Nawab Khan, Brussels
Turkey is a good example to be followed by the Arab and Muslim world for the development of democracy and economic progress, according to James Harrington, Director of the Texas Civil Rights Project and a professor at the University of Texas Law School.
"I think Turkey is a good example and can serve as a model and will influence developments in the Muslim world," Harrington told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
May 6, 2012
What is behind Hizmet-affiliated schools?
Taha Akyol, Hurriyet
What is behind the schools affiliated with the Hizmet [Gülen] movement that have been established around the world?
What is behind the schools affiliated with the Hizmet [Gülen] movement that have been established around the world?
Turkish schools in Africa
Taha Akyol, Hurriyet
The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world. There is not even proper electricity in the capital city of the country, Bangui. The roads were terrible, but we arrived at a guesthouse of the International Central African Republic Turkish School at midnight.
It was established on the initiative of supporters of Fethullah Gülen. When we went to the school, we were amazed to see such a well-established school in such a country. There were 45 students when it was opened in 2006 and now it has 750 students. Half of the teachers are Turkish, half are locals. A fee is required, but there is financial support for the poor. At the teachers’ call, volunteer doctors came to the city, where they treated sick locals and performed operations. Meat, sent by Muslim benefactors from Turkey, is regularly distributed to local people. Both the government and locals are extremely grateful. This can be explained only by the religiousness of people with missionary aims and the combination of financial entrepreneurship and modern education.
Published on Today's Zaman, 02 May 2012, Wednesday
The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world. There is not even proper electricity in the capital city of the country, Bangui. The roads were terrible, but we arrived at a guesthouse of the International Central African Republic Turkish School at midnight.
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| Photo: Hurriyet Daily |
Published on Today's Zaman, 02 May 2012, Wednesday
May 5, 2012
Turkish schools behind Turkey's soft power in the Middle East
Minhac Çelik
Marco Padovan, Italian businessman and a member of the Turkish-Italian Trade and Cooperation Association, said during a round table meeting held in Istanbul on Wednesday that Turkish schools play a crucial role in the increase of Turkey's soft power in the Middle East and North Africa.
Hizmet university serves Iraqi students in Arbil
Gamze Gül
Ishik University, established in 2008, serves the multiethnic society of Arbil in Northern Iraq by providing equal education opportunities to students from a variety of backgrounds, said Dr. Mehmet Özdemir, vice president of administrative affairs for Ishik University.
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| Ishik University provides education to Iraqi students in Arbil since 2008. (Photo: AA, İbrahim Yakut) |
May 4, 2012
Religious fundamentalism is a two way street
Peter Kirkwood *
Norwegian mass-murderer, Anders Breivik was brought to trial a few weeks ago. The court proceedings have revealed his well thought out motivations for the killings. They hinge on an ultra-nationalism with nostalgia for a white Christian Europe, and a deeply held xenophobia, directed particularly against Muslim migrants.
President Museveni supports Turkey’s reaching out to Africa
Sinem Cengiz
Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised Turkey’s flourishing African policy and its recently keen interest in African countries, pointing out its positive implications on developing relations between Turkey and the continent.
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| TUSKON Secretary General Mustafa Günay with Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni |
May 3, 2012
The genesis of the hatred against Gulen and the Hizmet Movement
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| Fethullah Gulen |
There’s no end to games of ‘new Ottomans’
Mehmet Barlas, Sabah
It is now clear that the power of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is not going to be diminished by coups, memorandums or the launch of party closure cases.
It is now clear that the power of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is not going to be diminished by coups, memorandums or the launch of party closure cases.
May 2, 2012
Warriors of enlightenment: Pen versus bullet
Bülent Keneş
Like every year, people have started to feel a sweet sense of excitement as the month of May nears. The first harbingers of the traditional festival have already reached here thanks to some live TV broadcasts.
Like every year, people have started to feel a sweet sense of excitement as the month of May nears. The first harbingers of the traditional festival have already reached here thanks to some live TV broadcasts.
Paranoia of 'religion is dangerous’
Yalçın Akdoğan, Star
The other day in The New York Times, there was an article entitled “Turkey Feels Sway of Reclusive Cleric in US.”
The other day in The New York Times, there was an article entitled “Turkey Feels Sway of Reclusive Cleric in US.”
May 1, 2012
GYV: Alleging Gülen supported coups is huge distortion of truth
Today's Zaman
The Journalists and Writers Foundation released a statement on Tuesday in response to various allegations circulating in the media that Fethullah Gülen, a well-respected Turkish Islamic scholar, supported the Feb. 28, 1997 unarmed intervention, dismissing such claims as a major distortion of the truth. The statement, posted on the foundation's website, offers an explanation regarding the recent speculation in the press about the stance and statements of Gülen during the Feb. 28 period.
The statement noted that neither Gülen nor the Hizmet movement he has inspired claimed to be perfect in everything they do. It noted that the Gülen community is open to constructive criticism and had no objection to questions regarding the movement's stance in the face of military interventions. However, such questions should be well meaning and posed with good intentions.
You may find the full text of the GYV's statement below:
The statement noted that neither Gülen nor the Hizmet movement he has inspired claimed to be perfect in everything they do. It noted that the Gülen community is open to constructive criticism and had no objection to questions regarding the movement's stance in the face of military interventions. However, such questions should be well meaning and posed with good intentions.
You may find the full text of the GYV's statement below:
Murder on the February 28 Express
İhsan Yılmaz
The judiciary is now dealing with the Feb. 28 coup, and several retired high-ranking officers are now under arrest. It appears that this time, the prosecutors are determined not to make trivial but overblown mistakes as they have in the Ergenekon cases. They are proceeding with extreme caution and prudence.
The judiciary is now dealing with the Feb. 28 coup, and several retired high-ranking officers are now under arrest. It appears that this time, the prosecutors are determined not to make trivial but overblown mistakes as they have in the Ergenekon cases. They are proceeding with extreme caution and prudence.
April 30, 2012
A serious question for a respected newspaper
Abdülhamit Bilici
It is not easy to understand a fast-changing and multi-layered country like Turkey. This is a nation where some who self-identify as progressive, modern, social democrats oppose freedoms in a number of arenas and hope for assistance from military coups, while some labeled as Islamic, devout and even reactionary wind up playing leading roles in democratization.
It is not easy to understand a fast-changing and multi-layered country like Turkey. This is a nation where some who self-identify as progressive, modern, social democrats oppose freedoms in a number of arenas and hope for assistance from military coups, while some labeled as Islamic, devout and even reactionary wind up playing leading roles in democratization.
A global Feb. 28 process?
İhsan Yılmaz
As far as I remember, the global Feb. 28 process was a headline of a Turkish daily just after the 9/11 attacks.
I am not sure if it was a result of an analysis or wishful thinking, but to a certain extent, Islamophobia increased after the attacks. Yet, thanks to dialogue initiations that started well before 9/11, well-integrated Muslim minorities in the West, objective liberal and leftist intellectuals, writers, journalists and politicians all over the world, the proactive global activities of Muslims and the diversity of media prevented a global witch-hunt similar to the Feb. 28 process in Turkey. What could not be achieved after 9/11 has been attempted by some in Turkey.
As far as I remember, the global Feb. 28 process was a headline of a Turkish daily just after the 9/11 attacks.
I am not sure if it was a result of an analysis or wishful thinking, but to a certain extent, Islamophobia increased after the attacks. Yet, thanks to dialogue initiations that started well before 9/11, well-integrated Muslim minorities in the West, objective liberal and leftist intellectuals, writers, journalists and politicians all over the world, the proactive global activities of Muslims and the diversity of media prevented a global witch-hunt similar to the Feb. 28 process in Turkey. What could not be achieved after 9/11 has been attempted by some in Turkey.
April 29, 2012
Anatolian Tigers drive Turkey's silent revolution
Atul Aneja
The Anatolian Tigers — a new breed of pious businessmen who have risen from the grassroots to fire Turkey's economic and political transformation — are targeting an entry into the high-technology big league.
The Anatolian Tigers — a new breed of pious businessmen who have risen from the grassroots to fire Turkey's economic and political transformation — are targeting an entry into the high-technology big league.
The day Erol Özkasnak made me break my phone
Mehmet Ali Birand
I cannot remember the exact date, but the Feb. 28, 1997 incidents had not begun yet and the historic process of punishment under the memorandum dated 1998 had not begun either. Despite that, I was in constant friction with the General Staff.
It was 1996, and the Kurdish issue was at its most violent stage. The General Staff was pressuring me on two topics. One was that I was not criticizing the Fethullah Gülen movement, but on the contrary, I was supporting their schools. The other was that I was opposing the official policy on the Kurdish issue.
It was 1996, and the Kurdish issue was at its most violent stage. The General Staff was pressuring me on two topics. One was that I was not criticizing the Fethullah Gülen movement, but on the contrary, I was supporting their schools. The other was that I was opposing the official policy on the Kurdish issue.
April 28, 2012
The hype about the Gülen Movement
Mustafa Akyol
One of the hot topics in present-day Turkey is the so-called “Gülen Movement,” a widespread religious network named after its spiritual leader, a Sufi-minded cleric named Fethullah Gülen.
One of the hot topics in present-day Turkey is the so-called “Gülen Movement,” a widespread religious network named after its spiritual leader, a Sufi-minded cleric named Fethullah Gülen.
Criticizing Gulen Movement, irrelevant to arrests of journalists
Washington Times
Luke Montgomery: Last year, Turkish journalist Ahmet Şık wrote a book entitled You Touch, You Burn (Dokunan Yanar) targeting the Gülen movement. Before the book was even published, he was arrested and thrown in jail. What happened to moderate and tolerant Islam in this case?
April 27, 2012
Turkey’s Gulen movement sees a smear campaign
Atul Aneja
As the endgame in Turkey's transition to a mature democracy nears, media attacks have sharpened against the Gulen movement — a mass mobilisation vehicle that has, over the years, openly and peacefully challenged the concentration of privileges among the country's military-backed old guard.
As the endgame in Turkey's transition to a mature democracy nears, media attacks have sharpened against the Gulen movement — a mass mobilisation vehicle that has, over the years, openly and peacefully challenged the concentration of privileges among the country's military-backed old guard.
Endgame approaches in Turkey’s AKP-military elite tussle
Atul Aneja
Amid high drama, the tussle between Turkey’s military-led old guard and the elected civilian establishment led by Justice and Development Party (AKP) is nearing a decisive stage.
As both sides approach the end-game, their bitter contest to occupy prime political space, is raising fresh and serious questions about the future of Turkey’s democracy.
Amid high drama, the tussle between Turkey’s military-led old guard and the elected civilian establishment led by Justice and Development Party (AKP) is nearing a decisive stage.
As both sides approach the end-game, their bitter contest to occupy prime political space, is raising fresh and serious questions about the future of Turkey’s democracy.
April 26, 2012
Setting the facts straight on the Gülen movement
James C. Harrington *
Much of what Dan Bilefsky and Şebnem Arsu’s recent article in the International Herald Tribune (“Shadow Force Grows in Turkey,” published on April 18) describes about Fethullah Gülen and Turkey’s recent history is accurate, but the authors cast a shadow of innuendo and loose conclusions, apparently more driven by personal predispositions than reality.
Much of what Dan Bilefsky and Şebnem Arsu’s recent article in the International Herald Tribune (“Shadow Force Grows in Turkey,” published on April 18) describes about Fethullah Gülen and Turkey’s recent history is accurate, but the authors cast a shadow of innuendo and loose conclusions, apparently more driven by personal predispositions than reality.
Fethullah Gülen’s lawyer's response to the claims in a recent International Herald Tribune article
In article with the heading “Shadow force grows in Turkey” by Dan Bilefsky and Sebnem Arsu appeared in the International Herald Tribune on April 18, 2012. It has become necessary to issue this statement to the press due to the reappearance of the same false claims against Mr. Fethullah Gülen—claims which have originated from Turkey and which have indeed been repeatedly published in the Turkish media.
We wish to express the following issues before answering the claims:
We wish to express the following issues before answering the claims:
April 25, 2012
Kurdish intellectuals denounce attack on Şırnak educational institution
Ayten Çiftçi
Kurdish intellectuals have joined critics of a suspected outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) attack on a building which hosts a private university prep course in Şırnak on Saturday, saying the masterminds of such attacks will not achieve their goals.
Kurdish intellectuals have joined critics of a suspected outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) attack on a building which hosts a private university prep course in Şırnak on Saturday, saying the masterminds of such attacks will not achieve their goals.
Gülen's books translated into Kurdish
Nurullah Kaya
A number of books by Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, which have been translated into many other languages, are now available in Kurdish.
Gülen has written many books on a variety of religious and Islamic topics that attract a large number of readers from all around the world. In order for the books to reach even more readers, they have been translated into a variety of languages, including Spanish, Russian and English. Kaynak Publications recently translated books by Gülen into Kurdish.
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| Some of Fethullah Gulen's books |
Gülen has written many books on a variety of religious and Islamic topics that attract a large number of readers from all around the world. In order for the books to reach even more readers, they have been translated into a variety of languages, including Spanish, Russian and English. Kaynak Publications recently translated books by Gülen into Kurdish.
April 24, 2012
What are The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune after?
Bülent Keneş
I was quite taken aback as I read “Shadow force grows in Turkey,” co-written by Dan Bilefsky and Şebnem Arsu, which appeared at the International Herald Tribune (IHT), the international edition of The New York Times (NYT), on Wednesday.
I was quite taken aback as I read “Shadow force grows in Turkey,” co-written by Dan Bilefsky and Şebnem Arsu, which appeared at the International Herald Tribune (IHT), the international edition of The New York Times (NYT), on Wednesday.
April 23, 2012
Look what International Herald Tribune is doing
Ekrem Dumanlı
Once upon a time, people used to have faith in some papers, which have become famous because of their meticulous journalism, and to read their columns and opinion pieces with great admiration and attention.
Once upon a time, people used to have faith in some papers, which have become famous because of their meticulous journalism, and to read their columns and opinion pieces with great admiration and attention.
Remarks on Gulen movement misquoted, AK Party founding member says
Sunday's Zaman
Ayşe Böhürler, a founding member of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), has said her remarks on the faith-based Gülen movement were misquoted in an International Herald Tribune article last week, denying statements that were highly critical of the movement and attributed to her by the paper.
“It would be impossible for me to say such things,” Böhürler told the Cihan news agency. “I will also send a disclaimer to the newspaper.”
“It would be impossible for me to say such things,” Böhürler told the Cihan news agency. “I will also send a disclaimer to the newspaper.”
April 22, 2012
OIC head says he has always endorsed Turkish schools abroad
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.
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.
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.
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