Islamic scholar Gülen urges followers to stick to path despite attacks

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen called on his followers on Monday to “just keep walking and not stop” in the face of controversial government plans to abolish privately-funded educational institutions known as dershanes, which assist medium and high school students to prepare for national college and university admission examinations.

AK Party deputy against closure of prep schools

Former national team captain and current Justice and Development Party (AK Party) İstanbul deputy Hakan Şükür, referring to the government's plan to shut down prep schools, has said it was wrong to vote “yes” on their closure before a process is carried out which eliminates the need for the schools.

Speaking Turko-tweetish

Arzu Kaya Uranli

Charles Bukowski wrote: there's a bluebird in my heart thatwants to get outbut I'm too tough for him, I say, stay in there, I'm not going to let anybody see you.

"Turkish government defiant as battle over prep schools rises"

The tension recently peaked, with Erdoğan describing the group’s objection to his government’s plans as a “smear campaign.”

To leave a brief mark in history: An open letter to Prime Minister Erdoğan

Ekrem Dumanlı

As you know very well, those who firmly believe in God are responsible to tell the truth without kneeling or bowing before another servant. And this is especially applicable to matters related to the love of this nation. Uttering the word of justice and truth and preventing a historical mistake has become a duty for everybody who believes in Him. We have to tell the truth about things that would leave a deep mark in the hearts of the people. Because, "Truth is to be held in high esteem." And we hope that you, who carry the heavy burden of being a ruler, want to hear the criticisms and suggestions of your brothers.

At home and abroad, Erdogan shoots himself in the foot

Mahir Zeylanov

“I voted for [Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party] but I feel ashamed for their move,” Nazlı Ilıcak, a columnist with pro-government daily Sabah and long supporter of the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, recently said, referring to a government intention to inspect mixed-gender student housing.

Prep school row not prepping Turkey for better future

Emre Deliveli

I chose not to write about the row between Islamic cleric Fethullah Gülen’s movement and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over the latter’s desire to shut down prep schools for university entrance exams, one quarter of which are close to the Gülen movement.

Erdoğan launches another war

Mustafa Akyol

Last week I wrote a piece in this column titled, “Behind the war over prep schools.” In fact, it was not a full-scale culture war then, but rather a growing tension. But Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan made it obvious to everyone this week by announcing on a TV show that he is determined to close all prep schools and he, as usual, will “not take a step back.”

Sierra Foundation’s Dialog and Friendship Dinner Brings Together Many in Reno

Hizmet Movement Blog

This year’s Dialog and Friendship Dinner by Sierra Foundation repeated its tradition of bringing together many around a dinner table in Northern Nevada, on November 16. The dinner has become a platform for bringing together diverse set of guests around the table and starting dialog and friendship among different cultures, faiths and communities. The event was well attended by federal, city and state officials, faith and community leaders, academicians, many other distinguished guests from various segments of our society in Northern Nevada. This year Attorney General Catherine Masto, Judge Howard, Judge Sattler, Judge James Spoo, Reno City Attorney John Kadlic, Washoe County Sheriff Mike Haley, and Ormsby County Sheriff Ken Furlong attended the dinner. In prior years many distinguished guests attended our dinner, including the late Senator William Raggio, Sparks Mayor Geno Martini, Reno Police Chief Steve Pitts, and Sparks Police Chief Steve Keefer.

Kyrgyz Professor on Thoughts and Actions of M. Fethullah Gulen

Prof. Asan Ormushev

Reading Gulen’s latest books and interviews, we can fully regard him as the most important sage of modern society. He attained such a reverence with preciseness, thoughtfulness and credibility of his statements.

Prep school debate

Tuğba Aydın

The government plan to close down prep schools continues to remain a hot topic in the country.

Fethullah Gulen and Jusup Balasagyn on Education: A comparative analysis

World known Fethullah Gulen and his ideals are now getting a chance to spread all over the world. Particularly, his ideas of joyful nation and perfect example of a human became driving forces behind the widespread of Gulen inspired schools and social institutions. His notions of “Human Values” described through his books and lectures can be met in every spiritual leader where those schools and institutions exist.

Turks Decry Erdogan Decision Via #HiçDurmadanHizmeteDevam

The Turkish phrase "Hiç Durmadan Hizmete Devam" went viral on Twitter Thursday afternoon via the #HiçDurmadanHizmeteDevam hashtag, as Turks around the globe decried Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's refusal to reconsider his decision to close the country's private "prep" schools.

Turkish schools students visit Thai education minister

The Turkish-operated Chindamanee, Siriwat, Wichai, Pan-Asia Schools in Thailand continue to wave the flag for Thailand in international arena. The schools’ students having ranked high in the recent international contests paid a visit to the Thai Minister of Education, Chaturon Chaisaeng, in his office. The students told the minister about the event following a promo display of International Language and Culture Fest.

Totalitarian interference in individual sphere

Orhan Kemal Cengiz

The state is a mighty institution. If certain limitations are not in place, it invariably crushes individuals and their freedoms. If there are widespread extra judicial killings and torture, you cannot even dare to defend your most basic rights. If you do not have freedom of expression, you cannot protect your rights. If you cannot unite with others and organize, your voice will remain weak.

Kimse Yok Mu medical volunteers in the Philippines

A Kimse Yok Mu team of 12 medical professionals have left for the typhoon-stricken Philippines. The team comprised of surgeons, midwifes, emergency medical technicians and doctors are tasked to heal the Filipinos suffering, in the aftermath of the devastating typhoon.

Arınç says Gülen's offer to hand over prep schools 'sacrifice'

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç has described the offer of Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen to hand over prep school management to the state an example of “sacrifice” and promised that the issue of prep schools will be resolved in a way that pleases everyone.

Fifty plus

İhsan Yılmaz

I just returned from a trip to India, where I attended a three-day meeting of around 25 academics, ambassadors, former politicians and so on.

Peace Islands Institute Massachusetts Fifth Annual Friendship and Awards Dinner

The Peace Islands Institute Massachusetts branch held its “Fifth Annual Friendship and Awards Dinner” at the Four Seasons Hotel on Wednesday, November 13th, 2013. The dinner was attended by approximately 200 people comprised of members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Senate, the Massachusetts District U.S. Attorney, physicians and researchers from local hospitals and universities, business executives, directors of the non-profit institutions in the area, and students.

Hizmet from the Heart

Jon Pahl

For the past six years, since attending an event very much like this one, I have been fortunate to meet thousands of individuals around the world inspired by a single ideal: Hizmet.

Mosaic Foundation brings together Denver’s prominent people over a friendship dinner

Multicultural Mosaic Foundation in Denver, Colorado, recently held its traditional Dialogue and Friendship Dinner at one of the city’s prestigious venues, Cable Center. Having the author-journalist Mustafa Akyol, on his book Islam without Extremes promotion tour, as its keynote speaker, the event saw the attendance of several assembly members and senators of the states Colorado and Wyoming. Among a total of 140, Celal Afsar, a Turkish philanthropist and businessmen, was the honorary guest of the night.

Fethullah Gülen sends message to Turkish president over prep school closure

Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has sent a message to President Abdullah Gül protesting the closure of "dershanes," or private prep schools, according to the editor of herkul.org, a website that broadcasts his speeches.

The Turkish connection

Enter the first floor of Learnium School on Road No. 44, Jubilee Hills and you’ll find a slice of Turkey in Hyderabad. On the walls is a Turkish Corner that displays photographs of ‘Turk folklor’, a Turkish bride, ‘Turk Lokumu’ among other things. Move around and there is a Indo-Turk Corner and photographs of famous Turkish palaces. As we soak in the pictures, we hear the booming voice of Sevim Kayaoglu calling out “Bir, iki, uch, dort… “(one, two, three four… in Turkish). She is teaching a Turkish dance to a group of young girls who are dancing to the beats of Yeni bir dunya, dressed in their traditional Turkish dresses.

Dialogue and Friendship Dinner in Portland, Oregon

On November 13th, 2013, Pacifica Institute’s Portland chapter held its 5th Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner having the author-journalist Mustafa Akyol, accompanied by his wife Ryada Akyol, as its keynote speaker. The dinner was attended by some 70 guests including Turkish and American academics and businessmen.

Gulen inspired schools a place of understanding and dialogue

Since first schools and educational centers occurred in the world there have been undertaken many reforms and various efforts in order to improve system of education, by making it more effective and efficient.

Hizmet movement in the spotlight at MESA 2012

Hüsnul Amin*

Fethullah Gülen's name and social activism, inside Turkey and beyond, is the subject of widespread media and academic attention.

Gülen appeals for steadfastness against gov't ban on prep schools

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has asked his followers to be resolute and not yield to despair in the face of a government attempt to shut down private educational institutions that assist students to prepare for high school and university admission examinations, which was interpreted as a major blow to the right to an education and to free enterprise in the EU-candidate country.

What lies beneath the prep-school row?

Sevgi Akarçeşme

Today's Zaman's headlines over the last couple of days on the government's plan to shut down the prep schools -- institutes called dershanes that help students prepare for Turkey's standardized high school and college entrance exams -- might seem insignificant and even irrelevant to a foreign observer. After all, why have a nationwide debate on something that doesn't seem to be a pressing issue for the country or the region?

Morocco and Turkish schools

Sait Gürsoy

I recently went to Morocco, as an Anafen Schools guest with a group of journalists. The aim was to monitor educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Under the leadership of my beloved brothers -the schools’ vice general managers, Ismail Efe and Yasin Yucel- we not only had a nice touristic tour but also had the chance to see the activities of the local Mohammed Al Fatih Schools and Nilufer Language and Culture Center. Morocco has an authentic look like in Turkey’s 80s.

Niagara Foundation Michigan bestows 2013 Peace and Dialogue Awards

On October 24th, Niagara Foundation’s Michigan chapter held its 3rd Annual Peace and Dialogue Award ceremony with the participation of numerous distinguished guests.

Behind the war over prep schools

Mustafa Akyol

One of the latest political controversies in Turkey is about the government’s plan to close (or “transform”) the so-called prep schools. But do not be misled by the tip of the iceberg: This is an issue that goes way beyond matters of education, and rather unveils the silent conflict between the government and one of Turkey’s most influential civil society groups.

Gülen urges patience over prep schools row

Fethullah Gulen

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen expressed unhappiness over government plans to abolish educational institutions that assist high school students to prepare for the national university admission examination and urged people to be patient in the face of this move, which is interpreted as a blow to education in the country.

Gülen calls on followers to adapt to PM’s teaching center closures

Prominent Turkish religious leader Fethullah Gülen has defied promises by the prime minister to close down preparation schools, many of which are run by the scholar’s followers, calling on members of the movement to create alternatives.

Gülen says he would free all coup convicts if he had the means

Turkish and Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has announced that he would free all the convicts of coup trials if he had the means to do so.

“Islam without Extremes” in Salt Lake City

Latest stopover in promotion event series of Islam without Extremes by journalist-author Mustafa Akyol was Salt Lake City. The event by Pacifica Institute Utah Branch at Marriott City Center saw the attendance of highly prominent guests including President Pro Tempore at Idaho State Senate, Brent Hill; Utah Senators, Gene Devis, Jim Dabakis; Representatives Lynn Hemingway and Eric Hutchings, Pacifica Institute President Ibrahim Barlas and several other high-profile figures of the state.

Turkish schools open up trade channels too

Gunseli O. Ocakoglu

It would be a shame not to visit International Nejashi Ethio-Turkish Schools when in Ethiopia. It really is a small world! We came across vice-general manager Erol Dede at a Turkish restaurant during our tours. He was accompanying the guests who had come to attend “Media and African Renaissance Forum” by African League in Addis Ababa. We were introduced to each other and scheduled a meeting. The next day, we were at the school and received by the entire administration, except for the general manager Murat Yildirim who was in Istanbul for a business trip.

The Hizmet Movement

Hameed Abdul Karim*

'Be so sympathetic and tolerant that your bosom becomes as wide as the ocean. Be inspired with faith and love for your fellow human being. Let there be no troubled souls to whom you do not offer a helping hand and about whom you remain unconcerned.' – Fethullah Gulen

GYV rejects claim of Hizmet movement forming political party

The Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV), whose honorary chairman is Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, released a statement on its website on Wednesday in which it strongly rejected rumors spread in the Turkish media that the Hizmet movement is planning to form a political party.

Gülen movement has no political agenda

The Gülen movement differs from many other movements in the Muslim world because it does not have a political agenda, a renowned Islamic scholar has said.

Kimse Yok Mu to donate $1 million to typhoon survivors in Philippines

Turkish humanitarian aid association Kimse Yok Mu has announced that it will donate $1 million to the victims of the typhoon-hit Philippines from its emergency funds.

Kimse Yok Mu becomes first charity to reach Philippines from Turkey

Turkish charity Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) was the first such organization from Turkey to send aid to the Philippines, which is struggling to recover after being hit on Friday by Typhoon Haiyan.

Turkish schools and businessmen mobilized for Izmir’s EXPO candidacy

The Turkish schools around the globe have been making great effort for Izmir’s EXPO 2020 win. The schools and businessmen have taken action so that Bureau of International Expositions committee opts for Turkey in the voting to take place in Paris on November 27th.

Turkish-German media seminar held in Antalya

The two-day seminar, titled "Social Media and Social Movements," discussed "New Era of Journalism and Opportunities and Risks for Media and Citizen Journalism as Vanguard of Political Movements." The seminar was held at Ramada Plaza Hotel in Antalya by the German Embassy on November 7-8 and attended by some 30 Turkish and German press members.

International panel on Virgin Mary held in Istanbul

The international panel entitled “The Virgin Mary in the Holy Bible and The Holy Qur’an” jointly organized by Journalists and Writers Foundation’s Intercultural Dialogue Platform (KADIP), Roma Tevere Instituto and Izmir Intercultural Dialogue Center took place at WOW Istanbul Convention Center, on November 1-2, 2013.

"A Movement Originating its Own Models"

This is a part of an interview with Fethullah Gulen by Mehmet Gundem of Milliyet Daily in January 2005.

Mehmet Gündem: The establishment that you are involved has been designated by some as a jamaat (congregation, religious community), while others see it as a tariqat (religious order). You call it "A Movement Originating its Own Models." Why not jamaat, but movement?

Turkish school to train Brazil’s math geniuses

Colégio Belo Futuro in Brazil’s Sao Paulo has launched a math contest to be annual that received remarkable interest. Being the nation’s first privately-initiated math contest, “BELOMAT” saw the participation of a large number of students and education professionals in its first year.

Deputy PM Bozdağ attends opening of Turkish school in Cameroon

Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ attended the opening of a Turkish school in Cameroon, established by the Aziz Mahmut Hüdayi Foundation, on Saturday.

Niagara Foundation Ohio Award Ceremony gathers a large attendance

Niagara Foundation, active across 11 states in Midwest, held its annual award ceremony on November 5th in Columbus, Ohio.

Women's Rights in Islam

This is a part of an interview with Fethullah Gulen by Mehmet Gundem of Milliyet Daily in January 2005.

Mehmet Gündem: The issue of women's rights has always been a matter of dispute. Some economic experts relate growth to female participation in production.

Turkish Islamic scholar Gülen decries domestic violence

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen had harsh words for the perpetrators of domestic violence, a bleeding wound in Turkish society that has worsened in recent years.

Intra-family violence and Islam

Ahmet Kurucan*

The beating of women by their husbands, as a specific case, and intra-family violence, as a broader problem, has long been seen as the Achilles’ heel of Islam by the critics of Islam.

Skies shudder at an orphan’s tear

Famine, civil war and conflicts in Africa have left thousands of orphans behind. Yagmur Magazine and Kimse Yok Mu Foundation have jointly launched a projects aimed to lift up those orphans. The profit made out of the poetry album Goklerin Titreyişi (meaning shudders of the skies) will be donated to the African children in need.

A big day at school

We had a nice surprise last week in the form of an email from a Today’s Zaman reader who had moved to our area in the last year or so. He asked if we would care to come and visit the school where he teaches and whether I would be a judge in an English competition! Well, we don’t get an invitation like that every day, and this particular man had previously impressed us with a series of emails we exchanged several months before. We made the arrangements to join him on Friday, wondering what we’d got ourselves into this time.

Afghan-Turk schools wins 147 medals this year

The Afghan-Turk schools operating in Afghanistan get the thumbs up with the medals they have gathered in international science contests. They have become the country’s pride and joy by winning 147 medals in total throughout the year, making the overall number 359 since the establishment of the schools.

Somali Ambassador, “We Felt the Eid with Turkish Aid”

The Somali Ambassador to Ankara called Turkish aid efforts to his country as heroic. He stated that donations and charities contributed to the stability of the underdeveloped country of the Horn of Africa.