Kimse Yok Mu, Doctors Worldwide step up aid efforts in Syria, Palestine

Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There), a Turkish charitable association known for its international assistance work, will accelerate its aid efforts in Palestine by establishing a school and hospital there in 2013, while Doctors Worldwide steps up efforts to assist Syrian refugees taking shelter in Turkey.

Kurdish Question Discussed in New York

'Kurdish question', one of the most controversial agenda items recently, was discussed at a panel attended by academics and journalists in New York. Among the keynote speakers of the event were Mucait Bilici from John Jay College and the journalist-author Mustafa Akyol.

Hizmet movement and the peace process

Markar Esayan

Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputy Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who participated in an editorial meeting of the Hürriyet daily that convened in Diyarbakır, made important statements on how the conversations with Öcalan during the visit by the second İmralı delegation were reflected in the media.

Abrahamic Faith Leaders on Significance of Coexistence

Christians, Jews and Muslims came together to discuss the significance of pluralism and coexistence at Abrahamic Dinner by Niagara Foundation in Chicago. The annual held dinner took place at the newly-launched building of TASC (Turkish American Society of Chicago). Niagara Foundation President Serif Soydan delivered the opening speech of the night and left the stage to the faith leaders.

International Women’s Day Panel by Niagara Foundation

Michigan University hosted a panel discussion in tribute to International Women’s Day. Among the keynote speakers and panelists of the event, “Community Builders; Perspectives from Women Leaders” organized by Niagara Foundation, were prominent women around Michigan.

Turkish Day at Missouri State House

Intercultural State House event was jointly held by Niagara Foundation and Turkish American Society of Missouri (TASOM) in the State Capitol, Jefferson City. The cultural event featured Turkish culture and art displays, Turkey trip orientations and presentation of various dishes from Turkish cuisine. During the event, the Turkish delegation led by Missouri representative of Niagara Foundation Ali Durhan and TASOM President Ertugrul Olgundeney interacted with leading state politicians including Senate Chairman Tom Dempsey, Senators Ron Richards, Jolie Justus and Missouri Auditor Tam Sweich, and House Speaker Timothy Jones.

Irmak TV starts broadcasting

New television channel Irmak TV began broadcasting on Thursday night in a magnificent ceremony with blessings from senior Turkish officials, journalists and public figures.

Indians gather around “Infinite Light”

Gulen's book has been
translated into many languages

On February 15, the award ceremony of “Infinite Light” contest organized by Islamic Educational, Social and Cultural Foundation brought together diverse ethnic and religious groups of India. A total of 15,000 dollars was awarded to top 20 winners of the contest attended by 110 thousand people initially having read the book “Infinite Light” by Fethullah Gulen.

Nigerien Deputy Ministers examine Turkish Education System

Four Nigerien deputy ministers who are impressed by the Turkish schools operating in their country have come to Turkey to examine Turkish education system on site.

Foundation stone of Ethio-Turkish Schools’ new dormitory laid

The ground breaking ceremony of a new 150-bed capacity high school dormitory for Ethiopian-Turkish schools’ Alem Gena campus was held in Ethiopia.

Turkish NGO sends aid to Syrians

Turkish NGO "Kimse Yok Mu" Association sent 150 truck laden aid to Syrians sheltered in southeastern Turkey.

Turkish NGOs-initiated hospital underway in Uganda

A new hospital, 33-bed capacity hospital in service of 300 daily, jointly by South East International Health Federation (GUSAF), Uganda Nile Foundation and Kimse Yok Mu, is currently under construction in Uganda.

GYV rejects claims that Hizmet movement dominates Turkey’s judiciary

The Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) has strongly criticized and denied news reports suggesting that the Hizmet movement, which is inspired by well-respected Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, dominates the judiciary and bureaucratic positions within the Turkish state, calling the claims groundless.

Fatih College seeks to sign franchise agreements with other private schools

İstanbul's Fatih College is calling on other private schools that meet what the college calls the “Fatih criteria” to cooperate in the field of education via franchise agreements.

Ergenekon opinion lists subversive plans for coup d'état

A lead prosecutor involved in the trial of the Ergenekon terrorist organization listed in his final opinion of the case several plots by the terrorist group to spark chaos in society so as to lay the groundwork for a military coup.

Fethullah Gulen’s books draw booklovers at Riyadh book fair

Fethullah Gulen’s books received a high attention of book enthusiasts at International Book Fair in Saudi Arabian capital city, Riyadh. Rated as one of the largest cultural events of the country, the book fair featured 957 thousand publishers from over 30 countries. This year’s guest of honor country was Morocco.

“The Gulen Movement” by Cetin now available in Indonesian

“The Gulen Movement: Civic Service without Borders” by sociologist Muhammed Cetin, PhD, has been translated into Indonesian by Indonesia University. The book was introduced at an event with the participation of the author Cetin.

Dr. Naeem Mushtaq reviews the book Noor-e-Sarmadi by M. Fethullah Gülen

Dr. Naeem Mushtaq, HR Manager, Islamabad Club, reviews the Noor-e-Sarmadi Fakhr-e-Insaniyat: Hz. Muhammad (s.a.s), the Urdu translation of the "Sonsuz Nur" (The Infinite Light) written by Turkish Muslim scholar, writer and thinker M. Fethullah Gülen.

Turkish Language Olympics - Iraq Qualifications

Excitement has begun for the Turkish Language Olympics, the pride of Turkey. The Iraq qualifications for the Turkish Language Olympics has been held in Viranşehir, Şanlıurfa.

Turkish feast in Madagascar

11th Turkish Language Olympiads Madagascar finals held in the capital Antananarivo witnessed joyful scenes. Antananarivo Ambassador of Turkey Ahmet Ercument Enc, Madagascar Poets and Authors Association Honorary President Philipe Desire Ramakavelo, Provincial Directorate of Education officials and various state officials were present at the event that took place at five-star Carlton Hotel.

Turks and Egyptians tight-knit at Turkish Olympiads’ Egypt Finals

The carnival atmosphere by Egyptian students sweating out to qualify to represent the country at the coming 11th Turkish Language Olympiads created an unforgettable memory for the audience. The Turkish and Egyptian guests of the cultural festival held at Salahaldin International School in Cairo watched the singing, poetry and folk dance performances in admiration.

Turkish interest in Africa

The daily Star columnist Ahmet Kaplan’s notes from his South Africa trip organized by Yamanlar Educational Institutions, Izmir

Volunteers Back from Medical Service in Somalia

Volunteer doctors of BALSADER (Balikesir Health Volunteers Association) in cooperation with Kimse Yok Mu, TIKA (The Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency), Agean International Health Federation, who were in Somalia as a part of “Somalia Medical Aid Project” are now back home in Balikesir. Otolaryngologists Dr. Huseyin Bali, ophthalmologist Dr. Saban Ugurlu, anesthesiologist Kasim Gurel provided free medical care to Somalis for 15 days at the capital Mogadishu.

Benin seeks development with investments of Turkish enterprises

In an exclusive interview with Today's Zaman, Benin's Minister of Foreign Affairs Nassirou Bako-Arifari said the purpose of his recent visit to Turkey was to strengthen cooperation between the countries and to seek the benefits of the wide expansion of investments of Turkish enterprises.

New book looks closer into Hizmet Movement with questions, answers

A newly published book by Professor Muhammed Çetin, a sociologist who has done extensive academic work on social movements and who now serves as a lawmaker in the Turkish Parliament, offers comprehensive information on the faith-based Gülen movement, answering hundreds of questions on the movement.

A bridge from the US to the Turkic world

Arzu Kaya Uranlı

I was at the third convention of the Turkic American Association (TAA) and the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists’ (TUSKON) mutual event: the annual Turkic American Convention (TAC) in Washington, D.C., last week.

Baykal visits Turkish school in Morocco

Former Republican People’s Party leader Deniz Baykal visited the Turkish school in Morocco. Highly impressed by the students’ Turkish, Baykal expressed his gratitude to their teachers.

The Imrali peace process and defaming Hizmet Movement

İhsan Yılmaz

After the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan's comments to the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputies visiting him on İmralı Island were leaked to the press, almost everybody asked who was behind the leak. The main suspicion was that it was leaked by one who did not want the peace negotiations to be successful. Yet, not surprisingly, some -- including one BDP deputy -- blamed the Hizmet movement for this, as they blame Hizmet for everything under the sun. Now that the BDP has confessed that some of its own members gave the remarks to the press, those who falsely accused Hizmet must also apologize.

US Congress members reaffirm unbreakable bonds with Turks

Dozens of members of the United States Congress have reaffirmed strong ties and growing friendship between Turks and Americans in an annual grand convention that also brought together businessmen and public figures.

The effect of ‘soft power' on Turkey's rapid development

Bülent Keneş

While every country in the world has its own sources of soft power, only some are really aware of these sources. As for Turkey -- which possesses a vital geopolitical position and military strength, a deep-rooted history and a rich culture and sees the future of economic and socio-political development as being intertwined with such universal values as basic human rights and freedoms, the superiority of justice and a liberal economy -- it is a country with extremely rich sources of soft power.

Fethullah Gülen conveys get well soon message for PM Erdoğan

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has conveyed his “get well soon” wishes to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who was taken to a hospital on Tuesday after catching a cold.

Turkic American Convention kicks off with opening gala cruise

The third annual Turkic American Convention began on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., in an opening gala cruise with the participation of politicians from the US, Turkey and the Turkic republics.

Ergun Poyraz to pay compensation for slandering Fethullah Gulen in his book

Ergun Poyraz, defendant detainee of Ergenekon Trial, was fined for violating the rights of Fethullah Gulen, in his book "The Imam in America". With the lawsuit that is filed by Orhan Erdemli, Gulen's lawyer, Poyraz Publishing and Bizim Avrasya Publishing were sentenced to a total of 5 thousand Turkish Liras compensation.

TAA holding annual Turkic American Convention in Washington

The Turkic American Alliance (TAA), the largest national Turkic organization in the US, is holding its third annual Turkic American Convention in Washington, D.C., on March 12-13 in cooperation with the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON).

Turkish delegation calls on Chief Minister

LAHORE: A Turkish delegation led by Chairman International Turkish NGO, Kimse Yok Mu, Onal Ozturk met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at Model Town here on Tuesday.

Kimse Yok Mu aid cheers up Albanian community in Petrella

Cihan News Agency

Kimse Yok Mu relief foundation extended its hands to poverty-stricken community trying to survive harsh winter conditions in Petrella, one of the first settlements to welcome Ottomans in central Albania. Foundation official Mustafa Ilhan reported that aid packages of one-month food supply from Turkey have been delivered to the needy in Petrella county.

“Noah’s Pudding Approach” to Address Immigration Problem

Gulen Institute, jointly established by Houston University Graduate College of Social Work and Institute of Dialogue in Texas continuous to offer solutions and encourage action for challenges the contemporary world is facing. Youth Platform, which is an annually-held international essay contest under the institute’s umbrella, has recently announced the winners of 2013 essay contest with the prompt “Hospitality in the Global Village” which encouraged high school students to reflect on immigration problems and offer potential solutions.

Fethullah Gülen's poems turned into songs for international album

Album's back cover (click to enlarge)

Artists from twelve different countries composed music for poems written by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who is known for his global message of peace and inter-faith tolerance, for an album titled “Colors of Peace-Rise Up” to promote peace and tolerance.

Support for the process along with aphorisms

Ekrem Dumanlı

…In reference to the power and influence of a statement, wise people in the past offered a definition of remark consistent with the requirements of the time and the place. The author of “Muhakemat” (The Reasonings) adds two elements in his review of the elements of speech: those who say the words and the person who these words are addressed to. This is the core of the matter. Who says the words and to whom they are said. Every remark made by friends and brothers whose hearts are filled with love for humanity and for the nation becomes more important and valuable. Therefore, who made the statement should be considered first and then their constructive efforts should also be taken into account.

Women in Islam: Muslim Perspectives and Fethullah Gülen

M. Sait Yavuz*

This article argues that one does not necessarily need to fully accept or reject either the conservative arguments or the modernist/feminist conceptions. The Islamic tradition and modern concepts are not mutually exclusive, as the Islamic tradition, on the one hand, is flexible enough to open new venues for modern ways of life, and modernity, on the other, favors the principle that each individual has the right to choose any lifestyle that she thinks it as the best for herself.

What kind of a change does Fethullah Gulen offer?

Fethullah Gülen offers his followers a Turkish renaissance. The caveat for this renaissance, however, is that it can only happen in a society, which has achieved peace and tranquility. Most people are attracted to the idea of civil law through consensus rather than imposing; ethics and morality based on acceptance, not forcing; and an understanding of solidarity, not based on favor but working hard, producing, and sharing; and the suggestion on top everything that the individual is responsible for the entire society as well as for himself. What is offered is not “a nation of the state,” but the idea of an [social] order and a nation based on the citizens’ partnership. (1)

TUSKON sees $30 mln in Morocco textile contracts

The recent visit by a Turkish business delegation to Morocco has seen companies secure textile deals worth $30 million, the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) has announced.

Discussion on Öcalan's comments

Emre Uslu

…what Öcalan said in the leaked minutes from the meeting is highly problematic for a number of reasons. For instance, there is an understanding that the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and Öcalan, under the guidance of Erdoğan, are preparing operations against the Gülen movement. Since the movement has given support to the negotiation process, there is no point in Öcalan targeting them unless he is being dictated to politically. Even people who are close to PKK networks are surprised that Öcalan has targeted this group. Whether it is true or not, once AKP supporters focus on the substance of what Öcalan said, it will seriously harm the AKP government, as the Gülen movement and supporters of the AKP have similar roots in the society.

Egyptian Professor: Turkish Schools to Guarantee Global Peace

Cihan News Agency

Professor Abdurrahman El Nakib

A conference titled “Turkish Schools established around the world” by Gokkusagi Education Health Culture and Solidarity Association took place in the port city Dortyol in Hatay, Turkey. The highlight of the conference was Mansura University Professor Abdurrahman El Nakib who commented that Turkish schools raising virtuous students worldwide guarantee global peace in the future.

Minister of Defense Yilmaz Visits Turkish School in Tokyo

Besides his official contacts on various levels in Japan, Turkish Minister of National Defense Ismet Yilmaz visited the Turkish-operated Jingumae International School located centrally in the capital Tokyo and was briefed on the school’s activities during his stay.

Brainstorming on the leaked minutes

Hüseyin Gülerce

…Why does Öcalan speak in that manner? The heart of the matter is the way Öcalan speaks. Öcalan speaks as he is told. He speaks about everything, but refuses to support the process. He says he gave the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) political power on a golden tray and has been keeping the AK Party in power for the last 10 years, and he says he saved the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) head, etc. He blacklists people. He makes certain people the target of attacks. He speaks ill of Bediüzzaman Said Nursi, Fethullah Gülen, etc. Why? For two reasons. First, he reflects the mentality of the deep state. Second, he cannot bear the fraternity project of this nation. Today, about 100,000 primary school children of Kurdish citizens in the southeastern provinces attend reading centers free of charge to prepare for high school entrance exams. This project prevents the terrorist organization from recruiting new members and, therefore, drives all separatists crazy.…

Dialogue Eurasia Institute Opens in Astana

A new dialogue institute has been launched within Eurasia State University in Astana. The institute, jointly founded by Dialogue Eurasia Platform, Kazakhstan Historians Association, Kazakhstan Theologians Association and Kazakh TV will offer classes on the lives and contributions of influential personalities in the fields of history, politics, and philosophy.

Minister praises Journalists and Writers Foundation for courageous coverage

Family and Social Policy Minister Fatma Şahin has praised the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) for its members' courageous coverage of important issues at a time when the country is taking steps for democratization.

Ocalan invests in the post-Imrali era

Bülent Keneş

The aftershocks from the leaking of the minutes of a meeting held last week between three pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputies and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan, jailed on İmralı Island off the İstanbul coast, are still showing no signs of abating. The debate on the content of the leaked minutes was the top agenda item of the speeches political party leaders delivered during their addresses to the parliamentary groups of their respective parties on Tuesday. Apparently, this debate will continue to shake the country for some time to come. So, let me announce my support to any effort that might lead to the elimination of terror and violence before moving to expound on my views about the leaked minutes.

Turkish schools helped start trade between Turkey and Ghana

John Dramani Mahama, the President of Ghana, spoke in Istanbul at the Turkiye-Ghana Business and Investment Forum, which was organized by TUSKON (The Confederation of Turkish Industrialists and Entrepreneurs). He said that Turkish schools provided with qualified employees in his country. Mr. Mahama invited Turkish entrepreneurs to do more investment and open more schools in Ghana.

Fethullah Gulen’s poetry in songs “Rise Up-Colors of Peace” released

A new song album of Fethullah Gulen’s English-translated poems has been released. The album titled “Rise up-Colors of Peace,” featuring poems by Gulen composed into songs, has been released jointly by Nil Production and Universal Music after two years of recording.

Educator volunteers in the Gulen movement

Q: The Gülen Movement provides educational opportunities to youth, who otherwise could not attend higher educational institutions. What inspires them to eventually volunteer as educators themselves throughout the world?

Curiosity increases as Hizmet Grows

Now a website is available for any questions about Hizmet Movement: http://www.hizmetesorulanlar.org/homepage.html. Every question turning over in minds about Hizmet is offered an answer on the website designed by Journalists and Writers Foundation.

Indonesian-Turkish Schools host 5th Science Olympiads

Turkish schools in Indonesia hosted the 5th Annual Indonesia Science Project Olympiads (ISPO) on February 26-28.

“Infinite Light” seminars excite interest in Indonesia

Upon the high interest that the recent seminars analyzing the book The Messenger of God: Muhammad saw during Mawlid al-Nebi, a series of events of the same nature came along throughout the month in Indonesia. A total of 14 seminars and conferences were held at Indonesia’s several prominent universities and hotels. People from different walks of life have participated in the ongoing series of events so far.