Bülent Korucu
A wave of reactions has followed the book of now-arrested Police Chief Hanefi Avcı. Even those who don’t find Avcı’s claims plausible don’t hesitate to add the sentence, “But the Gülen community should prove its innocence.” This places the burden of proof on the defendant. The idea of saying, “Well, the onus is on you to be discharged of a liability,” is not logical, let alone legal. Another sentence which is easy on the ears these days is, “The community should become more transparent.” Our elders used to call this sort of thing “teklif-i malayutak,” meaning an unendurable offer.
October 18, 2010
Transparency and the operational code of the Gülen movement
İhsan Yılmaz
During the course of the past few weeks, there has been a debate surrounding the Gülen movement and calls for the movement to be transparent.
I think these calls were misguided because they do not take into account the operational code of the movement and also seem to have a naive understanding of modern Turkish political history.
During the course of the past few weeks, there has been a debate surrounding the Gülen movement and calls for the movement to be transparent.
I think these calls were misguided because they do not take into account the operational code of the movement and also seem to have a naive understanding of modern Turkish political history.
October 15, 2010
Al-Zuhayli says Fethullah Gülen’s ideas hope of humanity
Cihan Yenilmez
Leading Islamic scholar Wahba Mustafa al-Zuhayli from Syria, a participant of the two-day Prophet’s Path Symposium held over the weekend, has said the ideas of well-respected Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen stand as a hope for humanity.
Defining Gülen as a person with a wide horizon, he said the fact that Gülen adheres to Islamic values and that he does not draw opposition is met with admiration from the Islamic world.
Noting that Gülen gives hope to the Islamic world with his teachings, he said Gülen has shown that the future of humanity is bright.
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| Wahba Mustafa al-Zuhayli |
Defining Gülen as a person with a wide horizon, he said the fact that Gülen adheres to Islamic values and that he does not draw opposition is met with admiration from the Islamic world.
Noting that Gülen gives hope to the Islamic world with his teachings, he said Gülen has shown that the future of humanity is bright.
Infiltrating or contributing?
Muhammed Çetin
Over the past few days Muslim scholar and social activist Fethullah Gülen has given a measured and straightforward response to accusations that the Gülen movement, or as it is often called, the “volunteers’ service” or hizmet, is engaged in a conspiracy to infiltrate state institutions. Gülen replied that all citizens have a right -- in accordance with the law -- to be employed in their own country within the ranks of state institutions, including the police and military.
Indeed, it seems to me that since the participants and supporters of the movement number in the millions within Turkey, their presence within such institutions is a statistical certainty given that the movement is not a clandestine organization or cult.
Over the past few days Muslim scholar and social activist Fethullah Gülen has given a measured and straightforward response to accusations that the Gülen movement, or as it is often called, the “volunteers’ service” or hizmet, is engaged in a conspiracy to infiltrate state institutions. Gülen replied that all citizens have a right -- in accordance with the law -- to be employed in their own country within the ranks of state institutions, including the police and military.
Indeed, it seems to me that since the participants and supporters of the movement number in the millions within Turkey, their presence within such institutions is a statistical certainty given that the movement is not a clandestine organization or cult.
October 13, 2010
The Community [Gulen Movement]
Ahmet Turan Alkan
I have known them for around 20 years. I have eaten with them and had friendly chats with them. I haven’t seen any of them have a bad attitude, instead, they show respect and love. I will write down what I feel about them from a position, as described by famed Turkish poet Ahmet Haşim as: “Away from the earth somewhat further than halfway/ Closer to the moon somewhat further than halfway.”
Turkey has seen its likes a number of times, but has never met such a successful one. The people who love and rely on Fethullah Gülen and who undertake benevolent and education-related activities with inspiration from him have become a de facto reality in Turkey. This reality does not have a specific name or address. It has a voluntary and civilian character and, therefore, the word “community” generally used to describe it is treated as a dubious concept that hides, even obscures, its profundity. Interesting, those who can safely be defined as a “community” refrain from accepting this flippant and fuzzy concept, but still they cannot come up with an alternative designation except “hizmet” – literally meaning service, and in this specific use, implying a community of people whose sole purpose is to do service to religion and humanity.
I have known them for around 20 years. I have eaten with them and had friendly chats with them. I haven’t seen any of them have a bad attitude, instead, they show respect and love. I will write down what I feel about them from a position, as described by famed Turkish poet Ahmet Haşim as: “Away from the earth somewhat further than halfway/ Closer to the moon somewhat further than halfway.”
Turkey has seen its likes a number of times, but has never met such a successful one. The people who love and rely on Fethullah Gülen and who undertake benevolent and education-related activities with inspiration from him have become a de facto reality in Turkey. This reality does not have a specific name or address. It has a voluntary and civilian character and, therefore, the word “community” generally used to describe it is treated as a dubious concept that hides, even obscures, its profundity. Interesting, those who can safely be defined as a “community” refrain from accepting this flippant and fuzzy concept, but still they cannot come up with an alternative designation except “hizmet” – literally meaning service, and in this specific use, implying a community of people whose sole purpose is to do service to religion and humanity.
Fethullah Gülen: Citizens do not ‘infiltrate' state posts
Today's Zaman
Well-respected Turkish intellectual and scholar Fethullah Gülen has responded to claims that followers of the Gülen movement have infiltrated state posts -including those of the police force, the military and others- saying citizens of a country do not “infiltrate” the establishments that exist for the country and its citizens because it is a natural right for them to be employed in such posts.
“To urge fellow citizens to seek employment at state institutions is not called infiltration. Both the people urged and these institutions belong to the same country. … It is a right for them to be employed in state posts.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
“To urge fellow citizens to seek employment at state institutions is not called infiltration. Both the people urged and these institutions belong to the same country. … It is a right for them to be employed in state posts.
October 12, 2010
Turkey-KRG ties: How and why did they improve this much?
Abdulla Hawez Abdulla
I remember how relations between the Turkish government and northern Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) used to be. Both sides were ambivalent about how to deal with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and had to wrangle over the matter. But these thoughts became obsolete after 2009 and transformed into marvelous relations. Some may wonder how and why they moved away from being enemies to being partners.
We should first mention that before this era of good relations between Turkey and the KRG, there was only one Turkish institution working in Arbil, the pro-Fethullah Gülen Fezalar Eğitim Kurumları (Fezalar Educational Institutes). But Fezalar stayed away from politics. Despite this, it has close ties with Justice and Development Party (AKP) ally the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU), and so Fezalar used KIU members to work with it.
I remember how relations between the Turkish government and northern Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) used to be. Both sides were ambivalent about how to deal with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and had to wrangle over the matter. But these thoughts became obsolete after 2009 and transformed into marvelous relations. Some may wonder how and why they moved away from being enemies to being partners.
We should first mention that before this era of good relations between Turkey and the KRG, there was only one Turkish institution working in Arbil, the pro-Fethullah Gülen Fezalar Eğitim Kurumları (Fezalar Educational Institutes). But Fezalar stayed away from politics. Despite this, it has close ties with Justice and Development Party (AKP) ally the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU), and so Fezalar used KIU members to work with it.
‘Prophet Muhammad example of coexistence’
Ahmet Görçüm
Delivering the opening speech for the İstanbul symposium, co-organized by the Turkish “Yeni Ümit” (New Hope) and Arabic “Hira” journals, on Saturday, Grand Mufti of Egypt Ali Gomaa added that there are lessons people should draw from Muhammad’s life in regards to maintaining peace with adherents of different religions and non-believers. “The qualities of the societies he lived in or with did not matter for him as he always knew how to coexist. We have to draw lessons for own our lives by taking his words, state management and service into account,” Gomaa said.
The common message emphasized by speakers at the two-day Prophet’s Path Symposium over the weekend was that the Prophet Muhammad exemplified how to live peacefully with “the societal other,” and that there are lessons people should draw from his life to secure peace in today’s world.
The common message emphasized by speakers at the two-day Prophet’s Path Symposium over the weekend was that the Prophet Muhammad exemplified how to live peacefully with “the societal other,” and that there are lessons people should draw from his life to secure peace in today’s world.
October 10, 2010
Fethullah Gulen discounts neither past nor modernity, concludes conference
Basri Dogan
A conference titled “Mapping the Gülen Movement,” which took place in Amsterdam on Thursday, witnessed a detailed examination by academics and experts of various aspects of the Gülen movement.
Organized by the Dialoog Academie in the Netherlands, the international “Mapping the Gülen Movement” conference was held at the famous Felix Meritix Congress Center in Amsterdam. The conference was attended by many social scientists and academics from various universities, with one of the speakers well-known Turkish professor Doğu Ergil, who noted in his presentation that the Gülen Movement was a civil movement that called for maximum participation and support from its members.
Organized by the Dialoog Academie in the Netherlands, the international “Mapping the Gülen Movement” conference was held at the famous Felix Meritix Congress Center in Amsterdam. The conference was attended by many social scientists and academics from various universities, with one of the speakers well-known Turkish professor Doğu Ergil, who noted in his presentation that the Gülen Movement was a civil movement that called for maximum participation and support from its members.
October 8, 2010
It was the state yesterday, and so it is today!
Nuray Mert
Nowadays I am preoccupied by the traffic accident I had last week. Since I had to rest, I read Hanefi Avcı’s book “Devotee Residents of Haliç: Yesterday State, Today Religious Community.”
Usually excerpts on the Fethullah Gülen Movement are being discussed. But Avcı mentions so many other things that happened in the recent past. So, they need be opened to discussion, too. First of all, we see Avcı goes through a political-personal self questioning and explains how he questioned, in time, being the “Hunter of the State” – his last name means Hunter in English. I believe his “sincerity”. Summary of his political self-questioning is included in a section titled “It was the state yesterday, but the [Gülen] community today”.
I object to this summary.
Nowadays I am preoccupied by the traffic accident I had last week. Since I had to rest, I read Hanefi Avcı’s book “Devotee Residents of Haliç: Yesterday State, Today Religious Community.”
Usually excerpts on the Fethullah Gülen Movement are being discussed. But Avcı mentions so many other things that happened in the recent past. So, they need be opened to discussion, too. First of all, we see Avcı goes through a political-personal self questioning and explains how he questioned, in time, being the “Hunter of the State” – his last name means Hunter in English. I believe his “sincerity”. Summary of his political self-questioning is included in a section titled “It was the state yesterday, but the [Gülen] community today”.
I object to this summary.
October 2, 2010
Erbakan, Fethullah Gulen and Erdogan
Yasin Doğan
Years ago I wrote an article that discussed the differences in style and method between Necmettin Erbakan and Fethullah Gülen. The difference that became salient particularly during the Refahyol era, when the Welfare Party (RP) and the True Path Party (DYP) formed a coalition government, and during the Feb. 28 process was that Erbakan tended to give inward-oriented messages while Gülen would give outward-oriented ones.
The former would take into consideration the sensitivities of his own supporters while the latter would attach more importance to the sensitivities of other people and the people outside. Thus, Erbakan would have a difficult time embracing different groups and as a result his movement was perceived as an isolated and self-contained one. On the other hand, Gülen was seen as more open to the outside world and readier to embrace diversity.
Years ago I wrote an article that discussed the differences in style and method between Necmettin Erbakan and Fethullah Gülen. The difference that became salient particularly during the Refahyol era, when the Welfare Party (RP) and the True Path Party (DYP) formed a coalition government, and during the Feb. 28 process was that Erbakan tended to give inward-oriented messages while Gülen would give outward-oriented ones.
The former would take into consideration the sensitivities of his own supporters while the latter would attach more importance to the sensitivities of other people and the people outside. Thus, Erbakan would have a difficult time embracing different groups and as a result his movement was perceived as an isolated and self-contained one. On the other hand, Gülen was seen as more open to the outside world and readier to embrace diversity.
September 28, 2010
Of Fundamentalisms, Secular and Otherwise
Scott Appleby
The Task Force Report by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs Engaging Religious Communities Abroad: A New Imperative for U.S. Foreign Policy called for greater "religious literacy" across the "whole of government" and greater levels of interaction between nongovernmental institutions, American higher education and business, and select religious communities around the world. Not least, it urged the Obama administration to bolster U.S. advocacy and enforcement of religious freedom around the world.
The question is: With what kind of religious communities, specifically, should the United States engage? To what ends?
Many Americans and Europeans are taken aback, to say the least, by our suggestion that collaborating with religious groups on matters of shared concern is a necessary element of advancing democratisation and prosperity in many parts of the world.
The Task Force Report by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs Engaging Religious Communities Abroad: A New Imperative for U.S. Foreign Policy called for greater "religious literacy" across the "whole of government" and greater levels of interaction between nongovernmental institutions, American higher education and business, and select religious communities around the world. Not least, it urged the Obama administration to bolster U.S. advocacy and enforcement of religious freedom around the world.
The question is: With what kind of religious communities, specifically, should the United States engage? To what ends?
Many Americans and Europeans are taken aback, to say the least, by our suggestion that collaborating with religious groups on matters of shared concern is a necessary element of advancing democratisation and prosperity in many parts of the world.
September 27, 2010
Hanefi Avcı wrote book to create shield for himself, says Tayyar
Emrullah Bayrak
Şamil Tayyar, the author of “Operation Ergenekon,” “Shadow Government,” “Ambush” and other books that investigate unscrupulous groups inside the Turkish state bureaucracy, in his most recent book, “The Steel Core” released by Timaş Publications, says that Police Chief Hanefi Avcı wrote his recent book that attempts to undermine the Ergenekon investigation in order to create a protective shield for himself.
In his book, Tayyar offers evidence that a document drafted by Col. Dursun Çiçek as an army plot to discredit the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government and the faith-based Fethullah Gülen movement was being implemented in Erzincan and Erzurum. He said that if that plot, known as the Action Plan to Fight Reactionaryism, had succeeded, a large number of AK Party members would today be in jail. He said illegitimate groups inside the military and the allies of these groups started a large-scale operation to eliminate the AK Party.
Şamil Tayyar, the author of “Operation Ergenekon,” “Shadow Government,” “Ambush” and other books that investigate unscrupulous groups inside the Turkish state bureaucracy, in his most recent book, “The Steel Core” released by Timaş Publications, says that Police Chief Hanefi Avcı wrote his recent book that attempts to undermine the Ergenekon investigation in order to create a protective shield for himself.
In his book, Tayyar offers evidence that a document drafted by Col. Dursun Çiçek as an army plot to discredit the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government and the faith-based Fethullah Gülen movement was being implemented in Erzincan and Erzurum. He said that if that plot, known as the Action Plan to Fight Reactionaryism, had succeeded, a large number of AK Party members would today be in jail. He said illegitimate groups inside the military and the allies of these groups started a large-scale operation to eliminate the AK Party.
September 24, 2010
Has the Gülen movement become political?
Hüseyin Gülerce
The honorable Fethullah Gülen’s desire that a “yes” vote be cast during the Sept. 12 referendum is still being criticized by certain people. Can this movement, which is mentioned using Gülen’s name but Gülen himself insists on calling “the movement of volunteers,” become political?
There are certain people who even say, “This movement has expanded and in the end it’s bound to become political -- one day Fethullah Gülen will either become the prime minister or the president.”
Those who read Gülen’s books, those who listen to his lectures or those who are in this movement, if they happen to have a conscience and a sense of justice, will be able to say that this movement will never become political.
The honorable Fethullah Gülen’s desire that a “yes” vote be cast during the Sept. 12 referendum is still being criticized by certain people. Can this movement, which is mentioned using Gülen’s name but Gülen himself insists on calling “the movement of volunteers,” become political?
There are certain people who even say, “This movement has expanded and in the end it’s bound to become political -- one day Fethullah Gülen will either become the prime minister or the president.”
Those who read Gülen’s books, those who listen to his lectures or those who are in this movement, if they happen to have a conscience and a sense of justice, will be able to say that this movement will never become political.
September 19, 2010
Faith and reason
The Pope sounded the alarm about what he called the growing “marginalization” of religion in public life. There are those, he said, who want to “silence” the voice of religion altogether. Turkey’s Muslims could not have agreed with him more. Although the recent referendum on constitutional amendments in this strictly secular society dealt mainly with democracy and the concomitant restoration of civilian authority, the subtext of the debate within Turkish society is precisely what Benedict XVI articulated in his Westminster speech.
He goes straight into the heart of the issue: “What are the requirements that governments may reasonably impose upon citizens, and how far do they extend? By appeal to what authority can moral dilemmas be resolved?”
September 16, 2010
Muslim Networks and Movements in Western Europe
The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
The Gülen movement refers to a cluster of religious, educational and social organizations founded and inspired by Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish Islamic scholar, author and speaker now in his late 60s. The movement strives to give faithful Muslims the secular education they need to thrive in the modern world. At the same time, it also emphasizes the importance of traditional religious teachings. To this end, the movement has inspired the creation of a worldwide network of schools and other centers of learning that focus on secular subjects in the classroom but also offer extracurricular programs that emphasize religious themes.
The Gülen movement refers to a cluster of religious, educational and social organizations founded and inspired by Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish Islamic scholar, author and speaker now in his late 60s. The movement strives to give faithful Muslims the secular education they need to thrive in the modern world. At the same time, it also emphasizes the importance of traditional religious teachings. To this end, the movement has inspired the creation of a worldwide network of schools and other centers of learning that focus on secular subjects in the classroom but also offer extracurricular programs that emphasize religious themes.
September 14, 2010
Cardinal Wamala calls for dialogue between Muslims and Christians
Stephen Otage
Christians and Muslims should use dialogue as a problem-solving mechanism, Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala has said. He made the appeal on Friday at a dinner hosted for a team of Catholic clergy by the Turkish Community in Uganda to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr in Kampala. “I am very happy to be here today celebrating Eid with our Muslim brothers. This is a visible spirit of co-operation, unity and love,” he said in a press interview.
Earlier, the cardinal said when people hear the word Muslim, what rings in their minds first is terrorism, which he said is wrong. The cardinal appealed to Turks in Uganda to follow and spread the message of love, tolerance and dialogue being spread by Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish preacher living in Pennsylvania, USA.
Mr Ejder Kilic, the chairperson of the Nile Humanitarian Organisation, an NGO managed by Turks in Uganda, said they are promoting education and fighting poverty to strengthen the fabric of humanity. The group invited cardinal Wamala and Ugandan clerics to visit Turkey which is believed to be the cradle of religion in the world.
Published on Daily Monitor 13 September 2010, Monday
September 10, 2010
An evaluation of Hanefi Avcı’s book
Emre Uslu
Hanefi Avcı recently published a book titled “Haliç’te Yaşayan Simonlar” (Simons in the Golden Horn). The book has created much controversy, due to Avcı’s position.
Before moving on to my assessment of the book, I should clarify my relationship with Avcı.
I don’t know him closely, but I like him very much. He was a police chief who became an idol for young police officers after statements he made during the Feb. 28 process. He was one of my references when I went to the US. He did not know, but many of my friends, the people I know and my teachers from the academy and I lobbied in his favor when the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) came to power. I wrote several articles about him. I knew the process of his appointment. Thanks to effective lobbying, he was appointed to the Anti-smuggling and Organized Crime Bureau (KOM) even though he did not expect it. In my opinion, his assignment to the KOM was the first move toward normalization in the balance between civilians and the military.
Hanefi Avcı recently published a book titled “Haliç’te Yaşayan Simonlar” (Simons in the Golden Horn). The book has created much controversy, due to Avcı’s position.
Before moving on to my assessment of the book, I should clarify my relationship with Avcı.
I don’t know him closely, but I like him very much. He was a police chief who became an idol for young police officers after statements he made during the Feb. 28 process. He was one of my references when I went to the US. He did not know, but many of my friends, the people I know and my teachers from the academy and I lobbied in his favor when the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) came to power. I wrote several articles about him. I knew the process of his appointment. Thanks to effective lobbying, he was appointed to the Anti-smuggling and Organized Crime Bureau (KOM) even though he did not expect it. In my opinion, his assignment to the KOM was the first move toward normalization in the balance between civilians and the military.
August 31, 2010
Former US ambassador praises Fethullah Gulen at MARTI-Rockville iftar
Today's Zaman
A former US ambassador has said he wishes Turkish intellectual Fethullah Gülen’s ideas will spread to the Arab world. David Newton, former US ambassador to Iraq and Yemen, said last week at an iftar (fast-breaking dinner) hosted by Maryland Turkish-American Inhabitants (MARTI), a non-profit organization established in December 2003, that “the mother of all values is tolerance.”
“Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi is a great example of this [promoting tolerance], and he lived at a time when the world was not known for tolerance. Today, we need Fethullah Gülen’s ideas of tolerance, and I hope his ideas will spread to the Arab world,” he said about Gülen, one of the world’s most influential Islamic scholars. At the same dinner, County Executive Isiah Leggett noted that Maryland’s Montgomery county is unique in its great diversity, with students in their school district speaking 150 languages and coming from “literally all over the world.”
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| Fethullah Gulen |
“Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi is a great example of this [promoting tolerance], and he lived at a time when the world was not known for tolerance. Today, we need Fethullah Gülen’s ideas of tolerance, and I hope his ideas will spread to the Arab world,” he said about Gülen, one of the world’s most influential Islamic scholars. At the same dinner, County Executive Isiah Leggett noted that Maryland’s Montgomery county is unique in its great diversity, with students in their school district speaking 150 languages and coming from “literally all over the world.”
August 27, 2010
Fethullah Gulen says his call for ‘yes’ vote not linked to political motives
Today's Zaman
Turkish intellectual and scholar Fethullah Gülen, who recently said that the constitutional reform package to be presented to a public vote on Sept. 12 has amendments critical for the future of Turkey and had encouraged the public to vote “yes” in the referendum, has stated that his call is not related to any political party.
"We are willing to support anyone who takes steps to carry this country forward, and we will be the paving stones under their feet. We are at an equal distance to everyone. We would lend support to both [former Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader] Deniz [Baykal] Bey and [Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader] Devlet [Bahçeli] Bey if what they do means something for today and tomorrow for our nation in taking it to a position of leadership among world states,” Gülen said in his latest weekly speech broadcast on website Herkul.org.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
"We are willing to support anyone who takes steps to carry this country forward, and we will be the paving stones under their feet. We are at an equal distance to everyone. We would lend support to both [former Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader] Deniz [Baykal] Bey and [Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader] Devlet [Bahçeli] Bey if what they do means something for today and tomorrow for our nation in taking it to a position of leadership among world states,” Gülen said in his latest weekly speech broadcast on website Herkul.org.
August 24, 2010
Success and Recognition of Turkish schools in Australia
Çemen Polat
[Advancing in Education in an Advanced Democracy]
Australia’s education system is considered to have some of the highest standards in the world and enjoys international recognition.
Over the past decades, Australia has emerged as one of the top five providers of international education services, after the US, the UK, Germany and France. Hence, Australia is widely renowned as being among the world leaders in the field of education, and each year the country attracts more than 450,000 students from about 200 countries. Education is Australia’s second largest services export sector, behind tourism, and became the third largest export overall, contributing $17.2 billion in export income to the economy in 2008-09, an increase of 23.2 percent from the previous financial year. While Australia is well regarded for providing high-quality education, attracting thousands of students from around the world, being able to develop a large-scale, internationally competitive education industry and having a comparative advantage in the English language, it has also been a destination for Turkish schools inspired by the philosophy of contemporary Turkish scholar, thinker, author, poet, educational activist and opinion leader Fethullah Gülen. Gülen-inspired schools in both their country of origin, Turkey, and abroad, particularly in Central Asia, the Balkans and African countries have attracted scholars’ attention from Western countries due to their continuous academic accomplishments, instructing subjects in English and emphasis on universal ethical values. These schools have delivered vastly elevated rates of student retention, graduation and matriculation in comparison to the state level of each of the countries in which they have been established.
[Advancing in Education in an Advanced Democracy]
Over the past decades, Australia has emerged as one of the top five providers of international education services, after the US, the UK, Germany and France. Hence, Australia is widely renowned as being among the world leaders in the field of education, and each year the country attracts more than 450,000 students from about 200 countries. Education is Australia’s second largest services export sector, behind tourism, and became the third largest export overall, contributing $17.2 billion in export income to the economy in 2008-09, an increase of 23.2 percent from the previous financial year. While Australia is well regarded for providing high-quality education, attracting thousands of students from around the world, being able to develop a large-scale, internationally competitive education industry and having a comparative advantage in the English language, it has also been a destination for Turkish schools inspired by the philosophy of contemporary Turkish scholar, thinker, author, poet, educational activist and opinion leader Fethullah Gülen. Gülen-inspired schools in both their country of origin, Turkey, and abroad, particularly in Central Asia, the Balkans and African countries have attracted scholars’ attention from Western countries due to their continuous academic accomplishments, instructing subjects in English and emphasis on universal ethical values. These schools have delivered vastly elevated rates of student retention, graduation and matriculation in comparison to the state level of each of the countries in which they have been established.
August 23, 2010
Gulen Movement: An Alternative to Fundamentalism
Matthias Daum
An interview with Helen Rose Ebaugh on the Gülen Movement:
Helen Rose Ebaugh, an American professor specializing in the sociology of religion, sees the movement founded by the controversial Turkish preacher Fethullah Gülen as both an opportunity for the West and a serious alternative to religious extremism. Matthias Daum asked for more details.
An interview with Helen Rose Ebaugh on the Gülen Movement:
Helen Rose Ebaugh, an American professor specializing in the sociology of religion, sees the movement founded by the controversial Turkish preacher Fethullah Gülen as both an opportunity for the West and a serious alternative to religious extremism. Matthias Daum asked for more details.
August 22, 2010
‘Gülen movement offers real alternative to clashes and conflict in society’
Can Bahadır Yüce
The Gülen movement has long been a part of Turkey’s social landscape. But in recent years interest in the movement has gone far beyond Turkey’s borders of the country, with discussions of Fethullah Gülen and his ideas in forums and platforms including the Arab League, the Russian Parliament, the European Parliament and the British House of Lords.
There have been many attempts to define this civil initiative started by Gülen, a Turkish Islamic scholar well known for his teachings promoting mutual understanding and tolerance between cultures. In his recent book, titled “100 Soruda Fethullah Gülen ve Hareketi” (Fethullah Gülen and His Movement in 100 Questions), Professor Doğu Ergil, a distinguished political scientist, defines the movement as the only civil society organization that can represent Turkey’s impact, culture and human relations to the outside world comprehensively and effectively. Rice University Professor Jill Carroll, the author of the book “A Dialogue of Civilizations: Gülen’s Islamic Ideals and Humanistic Discourse,” says the movement is open to innovation and represents a chance for humanity.
The Gülen movement has long been a part of Turkey’s social landscape. But in recent years interest in the movement has gone far beyond Turkey’s borders of the country, with discussions of Fethullah Gülen and his ideas in forums and platforms including the Arab League, the Russian Parliament, the European Parliament and the British House of Lords.
August 18, 2010
Fethullah Gulen’s critics have no supporting evidence, says academic
Emre Oğuz
Ebaugh, the author of a book titled “The Gülen Movement: A Sociological Analysis of a Civic Movement Rooted in Moderate Islam,” was speaking at a conference organized by the Copenhagen-based Dialog Forum Foundation over the weekend. Stating that she received letters from some circles harshly criticizing Fethullah Gülen and the movement inspired by him after she began her research, Ebaugh said that when she called on them to prove their accusations they had failed to do so. She says they did not send her anything supporting their claims because such evidence does not exist.
August 13, 2010
The other face of Islam: The Gulen Movement
Sandy Wollschalger
In mid-July I left for Turkey for a week with a group sponsored by the largest civic organization in the country, led by Fethullah Gulen.
Their purpose is to show Americans that Islam has a peaceful, tolerant face. The Gulen movement does a lot of good, much like Catholic Charities, plus starting schools and universities.
Our hosts tried to outdo one another with very generous food helpings, and there was even some regional rivalry when it came to who made the best baklava. For the record, baklava originated in Turkey, not Greece. My favorite treat, however, came from older ladies who had a food stand near a tourist site, and it looked a lot like lefse, served hot off the griddle and rolled with a sweeter tasting cheese and some chopped greens.
In mid-July I left for Turkey for a week with a group sponsored by the largest civic organization in the country, led by Fethullah Gulen.
Their purpose is to show Americans that Islam has a peaceful, tolerant face. The Gulen movement does a lot of good, much like Catholic Charities, plus starting schools and universities.
Our hosts tried to outdo one another with very generous food helpings, and there was even some regional rivalry when it came to who made the best baklava. For the record, baklava originated in Turkey, not Greece. My favorite treat, however, came from older ladies who had a food stand near a tourist site, and it looked a lot like lefse, served hot off the griddle and rolled with a sweeter tasting cheese and some chopped greens.
August 1, 2010
Fethullah Gulen calls for ‘yes' on Sept. 12: The package includes crucial articles for nation
Today's Zaman
Well-respected Turkish intellectual and scholar Fethullah Gülen has said a constitutional reform package that is to be presented to a public vote on Sept. 12 contains crucial amendments for the future of Turkey, calling on everyone to vote “yes” in the referendum.
In his latest weekly speeches broadcast on the herkul.org website, Gülen responded to a question on the Sept. 12 referendum and explained why one should say “yes” in the public vote.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
In his latest weekly speeches broadcast on the herkul.org website, Gülen responded to a question on the Sept. 12 referendum and explained why one should say “yes” in the public vote.
July 25, 2010
Fethullah Gulen: The most important figure of tolerance and dialogue
Orhan Akkurt
“Mr. Fethullah Gülen is the most influential representative of love, tolerance and dialogue in our world today. In the West, especially in the United States, an increasing number of scholars have discovered Gülen to be a man of love and tolerance and consider his teaching as a model of dialogue among religions, cultures and civilizations.”
These are the words of Dr. Heon C. Kim, a specialist in contemporary Islam. Highlighting the great need for dialogue in today’s world, Dr. Kim praises Gülen’s teachings of love, tolerance and dialogue, which have been practiced and spread worldwide by the Gülen movement, the fastest expanding Islamic movement around the globe. “It is appropriate and reasonable,” Dr. Kim states, “that a recent survey, ‘The 500 Most Influential Muslims,’ published by Georgetown University in 2009, placed Gülen as one of the top 50 influential Muslims today and introduced him as one who affects huge swathes of humanity and has gone on to become a global phenomenon.”
These are the words of Dr. Heon C. Kim, a specialist in contemporary Islam. Highlighting the great need for dialogue in today’s world, Dr. Kim praises Gülen’s teachings of love, tolerance and dialogue, which have been practiced and spread worldwide by the Gülen movement, the fastest expanding Islamic movement around the globe. “It is appropriate and reasonable,” Dr. Kim states, “that a recent survey, ‘The 500 Most Influential Muslims,’ published by Georgetown University in 2009, placed Gülen as one of the top 50 influential Muslims today and introduced him as one who affects huge swathes of humanity and has gone on to become a global phenomenon.”
July 24, 2010
Dialogue instead of clash of civilizations: the contributions of the Australian Intercultural Society (2)
Çemen Polat
For the 10th anniversary celebrations at the Hotel Windsor, the Australian Intercultural Society (AIS) was privileged to have the contribution of an international Muslim scholar and author, Abdullah Aymaz, in the program.
As a person who has seen the fruits of dialogue and has been encouraging dialogue since 1995, Mr. Aymaz believes that we can solve common human problems and initiate many wonderful projects for humanity by putting our differences aside, and with mutual respect come together around universal human values and ethics.
For the 10th anniversary celebrations at the Hotel Windsor, the Australian Intercultural Society (AIS) was privileged to have the contribution of an international Muslim scholar and author, Abdullah Aymaz, in the program.
As a person who has seen the fruits of dialogue and has been encouraging dialogue since 1995, Mr. Aymaz believes that we can solve common human problems and initiate many wonderful projects for humanity by putting our differences aside, and with mutual respect come together around universal human values and ethics.
July 23, 2010
Dialogue instead of clash of civilizations: the contributions of the Australian Intercultural Society(1)
Çemen Polat
Samuel Huntington’s theory of a “clash of civilizations,” a term initially proposed by Bernard Lewis, has been refuted by a large number of scholars on the international level -- particularly after the events of Sept. 11, which distorted the image of Islam.
Huntington’s theory concludes that Islam shares mutual detestation with other civilizations, particularly with the Western world, identifying the “bloody borders” between Muslims and non-Muslims. In response to this theory, scholarly works, seminars, conferences and educational awareness programs at all levels have been organized to attempt to eliminate or minimize inimical stereotypes, prejudices and iniquitous phobias proposed by some lobby groups, parties and individuals around the globe.
July 20, 2010
Fethullah Gulen awarded honorary doctorate by Leeds Metropolitan University
Today's Zaman
Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish Muslim scholar, educator and peace activist, has been awarded an honorary doctorate of education by Leeds Metropolitan University for his contribution to education, peace making and intercultural dialogue.
Özcan Keleş, executive director of the London-based Dialogue Society charity, accepted the honorary doctorate on Thursday on behalf of Gülen at the university’s summer graduation convocation. “Fethullah Gülen considers this award as recognition of the work and efforts of what is known among academic circles as the Gülen movement or what Gülen himself prefers to call a movement of volunteers,” Keleş said.
Özcan Keleş, executive director of the London-based Dialogue Society charity, accepted the honorary doctorate on Thursday on behalf of Gülen at the university’s summer graduation convocation. “Fethullah Gülen considers this award as recognition of the work and efforts of what is known among academic circles as the Gülen movement or what Gülen himself prefers to call a movement of volunteers,” Keleş said.
July 19, 2010
Plan to discredit civilian probe into colonel’s plot runs like clockwork
Betül Akkaya Demirbaş
It has been one year since the exposure of a suspected military plan to undermine the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the faith-based Gülen movement, which was hoped would lead to a coup d’état, and Turkey has witnessed many attempts -- not only from the military but also from the media and the judiciary -- to discredit an ongoing civilian probe into the plan.
On June 11, 2009, the liberal Taraf daily printed documents seized in the office of Serdar Öztürk, the lawyer of a retired colonel arrested last year on charges of membership in Ergenekon, a clandestine criminal organization charged with plotting to overthrow the government.
July 15, 2010
An honorary doctorate by Leeds Metropolitan at the University's Summer Graduation
Leeds Met
Turkish Muslim scholar, educator and peace activist, M. Fethullah Gülen, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Leeds Metropolitan at the University's Summer Graduation celebrations for his contribution to education, peace making and intercultural dialogue.
Through his teachings and work, Fethullah Gülen has initiated and inspired a transnational civil society movement to invest in education and dialogue which aims to contribute towards durable peace and greater understanding. Gülen has developed a readership and following amongst those of other backgrounds, religions and no religion, demonstrating that his teachings and work are received as universal.
Gülen, rooted in mainstream Islam, offers an inclusive and human-centred reading of Islam. He is committed to dialogue, the serving of all humanity and condemning any and every form of violence and terrorism that seeks to divide humankind.
Ozcan Keles, Executive Director of the Dialogue Society charity, accepted the honorary doctorate in Education on Gülen's behalf from the University's Innovation North Faculty. M. Fethullah Gülen lives in Pennsylvania, USA.
A news excerpt on Leeds Met, 15 July 2010, Thursday
Through his teachings and work, Fethullah Gülen has initiated and inspired a transnational civil society movement to invest in education and dialogue which aims to contribute towards durable peace and greater understanding. Gülen has developed a readership and following amongst those of other backgrounds, religions and no religion, demonstrating that his teachings and work are received as universal.
Gülen, rooted in mainstream Islam, offers an inclusive and human-centred reading of Islam. He is committed to dialogue, the serving of all humanity and condemning any and every form of violence and terrorism that seeks to divide humankind.
Ozcan Keles, Executive Director of the Dialogue Society charity, accepted the honorary doctorate in Education on Gülen's behalf from the University's Innovation North Faculty. M. Fethullah Gülen lives in Pennsylvania, USA.
A news excerpt on Leeds Met, 15 July 2010, Thursday
July 5, 2010
Gülen movement raises a new renaissance generation
Kerim Balcı / Zeynep Yılmaz
In Gülen, you do not just find a dialogue between Gülen and Plato or Gülen and Confucius. Gülen is an intellectual that has been able to attribute this dialogue to the Muslim context.
There is a different dimension to Gülen that arouses excitement. Gülen’s words are turned into action in the practical world by a community of action,” says Dr. B. Jill Carroll. On a book-signing visit to Turkey for her new book about the Gülen movement titled, “A Dialogue of Civilizations: Gülen’s Islamic Ideals and Humanistic Discourse,” Carroll is pleased with the interest that her short 120-page book has aroused. She regards her book as a continuation of the dialogue initiated by Gülen himself. While explaining that she establishes a dialogue between an atheist like Sartre and a believer like Gülen on the basis of a sense of responsibility, Carroll states that this is just a text-based effort aiming to establish a dialogue which needs to take place in this world.
Carroll continues: “We today have atheists and believers, and we’re destined to share this planet together. How will atheists and believers live together? So, I didn’t want to finish that book without a textual dialogue between Gülen and an atheist.”
In Gülen, you do not just find a dialogue between Gülen and Plato or Gülen and Confucius. Gülen is an intellectual that has been able to attribute this dialogue to the Muslim context.
Carroll continues: “We today have atheists and believers, and we’re destined to share this planet together. How will atheists and believers live together? So, I didn’t want to finish that book without a textual dialogue between Gülen and an atheist.”
June 12, 2010
Turk Who Leads a Movement Has Advocates and Critics
Brian Knowlton
Saylorsburg — Here in northeastern Pennsylvania, where fertile farmlands yield suddenly to the hauntingly beautiful foothills of the Pocono Mountains, quietly resides one of the most influential men in Turkey.
And one of the most controversial.
Admirers describe Fethullah Gulen, 69, a soft-spoken Muslim preacher, author and teacher with a huge following, in reverential tones.
John L. Esposito, a Georgetown University professor who has studied Mr. Gulen, said that if he were to compare Mr. Gulen to another public figure it would be the Dalai Lama.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
And one of the most controversial.
Admirers describe Fethullah Gulen, 69, a soft-spoken Muslim preacher, author and teacher with a huge following, in reverential tones.
John L. Esposito, a Georgetown University professor who has studied Mr. Gulen, said that if he were to compare Mr. Gulen to another public figure it would be the Dalai Lama.
June 10, 2010
Skovoroda, Fethullah Gülen discussed in Kiev conference
Yunus Erdoğdu
Eighteenth century Ukrainian philosopher Grigory Savvich Skovoroda and Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen were discussed in a conference in the Ukrainian city of Kiev on Tuesday.
Titled “The currency of the tradition of humanism,” the conference was held by the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine and the İstanbul-based Dialogue Eurasia Platform (DA) and was attended by Turkish and Ukrainian academics.
The Gülen movement and the philosophy and pedagogical tradition of Ukraine were discussed in a roundtable gathering.
Eighteenth century Ukrainian philosopher Grigory Savvich Skovoroda and Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen were discussed in a conference in the Ukrainian city of Kiev on Tuesday.
Titled “The currency of the tradition of humanism,” the conference was held by the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine and the İstanbul-based Dialogue Eurasia Platform (DA) and was attended by Turkish and Ukrainian academics.
The Gülen movement and the philosophy and pedagogical tradition of Ukraine were discussed in a roundtable gathering.
June 9, 2010
Why did Fethullah Gulen speak?
Aslı Aydıntaşbaş / Milliyet
Why did Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen feel the need to speak about the Gaza flotilla issue? How should this message from Pennsylvania, which came at a time when Turkey was unable to overcome the shock of the attack on the Mavi Marmara, be understood?
It seems to me that Gülen has noticed the psychological atmosphere that has been taking Turkey away from its mission as a “bridge between the East and the West” towards the corridors of the Arab world. An atmosphere that has been taking Turkey away from its identity as a “Western Muslim country” heading for the EU to a position as the protector of Hamas and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. And he wanted to say “stop” to that. The Gülen movement has the power of transcending Turkish borders with its schools and NGOs across the world. The movement, just like Turkey, gets its power from its ability to be a bridge between the East and the West and to make use of this with a dynamic workforce. The move of the spiritual leader of a movement with such a global aim at a point when he thinks Turkey’s interests are at stake is very understandable.
Published on Today's Zaman, 08 June 2010
Related Articles:
Why did Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen feel the need to speak about the Gaza flotilla issue? How should this message from Pennsylvania, which came at a time when Turkey was unable to overcome the shock of the attack on the Mavi Marmara, be understood?
It seems to me that Gülen has noticed the psychological atmosphere that has been taking Turkey away from its mission as a “bridge between the East and the West” towards the corridors of the Arab world. An atmosphere that has been taking Turkey away from its identity as a “Western Muslim country” heading for the EU to a position as the protector of Hamas and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. And he wanted to say “stop” to that. The Gülen movement has the power of transcending Turkish borders with its schools and NGOs across the world. The movement, just like Turkey, gets its power from its ability to be a bridge between the East and the West and to make use of this with a dynamic workforce. The move of the spiritual leader of a movement with such a global aim at a point when he thinks Turkey’s interests are at stake is very understandable.
Published on Today's Zaman, 08 June 2010
Related Articles:
June 5, 2010
Fethullah Gulen sends condolences to martyrs, criticizes method
Abdülhamit Bilici
The Wall Street Journal published an interview with Fethullah Gülen yesterday. In this interview, Gülen reveals a perspective that is different from those expressed by the Turkish public opinion about the latest Gaza incident.
The interview comprises many other topics in addition to Gülen’s approach to the matter at hand. The section dealing with Gaza can be assessed from three angles: First, concerning the method followed prior to the horrible attack on the ship carrying humanitarian aid volunteers, he criticizes it, saying diplomatic channels should have been exhausted. Second, he criticizes the manner in which Israeli soldiers interfered, saying that it was ugly. Third, he expresses regret for our citizens who died in the attack, to whose families he offered his condolences.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
The interview comprises many other topics in addition to Gülen’s approach to the matter at hand. The section dealing with Gaza can be assessed from three angles: First, concerning the method followed prior to the horrible attack on the ship carrying humanitarian aid volunteers, he criticizes it, saying diplomatic channels should have been exhausted. Second, he criticizes the manner in which Israeli soldiers interfered, saying that it was ugly. Third, he expresses regret for our citizens who died in the attack, to whose families he offered his condolences.
Fethullah Gülen expresses condolences over slain peace activists
Today's Zaman
In the wake of the killings of at least nine peace activists on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, prominent Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has expressed his regret for the tragic incident and extended his deepest condolences to the families of the slain activists as well as the Turkish nation and all of humanity.
In his message on Friday, Gülen noted that the activists were attacked as they were sailing to end the human tragedy in Gaza.
“I wish God's mercy upon our people who set sail with the intention of putting an end to the human tragedy in Gaza and who were martyred in the unfortunate attack they suffered, and I convey my condolences to their families, our nation and to humanity,” the message read.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
In his message on Friday, Gülen noted that the activists were attacked as they were sailing to end the human tragedy in Gaza.
“I wish God's mercy upon our people who set sail with the intention of putting an end to the human tragedy in Gaza and who were martyred in the unfortunate attack they suffered, and I convey my condolences to their families, our nation and to humanity,” the message read.
Reclusive Turkish Imam Criticizes Gaza Flotilla
Joe Lauria
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| Fethullah Gulen |
Speaking in his first interview with a U.S. news organization, Mr. Gülen spoke of watching news coverage of Monday's deadly confrontation between Israeli commandos and Turkish aid group members as its flotilla approached Israel's sea blockade of Gaza. "What I saw was not pretty," he said. "It was ugly."
Mr. Gülen said organizers' failure to seek accord with Israel before attempting to deliver aid "is a sign of defying authority, and will not lead to fruitful matters."
May 31, 2010
Dr. Ergil answers 100 questions about Fethullah Gülen and his movement
Murat Tokay
Professor Doğu Ergil, a distinguished political scientist, has completed his two-and-a-half-year study on the volunteers movement inspired by Fethullah Gülen.
Titled “100 Soruda Fethullah Gülen ve Hareketi” (Fethullah Gülen and His Movement in 100 Questions) (Timaş Publishing House), Ergil’s book dissects the movement from a social science perspective and based on the answers Gülen gave.
“Fethullah Gülen seeks a Turkish renaissance. ... The Gülen movement is currently Turkey’s most important export asset. ... The key to the success of the Gülen movement is that they believe in their cause.”
Titled “100 Soruda Fethullah Gülen ve Hareketi” (Fethullah Gülen and His Movement in 100 Questions) (Timaş Publishing House), Ergil’s book dissects the movement from a social science perspective and based on the answers Gülen gave.
“Fethullah Gülen seeks a Turkish renaissance. ... The Gülen movement is currently Turkey’s most important export asset. ... The key to the success of the Gülen movement is that they believe in their cause.”
May 29, 2010
How Turkey Tamed its Army
Ali Aslan
Fifty years after the country's most infamous military coup, Turkey finally appears to be strenghening its democratic institutions.
On May 27, 1960, Turkish military officers arrested democratically elected Prime Minister Adnan Menderes, and members of his cabinet. Menderes was placed on a trial before a military-orchestrated special court on charges of treason, and was subsequently hanged. For the last half century, Turkey has been struggling to overcome this original sin in civil-military relations.
Finally, there are some encouraging signs that Turkey has made progress in forging a stable democratic system. Turkish militarists are increasingly the subjects of legal and societal scrutiny -- despite their best attempts to turn back the clock on Turkey's democracy.
Contrary to the views of some Turkish and Western analysts, the primary struggle within Turkey is not between Islam and secularism, but rather between a militaristic pseudo-autocracy and liberal democracy.
Fifty years after the country's most infamous military coup, Turkey finally appears to be strenghening its democratic institutions.
On May 27, 1960, Turkish military officers arrested democratically elected Prime Minister Adnan Menderes, and members of his cabinet. Menderes was placed on a trial before a military-orchestrated special court on charges of treason, and was subsequently hanged. For the last half century, Turkey has been struggling to overcome this original sin in civil-military relations.
Finally, there are some encouraging signs that Turkey has made progress in forging a stable democratic system. Turkish militarists are increasingly the subjects of legal and societal scrutiny -- despite their best attempts to turn back the clock on Turkey's democracy.
Contrary to the views of some Turkish and Western analysts, the primary struggle within Turkey is not between Islam and secularism, but rather between a militaristic pseudo-autocracy and liberal democracy.
May 17, 2010
Islam, pluralism, human rights
İhsan Yılmaz
I am in Rome for a two-day conference organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several civil society institutions.
Participants, who include ministers, ambassadors, academics, practitioners and religious leaders from all traditions and faiths, discussed over two days if humanity could agree on shared values on human rights, pluralism, diversity, democracy and empathy. I was asked to look at these issues from an Islamic perspective.
What I tried show in my presentation was that the religion “Islam” does not have a political agenda, has respect for diversity and acknowledges the rights of women and minority rights and one can show examples of this in history. But it should also be added that from time to time patriarchal, intolerant, traditional attitudes stemming from particular cultures or societies, not religion, were also observed. Muslims were not able to interpret their religion from a benevolent, humanistic, tolerant and universalist perspective. But these roots in the original sources can always be revisited and reinterpreted if the intention exists.
I am in Rome for a two-day conference organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several civil society institutions.
Participants, who include ministers, ambassadors, academics, practitioners and religious leaders from all traditions and faiths, discussed over two days if humanity could agree on shared values on human rights, pluralism, diversity, democracy and empathy. I was asked to look at these issues from an Islamic perspective.
What I tried show in my presentation was that the religion “Islam” does not have a political agenda, has respect for diversity and acknowledges the rights of women and minority rights and one can show examples of this in history. But it should also be added that from time to time patriarchal, intolerant, traditional attitudes stemming from particular cultures or societies, not religion, were also observed. Muslims were not able to interpret their religion from a benevolent, humanistic, tolerant and universalist perspective. But these roots in the original sources can always be revisited and reinterpreted if the intention exists.
May 15, 2010
The CHP, the community and the AK Party
Hüseyin Gülerce
During the press conference he held to declare his resignation from the leadership of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Deniz Baykal surprisingly disclosed that he believed in the sincerity of the message Mr. Fethullah Gülen had sent him.
But, during the same conference he also hurled severe, though unfounded, accusations at the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the prime minister. This double act of fairness and unfairness was enough to foment a cauldron of provocation and mischief. Some have claimed that “the CHP is coming to terms with the Gülen community while sowing the seeds of dissension between the AK Party and the community, as the two have not been on good terms with each other for some time.”
During the press conference he held to declare his resignation from the leadership of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Deniz Baykal surprisingly disclosed that he believed in the sincerity of the message Mr. Fethullah Gülen had sent him.
But, during the same conference he also hurled severe, though unfounded, accusations at the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the prime minister. This double act of fairness and unfairness was enough to foment a cauldron of provocation and mischief. Some have claimed that “the CHP is coming to terms with the Gülen community while sowing the seeds of dissension between the AK Party and the community, as the two have not been on good terms with each other for some time.”
April 20, 2010
Gulen: They won’t believe
Ahmet Kurucan*
“They won’t believe,” Fethullah Gulen said. “They won’t believe that we work for peace and the salvation of humanity. They won’t believe that we endeavor to create an island of peace where all of humanity can live in brotherhood. They won’t believe that you do not have expectations for this world or the next. They won’t believe that you do not want anything other than securing God’s contentment.”
As Gulen said this, his body was extremely tired and his voice so low that only a few people near him could hear, but his logic and reasoning was, as can be understood from the integrity of what Gulen said, quite solid and whole, and his determination and commitment were, as usual, apparent with their customary calm, and his spirits and enthusiasm were as fervent as what would be expected from a young person.
Gulen then turned and asked, with an air of self-questioning: “Why don’t they believe? Why do they, inside and outside, enter a process that can explained only with reference to the psychological disease called paranoia? Why can’t they get rid of their doubts and qualms? What has been said and done is evident, and despite there being nothing adding substance to their suspicions, why do they still look suspiciously at us?”
“They won’t believe,” Fethullah Gulen said. “They won’t believe that we work for peace and the salvation of humanity. They won’t believe that we endeavor to create an island of peace where all of humanity can live in brotherhood. They won’t believe that you do not have expectations for this world or the next. They won’t believe that you do not want anything other than securing God’s contentment.”
As Gulen said this, his body was extremely tired and his voice so low that only a few people near him could hear, but his logic and reasoning was, as can be understood from the integrity of what Gulen said, quite solid and whole, and his determination and commitment were, as usual, apparent with their customary calm, and his spirits and enthusiasm were as fervent as what would be expected from a young person.
Gulen then turned and asked, with an air of self-questioning: “Why don’t they believe? Why do they, inside and outside, enter a process that can explained only with reference to the psychological disease called paranoia? Why can’t they get rid of their doubts and qualms? What has been said and done is evident, and despite there being nothing adding substance to their suspicions, why do they still look suspiciously at us?”
April 18, 2010
Muslim radical lives in the Poconos -- but it's not what you think
Dan Berrett
For more than a decade, one of the world's most influential and controversial Muslim leaders has been convalescing on 26 acres in the Pocono Mountains.
In Ross Township — not far from the Blue Ridge flea market, a giant corn maze dubbed Mazezilla and a go-kart speedway — you will find a small metal sign bearing the name of the Golden Generation Worship and Retreat Center.
It is here that Fethullah Gülen, 68, lives.
Gülen is an ailing Turkish cleric whose vision of an Islam that embraces science, education and interfaith dialogue has earned him millions of followers — and the suspicion of many in Turkey's secular establishment.
To his supporters, Gülen is the face of a more contemporary and tolerant Islam. But his critics perceive Gülen's benign face as a mask — one disguising an Islamist wolf in a moderate sheep's clothing.
For more than a decade, one of the world's most influential and controversial Muslim leaders has been convalescing on 26 acres in the Pocono Mountains.
In Ross Township — not far from the Blue Ridge flea market, a giant corn maze dubbed Mazezilla and a go-kart speedway — you will find a small metal sign bearing the name of the Golden Generation Worship and Retreat Center.
It is here that Fethullah Gülen, 68, lives.
To his supporters, Gülen is the face of a more contemporary and tolerant Islam. But his critics perceive Gülen's benign face as a mask — one disguising an Islamist wolf in a moderate sheep's clothing.
April 17, 2010
Annan praises Gülen Institute for its community building
Today's Zaman
Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has praised the efforts of civil society institutions such as the Gülen Institute to bring people from all walks of life together and make them feel that they are working to achieve the same goals.
Annan said it is important to have institutions like the Gülen Institute that gather people from different backgrounds and remind us of the fact that we are all in the same boat. His remarks came during a gathering organized earlier this week by the Gülen Institute at the Hyatt Regency Houston hotel.
Indicating that he is working on serious problems the world faces such as human rights, education and solidarity, Annan said the Gülen Institute has similar ideals.
Annan said it is important to have institutions like the Gülen Institute that gather people from different backgrounds and remind us of the fact that we are all in the same boat. His remarks came during a gathering organized earlier this week by the Gülen Institute at the Hyatt Regency Houston hotel.
Indicating that he is working on serious problems the world faces such as human rights, education and solidarity, Annan said the Gülen Institute has similar ideals.
April 16, 2010
Muslim Missionary: The Preacher and His Teachers
Pelin Turgut
October, 1992. the Soviet Union has disbanded and chaos reigns in its former territories. Three times a week, a rattly Russian charter plane filled with young Muslim devotees flies east from Istanbul across barren, low-lying steppes to the capitals of Central Asia. The men are clean-cut, sharply dressed in dark suits and ties, trim of mustache and purposeful. It is the first foray out of their hometown for most, let alone on a plane, but such is their faith in Fethullah Gulen, the Turkish Muslim imam they revere. "Fly like swallows," Gulen exhorted, "to these countries that are newly free, as an expression of our brotherhood."
Fly they did. Hundreds of volunteer teachers fanned out across five Central Asian republics. It was the start of a global movement that is now one of the largest and most powerful competing for the future of Islam around the world. There are an estimated 1,000 Gulen-affiliated schools in 100 countries — from Malawi to the U.S. — offering a blend of religious faith and largely Western curriculum. All are inspired by Gulen, an enigmatic retired preacher who oversees the schools — and a multibillion-dollar business empire — from the unlikeliest of locales: rural Pennsylvania.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
Fly they did. Hundreds of volunteer teachers fanned out across five Central Asian republics. It was the start of a global movement that is now one of the largest and most powerful competing for the future of Islam around the world. There are an estimated 1,000 Gulen-affiliated schools in 100 countries — from Malawi to the U.S. — offering a blend of religious faith and largely Western curriculum. All are inspired by Gulen, an enigmatic retired preacher who oversees the schools — and a multibillion-dollar business empire — from the unlikeliest of locales: rural Pennsylvania.
April 4, 2010
Hope Message Sent by African Peace Conference
fethullah-gulen.org
The Cape of Good Hope lived up to its name as nearby Cape Town played host to a conference on the potential contributions of the Gulen movement’s ideas and practices to reconciliation in South Africa.
The dialogue-based philosophy of Fethullah Gulen, which has already gained traction in America, Europe and Asia, has lately been discussed by important thinkers from almost every walk of life in Africa. A volunteer movement inspired by Gulen that carries out events around the world in the name of peace brought together members of the South African community, which continues to struggle with racism, at a conference titled “Potential Contributions of the Gulen Movement’s Ideas and Practices Toward Reconciliation of South African Society” at Cape Town’s Westin Grand Hotel. Despite ending of the apartheid system and holding democratic elections for the first time in 1994, bringing Nelson Mandela power, total societal reconciliation has still not been achieved in South Africa.
The Cape of Good Hope lived up to its name as nearby Cape Town played host to a conference on the potential contributions of the Gulen movement’s ideas and practices to reconciliation in South Africa.
The dialogue-based philosophy of Fethullah Gulen, which has already gained traction in America, Europe and Asia, has lately been discussed by important thinkers from almost every walk of life in Africa. A volunteer movement inspired by Gulen that carries out events around the world in the name of peace brought together members of the South African community, which continues to struggle with racism, at a conference titled “Potential Contributions of the Gulen Movement’s Ideas and Practices Toward Reconciliation of South African Society” at Cape Town’s Westin Grand Hotel. Despite ending of the apartheid system and holding democratic elections for the first time in 1994, bringing Nelson Mandela power, total societal reconciliation has still not been achieved in South Africa.
April 3, 2010
Gulen’s Condolences for People of the Russian Federation
M. Fethullah Gülen
No matter the reason or aim, terrorism can never be approved of. Terrorism, which threatens a value as sacred as human life and which eliminates societal security, is an action so degenerate that it cannot be approved of by any religion, understanding or viewpoint.
According to religion, life is one of the basic values that must be protected. For this reason, terrorism cannot be employed as a means, whether it is the context of a struggle for independence or an effort to realize a religious goal. A true Muslim, who is a representative of peace and serenity, can never be a terrorist, and a terrorist cannot be a Muslim.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
According to religion, life is one of the basic values that must be protected. For this reason, terrorism cannot be employed as a means, whether it is the context of a struggle for independence or an effort to realize a religious goal. A true Muslim, who is a representative of peace and serenity, can never be a terrorist, and a terrorist cannot be a Muslim.
April 1, 2010
South African peace conference sends messages of hope
Türkmen Terzi
The Cape of Good Hope lived up to its name as nearby Cape Town played host to a conference on the potential contributions of the Gülen movement’s ideas and practices to reconciliation in South Africa.
The dialogue-based philosophy of Fethullah Gülen, which has already gained traction in America, Europe and Asia, has lately been discussed by important thinkers from almost every walk of life in Africa. A volunteer movement inspired by Gülen that carries out events around the world in the name of peace brought together members of the South African community, which continues to struggle with racism, at a conference titled “Potential Contributions of the Gülen Movement’s Ideas and Practices Toward Reconciliation of South African Society” at Cape Town’s Westin Grand Hotel. Despite ending of the apartheid system and holding democratic elections for the first time in 1994, bringing Nelson Mandela power, total societal reconciliation has still not been achieved in South Africa.
The Cape of Good Hope lived up to its name as nearby Cape Town played host to a conference on the potential contributions of the Gülen movement’s ideas and practices to reconciliation in South Africa.
The dialogue-based philosophy of Fethullah Gülen, which has already gained traction in America, Europe and Asia, has lately been discussed by important thinkers from almost every walk of life in Africa. A volunteer movement inspired by Gülen that carries out events around the world in the name of peace brought together members of the South African community, which continues to struggle with racism, at a conference titled “Potential Contributions of the Gülen Movement’s Ideas and Practices Toward Reconciliation of South African Society” at Cape Town’s Westin Grand Hotel. Despite ending of the apartheid system and holding democratic elections for the first time in 1994, bringing Nelson Mandela power, total societal reconciliation has still not been achieved in South Africa.
March 27, 2010
Fethullah Gülen and the philosophy of happiness
Serdar Turgut
After I saw the schools founded by the Gülen community abroad, I thought about the major mistakes that have occurred in the history of our republic once again.
A person can’t help but wonder if the republican regime or secular civil society organizations could have done what the community has done when they had the chance to. People keep talking about the Gülen community’s financial resources. Didn’t the republican regime and secular forces have any money? Couldn’t big businessmen who were devoted to the republic and the secular system have been encouraged to lead these kinds of educational activities? Didn’t it occur to the state, government or political parties at all? Now that the community is doing this as a voluntary civil movement, they are getting upset. The main issue that is hardest to grasp is why this kind of system, which is so beneficial for Turkey, was not thought of and carried out by another group during the republican period. If one community has the means to do this, then most likely the Turkish state does, too. But undertaking this kind of tremendous task was not thought of or desired. The problem isn’t money; it’s the mentality.
Published on Today's Zaman, "Turkish Press Review" AKŞAM, 3/26/2010
After I saw the schools founded by the Gülen community abroad, I thought about the major mistakes that have occurred in the history of our republic once again.
A person can’t help but wonder if the republican regime or secular civil society organizations could have done what the community has done when they had the chance to. People keep talking about the Gülen community’s financial resources. Didn’t the republican regime and secular forces have any money? Couldn’t big businessmen who were devoted to the republic and the secular system have been encouraged to lead these kinds of educational activities? Didn’t it occur to the state, government or political parties at all? Now that the community is doing this as a voluntary civil movement, they are getting upset. The main issue that is hardest to grasp is why this kind of system, which is so beneficial for Turkey, was not thought of and carried out by another group during the republican period. If one community has the means to do this, then most likely the Turkish state does, too. But undertaking this kind of tremendous task was not thought of or desired. The problem isn’t money; it’s the mentality.
Published on Today's Zaman, "Turkish Press Review" AKŞAM, 3/26/2010
March 26, 2010
Ottoman Dreaming: The Turks have new ambitions for trade and influence in Africa
Kinshasa & Yaounde
Mbombo Ibrahim Moubarak, an Islamic cleric who runs Cameroon’s Islamic humanitarian-assistance programme, has a dream. “Turkey must reclaim its mantle as leader of the Islamic world,” he said on March 17th, as Abdullah Gul became the first Turkish president to visit Cameroon and Congo. Mr Moubarak believes that Turkey’s brand of moderate Islam, which embraces Western-style democracy and the free market, offers a model for Africa’s Muslims. He sees nothing sinister about the mosques, madrassas and schools built, restored or run by Sunni Turks across the continent.
Mbombo Ibrahim Moubarak, an Islamic cleric who runs Cameroon’s Islamic humanitarian-assistance programme, has a dream. “Turkey must reclaim its mantle as leader of the Islamic world,” he said on March 17th, as Abdullah Gul became the first Turkish president to visit Cameroon and Congo. Mr Moubarak believes that Turkey’s brand of moderate Islam, which embraces Western-style democracy and the free market, offers a model for Africa’s Muslims. He sees nothing sinister about the mosques, madrassas and schools built, restored or run by Sunni Turks across the continent.
Quotes about Fethullah Gulen : By Michael David Graskemper from Harvard University, USA
Due to the spread and popularity of Gülen-inspired schools, the Gulen movement has become more than just a faith-based movement battling localized issues. It has instead become a world-wide educational movement that seeks to build a more peaceful world through dialogue and cooperation.
March 24, 2010
Quotes about Fethullah Gulen: By Prof. Paul Weller from University of Derby, Derby, UK
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| Prof. Paul Weller |
Quotes about Fethullah Gulen: By Maria Maigre from London School of Economics, London, UK
Fethullah Gülen's cultural and religious influence on both the business and political classes within the Gulen movement has driven the moderation of political Islam and opened the way toward the integration into the new reality of globalization where the frontier between religion and business are blurred and those notions are brought together within a new conception of Culture.
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