Abdullah Bozkurt
The Turkish-Gabonese International School in Libreville is not only helping bilateral relations between Turkey and Gabon but also improving ties between Gabon and the Muslim world, says the head an organization of 57 Muslim countries.
April 22, 2012
Ugandan media allegations of Turkish child abuser disproved
Today's Zaman
Turks in Uganda breathed a sigh of relief when it turned out that a man who sexually abused little girls and then paid them off is not Turkish, contrary to claims, the Cihan news agency reported on Friday.
A 53-year-old man named Emin Baro, who is at the center of the allegations, was presented by the Ugandan media as a Turk who works as a teacher in the country; however, it has been determined that Baro is not Turkish and carries passports from New Zealand and Macedonia.
Turks in Uganda breathed a sigh of relief when it turned out that a man who sexually abused little girls and then paid them off is not Turkish, contrary to claims, the Cihan news agency reported on Friday.
A 53-year-old man named Emin Baro, who is at the center of the allegations, was presented by the Ugandan media as a Turk who works as a teacher in the country; however, it has been determined that Baro is not Turkish and carries passports from New Zealand and Macedonia.
April 21, 2012
Gülen lawyer dismisses claims in IHT report, says allegations unfounded
Today's Zaman
Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen's lawyer has dismissed claims in a report by the International Herald Tribune and said his client has no hidden agenda.
Orhan Erdemli said in a statement on Friday that claims in the article, which accused Gülen supporters of infiltrating into police and judiciary, are unfounded and baseless.
He said it has become necessary to issue a statement due to the reappearance of the same false claims against Gülen—claims which have originated from Turkey and which have indeed been repeatedly published in the Turkish media.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
Orhan Erdemli said in a statement on Friday that claims in the article, which accused Gülen supporters of infiltrating into police and judiciary, are unfounded and baseless.
He said it has become necessary to issue a statement due to the reappearance of the same false claims against Gülen—claims which have originated from Turkey and which have indeed been repeatedly published in the Turkish media.
April 20, 2012
Students captivate audience in Moscow at Turkish Olympiads
Faruk Akkan, Yaşar Niyazbayev
The International Turkish Language Olympiads attracted great interest in their eighth edition on Monday in Moscow, where 215 students competed to win prizes in various categories, including song and poetry, and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press attaché was awarded for his contributions to Turkish-Russian relations.
Altruistic service policy in Turkey
Yalçın Akdoğan, Star
Previously I wrote some articles that argued that Hizmet (the altruistic service promoted by Turkish scholar Fethullah Gülen) was a spiritually oriented socio-cultural movement with important functions.
Previously I wrote some articles that argued that Hizmet (the altruistic service promoted by Turkish scholar Fethullah Gülen) was a spiritually oriented socio-cultural movement with important functions.
April 19, 2012
Hizmet movement and military coups
İhsan Yılmaz
With the democratization of Turkey and the new mentality of the judiciary it has created, prosecutors can now tackle past coup attempts and successful coups, the most recent being the Feb. 28, 1997 coup process.
I call it a “process” since the toppling of former Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan's government was not a result of a sudden abrupt direct military takeover. Instead it was a long period of psychological warfare. There was a consent manufacturing campaign coupled with direct coup threats.
A few days ago, the most prominent leader of the Feb 28 coup, retired General Çevik Bir, was arrested. This has resulted in a panic among the coup's supporters. In order to hide what they did in the past, they argue that the Hizmet Movement also supported the coup and sided with the generals against the Erbakan government. This is a distortion. It is not the first time, nor will it be the last time these media personalities resort to such distortions as they know very well that sometimes these distortions may be swallowed by some sections of society.
With the democratization of Turkey and the new mentality of the judiciary it has created, prosecutors can now tackle past coup attempts and successful coups, the most recent being the Feb. 28, 1997 coup process.
I call it a “process” since the toppling of former Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan's government was not a result of a sudden abrupt direct military takeover. Instead it was a long period of psychological warfare. There was a consent manufacturing campaign coupled with direct coup threats.
A few days ago, the most prominent leader of the Feb 28 coup, retired General Çevik Bir, was arrested. This has resulted in a panic among the coup's supporters. In order to hide what they did in the past, they argue that the Hizmet Movement also supported the coup and sided with the generals against the Erbakan government. This is a distortion. It is not the first time, nor will it be the last time these media personalities resort to such distortions as they know very well that sometimes these distortions may be swallowed by some sections of society.
April 18, 2012
Gulen Movement discussed in Malaysia seminar
DunyaTimes
University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) hosted a seminar to discuss the educational development model of the Hizmet Movement – a movement inspired by prominent Islamic scholar M. Fethullah Gülen from Turkey. The seminar, under the theme of “Religion Inspired Private Foundations and Educational Development: The Case of Hizmet Movement of Turkey”, focused on understanding the underlying values, philosophy and dynamics of the Movement alongside Fethullah Gülen’s personality and ideas.
Seminar underscores the need for Gulen movement
Today's Zaman
A seminar in Malaysia on religion-inspired private foundations and educational development held earlier this week discussed the influence and positive impact of the teachings of Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen.
The Center for Advanced Studies on Islam, Science and Civilization (CASIS), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and the Malaysian Turkish Dialogue Society (MTDS) organized a seminar in Kuala Lumpur that centered around the ideas on education of well-respected Islamic Turkish scholar Gülen and the worldwide movement he has inspired.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
The Center for Advanced Studies on Islam, Science and Civilization (CASIS), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and the Malaysian Turkish Dialogue Society (MTDS) organized a seminar in Kuala Lumpur that centered around the ideas on education of well-respected Islamic Turkish scholar Gülen and the worldwide movement he has inspired.
April 17, 2012
Halal secularism
İhsan Yılmaz
MADISON -- I am in the US to chair a panel and also present a paper at the Third International Conference on Islam at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This year’s theme is Islam and democracy.
My paper reflects my recent studies on Islam-secularism-democracy issues that I have also touched upon in this column from time to time. I have been trying to analyze if and to what extent an Islamic secularism or “halal secularism,” as it were, is possible. The issue does not, of course, concern Turkey, and given the fact that the Middle Eastern Islamic nations are hopefully entering a phase of democracy, it is crucial to understand how Islam will accommodate different ethnicities and, more importantly, religions.
My paper reflects my recent studies on Islam-secularism-democracy issues that I have also touched upon in this column from time to time. I have been trying to analyze if and to what extent an Islamic secularism or “halal secularism,” as it were, is possible. The issue does not, of course, concern Turkey, and given the fact that the Middle Eastern Islamic nations are hopefully entering a phase of democracy, it is crucial to understand how Islam will accommodate different ethnicities and, more importantly, religions.
April 16, 2012
Turkey abroad that I (we) admire
Ekrem Dumanlı
Korea, Iran and China: These are the three countries that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has visited recently. I had the opportunity to closely follow these trips. The participant journalists have all said something. And there were also remarks and anecdotes that were not published or aired on TV. Let me describe some of these untouched moments from the trip because they suggest that there is a whole other Turkey abroad.
Korea, Iran and China: These are the three countries that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has visited recently. I had the opportunity to closely follow these trips. The participant journalists have all said something. And there were also remarks and anecdotes that were not published or aired on TV. Let me describe some of these untouched moments from the trip because they suggest that there is a whole other Turkey abroad.
April 15, 2012
Water wells bring relief to two more villages in Darfur
Kimse Yok Mu
Sudanese people, who had been struggling with water shortages, have started to benefit from water wells in two towns of Nyala city. The water wells were completed in two weeks.
Sudanese people, who had been struggling with water shortages, have started to benefit from water wells in two towns of Nyala city. The water wells were completed in two weeks.
Sewing course in Darfur had its first graduates
Kimse Yok Mu
KYM opened a sewing course in South Darfur in Sudan and gave its first graduation to trainees. After 4 months, 20 trainees successfully completed the course and received their sewing certificates. Now they have the opportunity to make their own children's clothes.
KYM opened a sewing course in South Darfur in Sudan and gave its first graduation to trainees. After 4 months, 20 trainees successfully completed the course and received their sewing certificates. Now they have the opportunity to make their own children's clothes.April 14, 2012
90 patients are treated daily at KYM Ethiopia Harar Medical Center
Kimse Yok Mu
KYM Association Harar Medical Center has begun to accept patients as of March 30, 2010. Run by 3 volunteer doctors from Turkey, an average of 90 patients are treated per day.
KYM Association Harar Medical Center has begun to accept patients as of March 30, 2010. Run by 3 volunteer doctors from Turkey, an average of 90 patients are treated per day.
Aid to rescue Syrian refugees
Kimse Yok Mu
KYM has started to deliver help to tens of thousands of Syrians who fled civil conflict in Syria to become refugees in neighboring countries.
KYM has started to deliver help to tens of thousands of Syrians who fled civil conflict in Syria to become refugees in neighboring countries.
April 13, 2012
From ‘Bayrak’ to ‘Balyoz’: Society finally calls spade a spade
Etyen Mahçupyan
In an atmosphere in which assertions that the ruling party has become more authoritarian are being trumpeted by some, the start of the 1980 coup trial has been purposely scheduled for the same time as the final stages of the Balyoz [Sledgehammer] case. This is not just a symbolic connection. After all, the Balyoz plan, which was created in seminars by the 1st Army under the direction of Çetin Doğan, came together through the refreshing of the Bayrak [Flag] plan [the plan behind the 1980 coup].
April 12, 2012
Patriarch Bartholomew praises Fethullah Gülen's dialogue efforts
Today's Zaman
Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has praised well-respected Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen for his efforts to build intercultural dialogue in Turkey and the world in an interview he gave to a US daily.
Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has praised well-respected Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen for his efforts to build intercultural dialogue in Turkey and the world in an interview he gave to a US daily.
April 11, 2012
Fethullah Gulen undergoes a successful cataract surgery
Well-respected Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has undergone a cataract surgery at a Philadelphia hospital and is in good health, the private Cihan news agency reported on Wednesday.
How Fethullah Gulen fought the vicious circle between poverty and illiteracy
Ertuğrul Yasir
Poverty is the lack of basic human needs, such as clean water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter due to the inability to afford them. This condition is also referred as the absolute poverty. According to the World Bank, 1.4 billion people in the developing world live on absolute poverty, which is usually assumed as living on less than $1.25 a day. Relative poverty, on the other hand, is the condition of having fewer resources or less income than others within a society or country, or compared to worldwide averages.
Poverty is the lack of basic human needs, such as clean water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter due to the inability to afford them. This condition is also referred as the absolute poverty. According to the World Bank, 1.4 billion people in the developing world live on absolute poverty, which is usually assumed as living on less than $1.25 a day. Relative poverty, on the other hand, is the condition of having fewer resources or less income than others within a society or country, or compared to worldwide averages.
April 10, 2012
The Gülen community and the AKP
Taha Akyol
The Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV), which is in line with Fethullah Gülen, has issued an announcement on relations with the ruling party. It is certain that Gülen made the last retouches on the text himself.
Gülen defines the movement shortly as “Hizmet” (translated roughly as “service” in English).
I asked those who drafted the declaration, and they told me that they were careful on two points while writing the announcement:
Gülen defines the movement shortly as “Hizmet” (translated roughly as “service” in English).
I asked those who drafted the declaration, and they told me that they were careful on two points while writing the announcement:
April 9, 2012
Fethullah Gülen's legal journey
Bülent Korucu
James C. Harrington has a brilliant career as a lawyer who has practiced for 40 years and as a professor who has taught law in universities for 25 years.
But what is even more important is his sensitivity to and struggle for human rights. He is one of the rare people who could author a book titled “Wrestling with Free Speech, Religious Freedom, and Democracy in Turkey: The Political Trials and Times of Fethullah Gülen.” The book becomes even more crucial and valuable considering that Harrington wrote it without being influenced by the social and political environment in Turkey. He places emphasis upon objectivity and legality.
But what is even more important is his sensitivity to and struggle for human rights. He is one of the rare people who could author a book titled “Wrestling with Free Speech, Religious Freedom, and Democracy in Turkey: The Political Trials and Times of Fethullah Gülen.” The book becomes even more crucial and valuable considering that Harrington wrote it without being influenced by the social and political environment in Turkey. He places emphasis upon objectivity and legality.
April 8, 2012
Kimse Yok Mu extends helping hand to Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon
Today's Zaman
The Turkish charity Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) has begun to send aid to thousands of Syrian refugees who have escaped to Lebanon and Jordan from their conflict-stricken homeland.
The Turkish charity Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) has begun to send aid to thousands of Syrian refugees who have escaped to Lebanon and Jordan from their conflict-stricken homeland.
Women and family issues in Turkey and Japan
JWF Vice President, Cemal Uşak was the moderator of the program in which Prof. Keiko Hirao from Sophia University, Prof. Yuko Ogasawar from Nihon University and author Maha Harada presented their articles on family issues in Japan.
April 7, 2012
Workshop proposes steps to eliminate media’s negative influence on children
İpek Üzüm
A workshop held at the İstanbul University communication faculty's conference hall on Thursday recommended 10 steps for eliminating the media's negative influence on children and teenagers in Turkey.
The workshop, titled “Medya ve Çocuk” (Media and Children), was jointly organized by the Journalists and Writers Foundation's (GYV) Women's Platform, the Medialog Platform and the İstanbul University communication faculty.
A workshop held at the İstanbul University communication faculty's conference hall on Thursday recommended 10 steps for eliminating the media's negative influence on children and teenagers in Turkey.
The workshop, titled “Medya ve Çocuk” (Media and Children), was jointly organized by the Journalists and Writers Foundation's (GYV) Women's Platform, the Medialog Platform and the İstanbul University communication faculty.
April 6, 2012
Hizmet [Gulen Movement]: A civil society movement with no political ambitions
Today's Zaman
The Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV), whose honorary chairman is well-respected Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, released a statement on its website on Thursday explaining the stance of the Hizmet [service] movement inspired by Gülen as a civilian one with no political ambitions.
The association’s statement comes in response to recent allegations in the Turkish media that the movement is in the midst of a power struggle with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government and that members of the movement are “infiltrating” top state institutions.
The association’s statement comes in response to recent allegations in the Turkish media that the movement is in the midst of a power struggle with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government and that members of the movement are “infiltrating” top state institutions.
April 5, 2012
Book Review: Speech and Power of Expression
Ayse Meva
Mankind has been given exclusive possession of speech-a weapon so powerful that it is mightier than the sword. The power of speech extends vast distances, far enough to revive a mortified soul yet deadly enough to start a war. In his book Speech and Power of Expression, Gülen argues that speech is the sword of humanity. "Wherever the flag of speech waves, the most powerful armies will be defeated and scattered. In the arenas in which speech shouts out, the sounds of cannon balls will become like the buzzing of bees."
Speech and Power of Expression is a book about the art of speech, and it comes from the master of this skill. While Fethullah Gülen is known for his authority as a scholar and an activist in promoting education and dialogue, his power of expression and oratory skills as a prolific writer and poet earn him equal renown and surpass his counterparts.
Speech and Power of Expression is a book about the art of speech, and it comes from the master of this skill. While Fethullah Gülen is known for his authority as a scholar and an activist in promoting education and dialogue, his power of expression and oratory skills as a prolific writer and poet earn him equal renown and surpass his counterparts.
April 4, 2012
A Catholic priest among Muslims
Fatih Sahin, Anisha Menezes
The Golden Generation Retreat Center and the Department of Theology at the University of Scranton, hosted Fr. Thomas Michel, from the Society of Jesuits.
As guest speaker, Fr. Michel spoke at a panel titled -'A Catholic priest among Muslims: What I have learned'.
As guest speaker, Fr. Michel spoke at a panel titled -'A Catholic priest among Muslims: What I have learned'.
April 3, 2012
Gülen Movement institutions' division of labor, coordination and accountability
fgulen.org
How is the division of labor arranged in institutions and service networks of the Gülen Movement?
In the Gülen Movement, division of labor is based on formal rules in institutions, while in relational networks tasks are allocated in an informal manner according to the skills that each member is willing to contribute to a project.
As formal and institutionalized companies, the social movement organizations (SMOs) have brought the development of professionalized management in the Movement.
Participants recognize that division of labor, responsibility and managerial authority must be present. Therefore, social and professional control in any SMO is through direct supervision and formal standard rules or universally acknowledged sanctions. This social and professional control is also under constant supervision by the board of directors or trustees related to each SMO. This brings efficacy, the search for satisfactory internal relations and observance of legal boundaries.
How is the division of labor arranged in institutions and service networks of the Gülen Movement?
In the Gülen Movement, division of labor is based on formal rules in institutions, while in relational networks tasks are allocated in an informal manner according to the skills that each member is willing to contribute to a project.
As formal and institutionalized companies, the social movement organizations (SMOs) have brought the development of professionalized management in the Movement.
Participants recognize that division of labor, responsibility and managerial authority must be present. Therefore, social and professional control in any SMO is through direct supervision and formal standard rules or universally acknowledged sanctions. This social and professional control is also under constant supervision by the board of directors or trustees related to each SMO. This brings efficacy, the search for satisfactory internal relations and observance of legal boundaries.
April 2, 2012
The institutionalization and categorization of the SMOs in the Gülen Movement
fgulen.org
What facilitated the institutionalization of social movement organizations (SMOs) in the Gülen Movement?
Prosperity in a society increases the availability of a wide range of resources that facilitate participation in social movements or SMOs and a movement's institutionalization.
The projects of the Gülen Movement that were formalized or institutionalized in the 1970s are still continuing today, and new ones are always being added.
In the particular case of the Gülen Movement, however, for the participants the primary loyalty is not to the Movement, or to themselves, but to action, to other human beings and to God; the action is not a temporary instrument but a vocation, even a form of devotion.
What facilitated the institutionalization of social movement organizations (SMOs) in the Gülen Movement?
Prosperity in a society increases the availability of a wide range of resources that facilitate participation in social movements or SMOs and a movement's institutionalization.
The projects of the Gülen Movement that were formalized or institutionalized in the 1970s are still continuing today, and new ones are always being added.
In the particular case of the Gülen Movement, however, for the participants the primary loyalty is not to the Movement, or to themselves, but to action, to other human beings and to God; the action is not a temporary instrument but a vocation, even a form of devotion.
April 1, 2012
Building cases and our good Ergenekon
İhsan Yılmaz
By only focusing on the Ergenekon cases’ seemingly problematic aspects, the establishment’s media has been trying to manufacture consent that the evidence against the suspects in the Ergenekon cases are superficial constructs fabricated by the AKP and the Hizmet Movement to silence their critics.
What they have been trying to do is actually neither authentic nor original nor unique. Similar to almost everything in their lives, this tactic has also been copied, imitated and transplanted from the West.
By only focusing on the Ergenekon cases’ seemingly problematic aspects, the establishment’s media has been trying to manufacture consent that the evidence against the suspects in the Ergenekon cases are superficial constructs fabricated by the AKP and the Hizmet Movement to silence their critics.
What they have been trying to do is actually neither authentic nor original nor unique. Similar to almost everything in their lives, this tactic has also been copied, imitated and transplanted from the West.
March 31, 2012
Fethullah Gulen offers condolences, faith and community leaders pay last tributes to Vatican official
Cihan News Agency
A former Vatican diplomatic official in Turkey, Msgr. Georges Marovitch who lost his life in a hospital at the age of 81 were buried after funeral ceremony held in İstanbul's St. Esprit Church on Saturday. Msgr. Marovitch passed away the other day as he suffered from a multiple organ failure caused by sepsis and heart rhythm disorders and he was receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of the Istanbul Private Sema Hospital.
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| Msgr. Georges Marovitch |
March 30, 2012
The PKK, piety and the Gülen movement
Adem Palabıyık *
A Chinese proverb notes that if you kill somebody, you intimidate thousands of others. To this end, the assaults against the Zaman offices in Europe by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) supporters in recent times appear to be relevant to this proverb. Intimidation… But why the Gülen movement? The reason for this could be summarized as follows.
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| Zaman France office after the attack |
March 29, 2012
The Hizmet [Gulen] movement and politics
İhsan Yılmaz
There has recently been criticism directed against the Hizmet movement that it has been or is becoming a political movement. Its adversaries keep making these accusations, and nothing can be done to convince them. But for anyone sincerely interested in what the movement is actually up to, some clarification needs to be made. This cannot be done without understanding the Gülenian conception of Islam-state-politics relations.
There has recently been criticism directed against the Hizmet movement that it has been or is becoming a political movement. Its adversaries keep making these accusations, and nothing can be done to convince them. But for anyone sincerely interested in what the movement is actually up to, some clarification needs to be made. This cannot be done without understanding the Gülenian conception of Islam-state-politics relations.
March 28, 2012
Fethullah Gülen: I am in favor of freedom of expression and the press
Today's Zaman
Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has said he advocates broader rights specifically in the arenas of freedom of expression and freedom of the press for journalists, including those who “unjustly” accuse him of conspiring against them.
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| Fethullah Gülen (Photo: Cihan) |
Fethullah Gülen's lawyer comments on his freedom of expression remarks
fgulen.com
Commenting on Gülen's remarks, his lawyer, Orhan Erdemli, explained that his client has many times in the past said he is a strong defender of freedom of the press. Stating that Gülen also takes criticism of his person within the scope of freedom of expression, he added, however, that this freedom is being misused against Gülen as serious insults are leveled against his client.
Below is the full text of remarks by Orhan Erdemli on Fethullah Gülen’s expressions:
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| Fethullah Gülen |
Below is the full text of remarks by Orhan Erdemli on Fethullah Gülen’s expressions:
March 27, 2012
Qualifying rounds for the 10th International Turkish Olympiads around the globe
Today's Zaman
International private Turkish schools in the US chose their finalists for the 10th Turkish Olympiads, which will take place between May 30 and June 14 in Turkey, at a national competition in Washington, D.C., on Monday.
The International Turkish Olympiad, which is organized by the International Turkish Education Association (TÜRKÇEDER), brings together hundreds of foreign students each year from Turkish schools established throughout the world. Students from various countries compete in singing and poetry contests, entertaining audiences with their outstanding performances of popular Turkish songs and well-known Turkish poems.
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| A national competition was held on Monday in Washington, D.C. to determine finalists for the International Turkish Olympiads that will start on May 30 in Turkey. (Photo: AA) |
International private Turkish schools in the US chose their finalists for the 10th Turkish Olympiads, which will take place between May 30 and June 14 in Turkey, at a national competition in Washington, D.C., on Monday.
March 26, 2012
Fethullah Gulen and February 28 [Postmodern coup]
Nazlı Ilıcak
While February 28th is debated these days, a notion has been created as if Gulen was collaborating with "post-modern coup." In fact, Gulen in his interview on Channel-D on April 17,1997 asked Refahyol government to resign. However, these words were spoken in order to reduce the tension in the country. His opinion could have been faulty at the time, but one cannot make a conclusion about his position in general based on this statement.
While February 28th is debated these days, a notion has been created as if Gulen was collaborating with "post-modern coup." In fact, Gulen in his interview on Channel-D on April 17,1997 asked Refahyol government to resign. However, these words were spoken in order to reduce the tension in the country. His opinion could have been faulty at the time, but one cannot make a conclusion about his position in general based on this statement.
March 25, 2012
Gulen’s model brings heart and mind together
Zeynep Haşlak
An Algerian author, Professor Mohammed Babaammi, said the biggest problem that the Muslim world faces in today’s world is that there are significant mismatches between the thoughts and actions of Muslims.
“Muslims do not act upon their thoughts,” says the Algerian professor.
Speaking to Sunday’s Zaman at a visit to Zaman headquarters in İstanbul, Babaammi expressed his views on the problems of the Muslim world and the Arab Spring as well as Arab views of Turkey.
“Muslims do not act upon their thoughts,” says the Algerian professor.
Speaking to Sunday’s Zaman at a visit to Zaman headquarters in İstanbul, Babaammi expressed his views on the problems of the Muslim world and the Arab Spring as well as Arab views of Turkey.
March 24, 2012
Fethullah Gülen and Hilmi Özkök were targets of assassins, new book claims
Today's Zaman
Former Chief of General Staff retired Gen. Hilmi Özkök was the target of a planned assassination by pro-coup generals within the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) in 2004, which was prevented when US officials in Baghdad discovered the plan and notified Turkish authorities about it, according to a recently published book.
A new flower is blooming in Darfur; 240 students will study in their new school
Kimse Yok Mu
Assistance activities have been carried out in Sudan since 2007 and another fruit of our labor has arrived. Sponsored by a businessman, Tahsin Tekoglu, a new school is being built and when it is finished it will be a source of hope for Darfur students.
Assistance activities have been carried out in Sudan since 2007 and another fruit of our labor has arrived. Sponsored by a businessman, Tahsin Tekoglu, a new school is being built and when it is finished it will be a source of hope for Darfur students.
March 23, 2012
State of Ergenekon: Alive and kicking
İhsan Yılmaz
Even though some Justice and Development Party (AKP) politicians seem to think that the mafioso deep state -- aka the Ergenekon terrorist organization -- is dead, recent developments have shown once again that it is in good shape, alive and kicking. The deep state tradition in Turkey goes back at least 100 years, and it is not easy to dismantle it. So far only some of its legs and arms have been captured by the judiciary, but not the body, nor the brain.
Only the most recent Uludere incident, which shocked the AKP government, is a telling example that democratic forces are still not in full control of the state. This is the case, despite the fact that we have a ruling party with a 50 percent mandate. Imagine what could happen if today’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) form a coalition government. As soon as they come to power, the bureaucracy will immediately start serving them. These two parties have employed thousands of their ideological fellow travelers in the state bureaucracy, and they keep silent and remain passive nowadays thanks to the strong one-party rule. There are only about 250 people -- some 50 of them in prison -- being tried in Ergenekon cases, and it is obvious that a deep state cannot be run by only 250 people. In addition to the brain there must be many sleeping cells. The recent psychological war campaign launched against some judges, prosecutors and police officers that deal with the case shows that Ergenekon has not given up and, quite to the contrary, it is still very strong.
Even though some Justice and Development Party (AKP) politicians seem to think that the mafioso deep state -- aka the Ergenekon terrorist organization -- is dead, recent developments have shown once again that it is in good shape, alive and kicking. The deep state tradition in Turkey goes back at least 100 years, and it is not easy to dismantle it. So far only some of its legs and arms have been captured by the judiciary, but not the body, nor the brain.
Only the most recent Uludere incident, which shocked the AKP government, is a telling example that democratic forces are still not in full control of the state. This is the case, despite the fact that we have a ruling party with a 50 percent mandate. Imagine what could happen if today’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) form a coalition government. As soon as they come to power, the bureaucracy will immediately start serving them. These two parties have employed thousands of their ideological fellow travelers in the state bureaucracy, and they keep silent and remain passive nowadays thanks to the strong one-party rule. There are only about 250 people -- some 50 of them in prison -- being tried in Ergenekon cases, and it is obvious that a deep state cannot be run by only 250 people. In addition to the brain there must be many sleeping cells. The recent psychological war campaign launched against some judges, prosecutors and police officers that deal with the case shows that Ergenekon has not given up and, quite to the contrary, it is still very strong.
March 22, 2012
The Community [Gulen Movement] and Transparency
Erkam Tufan Aytav *
Some groups have been parroting, “The [Gülen] Community should become more transparent.” As you know, with “the Community,” they are referring to the Gülen movement. Let us try to understand this sentence and respond to it.
First of all, I need to note that when they say, “the Community,” they are referring to the movement of volunteers inspired by the ideas of Mr. Fethullah Gülen. That is, there is a set of ideas and a person behind this movement. Millions of people strongly believe in these ideas and in the author of those ideas.
In democracies, people can freely express their ideas that can be adopted and pursued by other people acting of their own free will. The Gülen movement is a social grouping that is based on such a democratic supply and demand setting.
Some groups have been parroting, “The [Gülen] Community should become more transparent.” As you know, with “the Community,” they are referring to the Gülen movement. Let us try to understand this sentence and respond to it.
First of all, I need to note that when they say, “the Community,” they are referring to the movement of volunteers inspired by the ideas of Mr. Fethullah Gülen. That is, there is a set of ideas and a person behind this movement. Millions of people strongly believe in these ideas and in the author of those ideas.
In democracies, people can freely express their ideas that can be adopted and pursued by other people acting of their own free will. The Gülen movement is a social grouping that is based on such a democratic supply and demand setting.
March 21, 2012
Why is the Gülen Movement being classified as a civic initiative or civil society movement?
fgulen.org
Civil society is an arena of friendships and associations. It provides citizens with opportunities to learn the democratic habits of free assembly, non-coercive dialogue, and socioeconomic initiative. It covers a broad array of organizations that are essentially private, that is, outside the institutional structures of government. These include voluntary associations that are beyond the household but outside the state.
For these reasons the Gülen Movement is now best described as a civic initiative or a civil society movement that started as faith-initiated, non-contentious, cultural and educational service-projects. It is not a governmental or a state sponsored organization. It is an apolitical, social, altruistic action. It centers on the individual, individual change and the education of the individual. Part of this education is also focused on raising consciousness about legality, lawfulness, human rights and one’s constitutionally defined rights. It also works for the consolidation, therefore, of pluralist participatory democracy and equal rights.
Civil society is an arena of friendships and associations. It provides citizens with opportunities to learn the democratic habits of free assembly, non-coercive dialogue, and socioeconomic initiative. It covers a broad array of organizations that are essentially private, that is, outside the institutional structures of government. These include voluntary associations that are beyond the household but outside the state.
For these reasons the Gülen Movement is now best described as a civic initiative or a civil society movement that started as faith-initiated, non-contentious, cultural and educational service-projects. It is not a governmental or a state sponsored organization. It is an apolitical, social, altruistic action. It centers on the individual, individual change and the education of the individual. Part of this education is also focused on raising consciousness about legality, lawfulness, human rights and one’s constitutionally defined rights. It also works for the consolidation, therefore, of pluralist participatory democracy and equal rights.
March 20, 2012
Gülen expresses condolences for Turkish soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Today's Zaman
Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has expressed condolences to families of 12 soldiers killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan last week, saying that the soldiers were there to help restore peace in the war-torn country.
Turkish Doctors Extend a Helping Hand to Somalia
Kimse Yok Mu
Doctors from Balikesir province, which is in Western part of Turkey, are planning to go to Somali and provide medical service to Somali people. The group of doctors consisting of one surgeon and four family doctors, is planning to spend 17 day in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The doctors are going to provide routine care and surgery for Somalis.
March 19, 2012
Strategic defamation
Abdülhamit Bilici
A Western journalist who held the position of Time magazine’s representative in Turkey for a very long time had an interesting observation about our media.
He argued that Turkish newspapers generally distort published speeches. According to this journalist, private television channels, whose numbers were on the rise at the time, were an important opportunity to cure this illness in the Turkish media because it was more difficult for journalists to intervene between the person speaking on television and the audience. A politician, artist or a regular citizen would speak his or her mind and the audience would hear them out verbatim. Unfortunately, our media, whose reputation is highly questionable, cannot exactly be defended in the face of this accusation. But an incident last week demonstrated to me that foreign reporters and investigators don’t exactly have the cleanest slate in terms of their reliability and that they, too, can greatly distort the material at hand when preparing news pieces or reports.
March 18, 2012
Internal diffusion among the different parts of the Gülen Movement
fgulen.org
How do the service networks of the Gülen Movement diffuse themes and experience, and organize circulation of volunteers?
Any service-network may initiate a project or brainstorm around a particular theme.
Different service-networks set up committees to study the feasibility of projects without referring to any formal or centralized authority. If a project proves successful, this fact is broadcast or circulated by volunteers, associates in the media or sympathizers in the periphery. The professionalized staff at other social movement organizations (SMO) may then take up issues and take them further. In this way, each SMO represents the collective purpose, but no single SMO can or does claim to be recognized as representing the Gülen Movement’s collective interests as a whole.
How do the service networks of the Gülen Movement diffuse themes and experience, and organize circulation of volunteers?
Any service-network may initiate a project or brainstorm around a particular theme.
Different service-networks set up committees to study the feasibility of projects without referring to any formal or centralized authority. If a project proves successful, this fact is broadcast or circulated by volunteers, associates in the media or sympathizers in the periphery. The professionalized staff at other social movement organizations (SMO) may then take up issues and take them further. In this way, each SMO represents the collective purpose, but no single SMO can or does claim to be recognized as representing the Gülen Movement’s collective interests as a whole.
March 17, 2012
Society ready for a new constitution, but how about politics?
Abdülhamit Bilici
If I were to touch on Turkey’s national agenda by discussing the recent successful trip made by President Abdullah Gül to Tunisia, my sense of disappointment would be great.
As I tried to express in my recent column “Tunisia will be a model for Turkey,” the Tunisians, who only one year ago rid themselves of a dictator with minimal damage in the process, are acting more maturely and gaining greater strides in democracy than Turkey.
If I were to touch on Turkey’s national agenda by discussing the recent successful trip made by President Abdullah Gül to Tunisia, my sense of disappointment would be great.
As I tried to express in my recent column “Tunisia will be a model for Turkey,” the Tunisians, who only one year ago rid themselves of a dictator with minimal damage in the process, are acting more maturely and gaining greater strides in democracy than Turkey.
March 16, 2012
What does Ertuğrul Özkök want?
Nagehan Alçı
Although they were late in doing so, prosecutors have released journalists Nedim Şener and Ahmet Şık.
Although they were late in doing so, prosecutors have released journalists Nedim Şener and Ahmet Şık.
Abant Platform Proposes Education in Mother Tongue
The Journal of Turkish Weekly
The 26th Abant Platform, which brings together high-profile intellectuals, journalists, legal experts and politicians, concluded on Sunday (March 11th) with a recommendation that Turkey's Constitution recognise the right to education in languages other than Turkish.
"Education in one's mother tongue is an essential human right. The constitution should not have any restrictions on receiving an education in one's mother tongue and it should recognize the right of education in different languages. In addition to this, provided that the official language of the country is taught and learned, everyone has the right to use his/her mother tongue in education," the final declaration stated.
"Education in one's mother tongue is an essential human right. The constitution should not have any restrictions on receiving an education in one's mother tongue and it should recognize the right of education in different languages. In addition to this, provided that the official language of the country is taught and learned, everyone has the right to use his/her mother tongue in education," the final declaration stated.
March 15, 2012
European book tour for Derby professor
University of Derby
A Derby expert on inter-religious relations has begun the European tour of his new book which examines the challenges that have faced European Muslims since the Madrid train bombings and the London Transport attacks in 2005. The tour, which began at the University of Derby on March 13, will take in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Belgium.
Paul Weller is the University of Derby's Professor of Inter-Religious Relations and has worked in the field of inter-faith and multi-faith studies for over 25 years. He leads the national research project on 'Religion and Belief, Discrimination and Equality in England and Wales' within the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) /Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Religion and Society Research Programme.
Paul Weller is the University of Derby's Professor of Inter-Religious Relations and has worked in the field of inter-faith and multi-faith studies for over 25 years. He leads the national research project on 'Religion and Belief, Discrimination and Equality in England and Wales' within the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) /Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Religion and Society Research Programme.
March 14, 2012
Students from 135 countries to join Turkish Olympiads this year
İbrahim Asalıoğlu
Foreign students from 135 countries will attend the 10th International Turkish Olympiads, which brings together hundreds of foreign students each year from Turkish schools established throughout the world.
A total of 1,500 students will compete at this year's Olympiads, organized by the International Turkish Education Association (TÜRKÇEDER), in singing and poetry recitation contests, fascinating audiences with their outstanding performances of popular Turkish songs and well-known Turkish poems.
Foreign students from 135 countries will attend the 10th International Turkish Olympiads, which brings together hundreds of foreign students each year from Turkish schools established throughout the world.
A total of 1,500 students will compete at this year's Olympiads, organized by the International Turkish Education Association (TÜRKÇEDER), in singing and poetry recitation contests, fascinating audiences with their outstanding performances of popular Turkish songs and well-known Turkish poems.
March 13, 2012
‘New charter should have no barriers to mother tongue education’
Today's Zaman
The 26th meeting of the Abant Platform, which discussed problematic areas of the constitutional drafting process, suggested in its final declaration on Sunday regarding education being given in languages other than Turkish - one of the most contentious issues that needs to be addressed in the new constitution - that as long as the official language of the country is taught and learned, everyone should be given the opportunity to receive an education in their mother tongue.
“Education in one's mother tongue is a fundamental human right. The constitution should not impose any restrictions on receiving an education in one's mother tongue and it should make education in different languages possible. Furthermore, as long as the official language of the country is taught and learned, everyone has the right to use their mother tongue in education,” said the final declaration of the Abant meeting regarding the controversial issue of education in languages other than Turkish.
The 26th meeting of the Abant Platform, which discussed problematic areas of the constitutional drafting process, suggested in its final declaration on Sunday regarding education being given in languages other than Turkish - one of the most contentious issues that needs to be addressed in the new constitution - that as long as the official language of the country is taught and learned, everyone should be given the opportunity to receive an education in their mother tongue.
“Education in one's mother tongue is a fundamental human right. The constitution should not impose any restrictions on receiving an education in one's mother tongue and it should make education in different languages possible. Furthermore, as long as the official language of the country is taught and learned, everyone has the right to use their mother tongue in education,” said the final declaration of the Abant meeting regarding the controversial issue of education in languages other than Turkish.
March 12, 2012
Several Schools in Mathematics Competition as Liberian Turkish Light International School Puts out Fabulous Prizes
Stephen Binda
In an effort to promote students’ enthusiasm for mathematics and sciences, the Liberian Turkish Light International School has launched a math competition for nearly 200 students in 150 elementary schools in Monrovia.
In an effort to promote students’ enthusiasm for mathematics and sciences, the Liberian Turkish Light International School has launched a math competition for nearly 200 students in 150 elementary schools in Monrovia.
Turkey reaffirms commitment to assist Somalia
Abdullah Bozkurt
The massive Turkish aid drive to troubled East African nation Somalia continues unabated with Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ making an appearance in Mogadishu on Tuesday to coordinate assistance efforts.
Bozdağ, who landed in the Somali capital on the first flight of Turkish Airlines (THY) to the country, attended ceremonies to officially inaugurate a series of facilities built by Turkish governmental and nongovernmental organizations. He was accompanied by Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TİKA) head Serdar Çam, Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD) director Fuat Oktay and THY General Manager Temel Kotil.
Turkey has been leading a worldwide campaign to help drought-stricken Somalia since last year and organized fund-raising drives both at home and in international forums. Turkey has sent $365 million (TL 640 million) in cash and aid in kind to Somalia over the past year, according to AFAD.
The massive Turkish aid drive to troubled East African nation Somalia continues unabated with Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ making an appearance in Mogadishu on Tuesday to coordinate assistance efforts.
Bozdağ, who landed in the Somali capital on the first flight of Turkish Airlines (THY) to the country, attended ceremonies to officially inaugurate a series of facilities built by Turkish governmental and nongovernmental organizations. He was accompanied by Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TİKA) head Serdar Çam, Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD) director Fuat Oktay and THY General Manager Temel Kotil.
Turkey has been leading a worldwide campaign to help drought-stricken Somalia since last year and organized fund-raising drives both at home and in international forums. Turkey has sent $365 million (TL 640 million) in cash and aid in kind to Somalia over the past year, according to AFAD.
March 11, 2012
Turkish Deputy Premier visits Nejashi Ethio-Turkish International Schools
Nejashi Ethio-Turkish International Schools
H.E. Mr. Bekir Bozdağ, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, paid a visit to our African Union Branch on January 29, 2012. He was in Ethiopia in order to attend the 18th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa.
H.E. Mr. Bekir Bozdağ, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, paid a visit to our African Union Branch on January 29, 2012. He was in Ethiopia in order to attend the 18th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa.
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