Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, which one of his intellectual followers recently reminded me of during a private conversation: “Just like there are endless ways human beings breathe, there are endless ways human beings practice their belief; and all of them must be respected.” I recalled, with sorrow, that line when I recently read a brief review of a book written by a former top Muslim cleric (and one of the founders of the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP).
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| Fethullah Gulen |
November 3, 2011
Dr. Esposito: The Gulen Movement Introduces Turkey to the World
Ayten Çiftçi
Dr. John L. Esposito, a professor of Islam at Georgetown University in the United States said that the Gülen Movement has brought a major contribution to the recognition of Turkey in the world. Dr. Esposito who came to Turkey for the workshop entitled 'Transition from dictatorship to democracy', which was organized by the Turkish Prime Ministry's Office of Public Diplomacy and the Georgetown University the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, stated, "The whole world should benefit from the services performed by the Gülen movement.” Esposito told the Zaman newspaper that the movement has a big mission not only in Turkey but in the world, and further added, "They have neither political nor ideological efforts. They have one goal. That is to enlighten the world with education. This is why we need the Gülen Movement in this age.” Stating that he wrote a book about the Gülen movement in 2003, Esposito said that he did not want to meet Fethullah Gulen only to be objective about him. Esposito noted that Gülen's house was very close to his house, "One day I could have visited him, but I was afraid that those around me would doubt my objectivity if they thought I was friends with Gulen".
Dr. John L. Esposito, a professor of Islam at Georgetown University in the United States said that the Gülen Movement has brought a major contribution to the recognition of Turkey in the world. Dr. Esposito who came to Turkey for the workshop entitled 'Transition from dictatorship to democracy', which was organized by the Turkish Prime Ministry's Office of Public Diplomacy and the Georgetown University the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, stated, "The whole world should benefit from the services performed by the Gülen movement.” Esposito told the Zaman newspaper that the movement has a big mission not only in Turkey but in the world, and further added, "They have neither political nor ideological efforts. They have one goal. That is to enlighten the world with education. This is why we need the Gülen Movement in this age.” Stating that he wrote a book about the Gülen movement in 2003, Esposito said that he did not want to meet Fethullah Gulen only to be objective about him. Esposito noted that Gülen's house was very close to his house, "One day I could have visited him, but I was afraid that those around me would doubt my objectivity if they thought I was friends with Gulen".
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