September 27, 2011
Kyrgyz parliament speaker: Turkey is our model
Aydın Pazarcı
Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker Akhmatbek Keldibekov, who is currently visiting Turkey, has said Turkey is a model for Kyrgyzstan and that the country sees Turkey as a brother nation and strategic partner.
September 26, 2011
Health services are becoming permanent in Somalia
Kimse Yok Mu
KYM officials signed a agreement with Somali government officials related to the operation of the maternity and children's units at Benadir, the biggest hospital in the region.
The agreement is the first step in creating permanent health services in Somalia. Patients in the maternity and children's units of Benadir Hospital will be handled by Turkish doctors.
KYM officials signed a agreement with Somali government officials related to the operation of the maternity and children's units at Benadir, the biggest hospital in the region.
The agreement is the first step in creating permanent health services in Somalia. Patients in the maternity and children's units of Benadir Hospital will be handled by Turkish doctors.
The water problem was solved for 36,000 people living in two Somalian camps
Kimse Yok Mu
KYM officials working in Somalia carried out another perfect project. Additions were made to the Mogadishu water system which brought water to two nearby camps where 36,000 people are living.
KYM officials working in Somalia carried out another perfect project. Additions were made to the Mogadishu water system which brought water to two nearby camps where 36,000 people are living.
Somalia's brightest compete for education in Turkey
Today's Zaman
Youth in the Somali capital of Mogadishu formed long lines in front of schools this week as they competed for a slot in a rapidly expanding student exchange program sponsored by the Turkish relief organization Kimse Yok Mu. The organization is planning to provide scholarships for 350 new students from the famine-stricken nation.
Youth in the Somali capital of Mogadishu formed long lines in front of schools this week as they competed for a slot in a rapidly expanding student exchange program sponsored by the Turkish relief organization Kimse Yok Mu. The organization is planning to provide scholarships for 350 new students from the famine-stricken nation.
September 25, 2011
The works of Fethullah Gulen are translated into Indonesian language
Cihan News Agency
The works of Fethullah Gulen are continued to be translated into world’s different languages. Up to now, his books have been translated into world’s 36 languages. Recently the books were translated into one more language – Indonesian. The books that were translated into Indonesian first were ‘Eternal Light’, ‘In the shadow of faith’, and ‘Emerald Hills of the Heart’. In the following months other books will also be translated. The publication manager of Indonesian Republika Publication Group Teuku Chairul Wisal stated, “We are all aware of the importance of the works by Fethullah Gulen for all Indonesian people and we will continue to translate his works in the future.” The Republika Publication Group is one of the leading and biggest publication companies in Indonesia focusing on publication of religious and cultural literature.
Original [Turkish] version appeared in haberalemi.net, 15 September 2011, Thursday
English translation published on fethullah-gulen.net, 23 September 2011, Friday
Original [Turkish] version appeared in haberalemi.net, 15 September 2011, Thursday
English translation published on fethullah-gulen.net, 23 September 2011, Friday
September 24, 2011
Peace Islands Institute Commemorated 9/11
The Star-Ledger
Feeling the pain of victims and families of 9/11 and the pain caused as the result of distorted image of Islam, Peace Islands Institute volunteers participated in several 9/11 commemoration programs in New Jersey at Dumont High School, Allwood Community Church in Clifton, Notre Dame Church in North Caldwell and Mayo Community Theater in Morristown.
Feeling the pain of victims and families of 9/11 and the pain caused as the result of distorted image of Islam, Peace Islands Institute volunteers participated in several 9/11 commemoration programs in New Jersey at Dumont High School, Allwood Community Church in Clifton, Notre Dame Church in North Caldwell and Mayo Community Theater in Morristown.
Peace Islands Institute remembers 9/11 in New Jersey
Today's Zaman
The Peace Islands Institute and community leaders called for greater respect and dialog during a dinner on Wednesday in remembrance of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Nearly 150 community leaders joined the program, including law enforcement officers, elected officials, academics, and religious and business leaders.
The Peace Islands Institute and community leaders called for greater respect and dialog during a dinner on Wednesday in remembrance of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Nearly 150 community leaders joined the program, including law enforcement officers, elected officials, academics, and religious and business leaders.
September 23, 2011
Justice, fairness and [Fethullah Gulen] Hocaefendi
Ahmet Kurucan *
According to Islamic teachings, oneness of God (tawhid), prophethood, resurrection and justice (adl) are fundamental principles advocated not only by Islam, but also by all religions.
These form the essence of what all prophets from Prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, offered to humanity as beliefs and deeds.
In this respect, protecting these principles essentially serves the protection of religion(s). The reason why Islam describes some divine religions as altered or modified is that these principles are modified or altered from their original state by their respective practitioners.
According to Islamic teachings, oneness of God (tawhid), prophethood, resurrection and justice (adl) are fundamental principles advocated not only by Islam, but also by all religions.
These form the essence of what all prophets from Prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, offered to humanity as beliefs and deeds.
In this respect, protecting these principles essentially serves the protection of religion(s). The reason why Islam describes some divine religions as altered or modified is that these principles are modified or altered from their original state by their respective practitioners.
September 22, 2011
Basic Dynamics of the Gulen Movement - 2
Enes Ergene
Note: The following part is the complement of the post titled Basic Dynamics of the Gulen Movement - 1
4. The spirit of devotion
This principle should be viewed as a continuation of the previous discussion in regard to the level of moral dynamic ascribed to "living for others," whereby individuals devote themselves to God and to other people. Let us elaborate. As we know, the origin of love, in all its forms, emanates from the Almighty Creator. All loves and affections, as well as all delights and beauties, are the manifestations of His beautiful names. The same manifestation is best expressed in the famous Turkish couplet, "Loving all creatures by reason of the Creator" (yaratığı severiz, Yaratan'dan ötürü) by Yunus and celebrated in the West as Muslim humanism. This is such a great manifestation that it compasses all fields of human existence and relations. This phrase is the most concise "humanist" message of Islam. It could be said that for Gülen, this principle is kept alive and reproduced within the very spirit of devotion. When we comprehend the notions of "Creator and created," we will catch the basic characteristics of Muslim affection as distinguished from philosophic humanism that has no relation with the divine. For in Islam, in the origin of all loves is the reality of the Creator. If it were not for the manifestation of His beautiful names and attributes, humanity would be deprived of affection, compassion, and kindness. According to Islam, therefore, people should dedicate all love and affection to the Creator before all else. Without this focus, one cannot devote one's love or affection to another person by way of giving up one's own pleasures. The spirit and feeling of devotion to God, therefore, bestows the basic motivation for serving humanity. The spirit of devotion produces a moral dynamic that electrifies all love, every relation, every sacrifice, and every service therein:
Note: The following part is the complement of the post titled Basic Dynamics of the Gulen Movement - 1
4. The spirit of devotion
This principle should be viewed as a continuation of the previous discussion in regard to the level of moral dynamic ascribed to "living for others," whereby individuals devote themselves to God and to other people. Let us elaborate. As we know, the origin of love, in all its forms, emanates from the Almighty Creator. All loves and affections, as well as all delights and beauties, are the manifestations of His beautiful names. The same manifestation is best expressed in the famous Turkish couplet, "Loving all creatures by reason of the Creator" (yaratığı severiz, Yaratan'dan ötürü) by Yunus and celebrated in the West as Muslim humanism. This is such a great manifestation that it compasses all fields of human existence and relations. This phrase is the most concise "humanist" message of Islam. It could be said that for Gülen, this principle is kept alive and reproduced within the very spirit of devotion. When we comprehend the notions of "Creator and created," we will catch the basic characteristics of Muslim affection as distinguished from philosophic humanism that has no relation with the divine. For in Islam, in the origin of all loves is the reality of the Creator. If it were not for the manifestation of His beautiful names and attributes, humanity would be deprived of affection, compassion, and kindness. According to Islam, therefore, people should dedicate all love and affection to the Creator before all else. Without this focus, one cannot devote one's love or affection to another person by way of giving up one's own pleasures. The spirit and feeling of devotion to God, therefore, bestows the basic motivation for serving humanity. The spirit of devotion produces a moral dynamic that electrifies all love, every relation, every sacrifice, and every service therein:
September 21, 2011
The Islamic case for a secular state
Mustafa Akyol
When Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan promoted the secular state last week during his trip to Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, many were surprised. Especially ultra-secularist Turks, who are used to calling Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party, or AKP, “Islamist,” could not believe their eyes.
When Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan promoted the secular state last week during his trip to Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, many were surprised. Especially ultra-secularist Turks, who are used to calling Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party, or AKP, “Islamist,” could not believe their eyes.
September 20, 2011
Basic Dynamics of the Gulen Movement - 1
Enes Ergene
Analyzing the internal dynamics of a movement is important for two reasons. First, it allows others to perceive the structure by which the movement is organized. Second, it prevents others from falling into the trap of overlooking the totality of the movement, as they focus on partial analyses. I use dynamics here to mean the key concepts of the movement. Intellectual and social attitudes of a movement are shaped by the movement's dynamics. Social science analyses that study a movement proceed on safer grounds if they are aware of that movement's dynamics, and they do not fall into frequent fallacies. Understanding a movement's dynamics allows us to pinpoint who is making an objective analysis, and who forges a "pirated" analysis without any knowledge. For instance, a person who strives to comply with the basic dynamics of Islamic Sufi practice by being humble in his or her relations with others (tawadhu), or regarding himself as inferior to others (mahwiyat), would surely appear as a shy person. An observer, who is unaware of any Sufi and ascetic dynamics, might interpret this humble attitude as hypocritical or clandestine. If an analysis does not account for this movement's Muslim Sufi dynamics and experiences, can we really call this analysis "scientific"?
Analyzing the internal dynamics of a movement is important for two reasons. First, it allows others to perceive the structure by which the movement is organized. Second, it prevents others from falling into the trap of overlooking the totality of the movement, as they focus on partial analyses. I use dynamics here to mean the key concepts of the movement. Intellectual and social attitudes of a movement are shaped by the movement's dynamics. Social science analyses that study a movement proceed on safer grounds if they are aware of that movement's dynamics, and they do not fall into frequent fallacies. Understanding a movement's dynamics allows us to pinpoint who is making an objective analysis, and who forges a "pirated" analysis without any knowledge. For instance, a person who strives to comply with the basic dynamics of Islamic Sufi practice by being humble in his or her relations with others (tawadhu), or regarding himself as inferior to others (mahwiyat), would surely appear as a shy person. An observer, who is unaware of any Sufi and ascetic dynamics, might interpret this humble attitude as hypocritical or clandestine. If an analysis does not account for this movement's Muslim Sufi dynamics and experiences, can we really call this analysis "scientific"?
September 19, 2011
Turkish Minnesotans' Statement in Commemoration of the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11
In the tenth anniversary of the tragic events, we, Turkish-American Muslims, express our deepest sympathies and sorrow for the 9/11 victims and their families. Once again, we condemn the incidents, which are against all human and Islamic norms, in the strongest terms. We believe that all Muslims and non-Muslims ought to be united against all those who terrorize the innocent people and plant seeds of hatred in the community.
September 18, 2011
Hira Magazine – Turkish in the Language of the Qur'an
Paul L. Heck
Abstract
When it comes to the Gülen movement, scholarly attention is often given to its attitudes towards non-Muslims, its willingness to operate within secular environments, and its rapprochement with the material achievements of the West, as well as its own network of educational institutions. As a result, less attention is given to its interest in connecting with the larger Muslim community beyond its own internal associations. The Gülen movement is, however, aware of the need to situate itself and publish its ideas within the wider ummah.
Abstract
When it comes to the Gülen movement, scholarly attention is often given to its attitudes towards non-Muslims, its willingness to operate within secular environments, and its rapprochement with the material achievements of the West, as well as its own network of educational institutions. As a result, less attention is given to its interest in connecting with the larger Muslim community beyond its own internal associations. The Gülen movement is, however, aware of the need to situate itself and publish its ideas within the wider ummah.
September 17, 2011
Fethullah Gülen and His Global Contribution to Peace Building
Zeki Sarıtoprak
Fethullah Gülen is one of the most influential scholars and thinkers in the contemporary Islamic world, particularly in Turkey. Although recent studies have put forward Gülen's ideas on various topics, Gülen's approach to peace building is one of the less studied. Given the contemporary reality of wars and ethnic/religious strife, this is a neglect that needs to be corrected. Fethullah Gülen stands up for peace and for the prevention of any clash of civilisations, not only through his speeches and writing, but through his actions as well. This paper examines the concept of peace building through Gülen's writings and activities with reference to the main sources of Islam and Gülen's commentary on them. In focusing on Gülen's activities, the paper emphasises certain American institutions, notably the Washington D.C. based Rumi Forum for Interfaith Dialogue (of which Gülen is the honorary president), and its contribution to peace-building through interfaith activities.
 |
| Fethullah Gulen |
September 16, 2011
The Gülen Movement in the Public Sphere
Etga Uğur
Religion is an important source of social capital in many modern societies.
Religion as a body of beliefs, values and norms motivates believers to volunteer in community affairs to provide social services such as health care, soup kitchens, education and helping the poor. Religion also provides a source of common identity to its followers and creates bonds between them. Obviously, religion is only one source of social capital or civic engagement, albeit an important one.
Religion is an important source of social capital in many modern societies.
Religion as a body of beliefs, values and norms motivates believers to volunteer in community affairs to provide social services such as health care, soup kitchens, education and helping the poor. Religion also provides a source of common identity to its followers and creates bonds between them. Obviously, religion is only one source of social capital or civic engagement, albeit an important one.
September 15, 2011
Establishing a Culture of Coexistence and Mutual Understanding
Despite widespread globalization in every aspect of life, we witness that local traditions, cultures, religions, and national values – all preserve their existence and maintain their respective qualities and nuances. The dilemma of globalization is that while many seek to value these differences, these differences are also manipulated as catalysts for violence, bloodshed, and social trauma around the world. These contradictory phenomena are undeniable and frame the central challenge of coexistence in an increasingly globalized and fragile world.
September 14, 2011
The intra-Turkish debate on the Mavi Marmara
Mustafa Akyol *
If there is any “national” opinion in Turkey today, it is that Israel should have apologized for killing nine civilian Turks on the Mavi Marmara. From Islamists to secularists, or nationalists to liberals, I have heard nobody who thinks that the Israeli soldiers were justified in what they did on that Gaza-bound civilian ship. Nor has anybody, to my knowledge, applauded the “no apology” decision of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
But this does not mean that all Turks think the same way about the Turkish activists on the Mavi Marmara, and the particular course of action some of them took. In fact, an interesting debate has just begun – and within a very interesting place: the Islamic camp.
If there is any “national” opinion in Turkey today, it is that Israel should have apologized for killing nine civilian Turks on the Mavi Marmara. From Islamists to secularists, or nationalists to liberals, I have heard nobody who thinks that the Israeli soldiers were justified in what they did on that Gaza-bound civilian ship. Nor has anybody, to my knowledge, applauded the “no apology” decision of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
But this does not mean that all Turks think the same way about the Turkish activists on the Mavi Marmara, and the particular course of action some of them took. In fact, an interesting debate has just begun – and within a very interesting place: the Islamic camp.
September 13, 2011
New Islamic movements and amodern networks
Gokhan Bacik * and Umit Kurt **
Abstract
The revival in Islamic studies of interest in explaining social transformation in Muslim societies has stimulated a need for new methodological inquiries. The deployment of informal institutions within daily life is also a rediscovery of the traditional Islamic networks, patterns, values and cognitive forms. The rise of daily life as the major unit of operation for the new Islamic movements directs them to a completely different position vis-a-vis modernity: to create an alternative Islamic civil society, that is indifferent to the existing modern one. The Gulen Movement, with its success at creating trans-national networks, is the perspicuous case for illustrating the amodern world view of new Islamic movements. Study of the Gulen Movement on the basis of its amodernity is a methodology that contributes also to the study of how Islam is reproduced in daily life despite modern challenges. Such a study makes a necessity, in any research agenda, of the acknowledgement of the amodern in the sociology of religion. The major contribution of this paper is to display how Islamic movements develop an irregular position towards modernity. Therefore, the validity of traditional binaries, such as ‘Islamic movements vs. modernity’, or ‘Islamic movements as products of modernity’, has to be questioned. Being indifferent to the state and operating through daily life, new Islamic movements gain the ability to connect with historical Islam, the roots of which had fixed well before those of modernity.
Keywords: Islam; amodernity; the Gulen movement; informalism
Abstract
The revival in Islamic studies of interest in explaining social transformation in Muslim societies has stimulated a need for new methodological inquiries. The deployment of informal institutions within daily life is also a rediscovery of the traditional Islamic networks, patterns, values and cognitive forms. The rise of daily life as the major unit of operation for the new Islamic movements directs them to a completely different position vis-a-vis modernity: to create an alternative Islamic civil society, that is indifferent to the existing modern one. The Gulen Movement, with its success at creating trans-national networks, is the perspicuous case for illustrating the amodern world view of new Islamic movements. Study of the Gulen Movement on the basis of its amodernity is a methodology that contributes also to the study of how Islam is reproduced in daily life despite modern challenges. Such a study makes a necessity, in any research agenda, of the acknowledgement of the amodern in the sociology of religion. The major contribution of this paper is to display how Islamic movements develop an irregular position towards modernity. Therefore, the validity of traditional binaries, such as ‘Islamic movements vs. modernity’, or ‘Islamic movements as products of modernity’, has to be questioned. Being indifferent to the state and operating through daily life, new Islamic movements gain the ability to connect with historical Islam, the roots of which had fixed well before those of modernity.
Keywords: Islam; amodernity; the Gulen movement; informalism
September 12, 2011
The Atlas Foundation
Larry Michaud *
Our host for the Turkey excursion is The Atlas Foundation of Baton Rouge, a member of the Fethullah Gulen movement. The foundation has hosted similar trips for Baton Rouge religious and academic groups as part of their cultural exchange mission to bring disparate cultures together.
Our host for the Turkey excursion is The Atlas Foundation of Baton Rouge, a member of the Fethullah Gulen movement. The foundation has hosted similar trips for Baton Rouge religious and academic groups as part of their cultural exchange mission to bring disparate cultures together.
September 11, 2011
Importance of Gulen Movement in the Post 9/11 Era: Co-existence
Halit Kara
A lot has already been said and appears to continue about the long term impacts of 9/11 tragedy for the years to follow. The days immediately following this horrific incident, all scholarly critics, and politicians and as well as renowned public figures simultaneously voiced their concerns citing that “nothing ever will be the same after this.” Extensive coverage both in printed and visual media, focusing not so much on political and economic motivation, but much about religious identity of those who committed this outrageous crime against mankind.
“Love the love, and hate all hostility”
Fethullah Gulen
Fethullah Gulen
A lot has already been said and appears to continue about the long term impacts of 9/11 tragedy for the years to follow. The days immediately following this horrific incident, all scholarly critics, and politicians and as well as renowned public figures simultaneously voiced their concerns citing that “nothing ever will be the same after this.” Extensive coverage both in printed and visual media, focusing not so much on political and economic motivation, but much about religious identity of those who committed this outrageous crime against mankind.
September 10, 2011
Contextualizing the Gülen Movement
Baqar Syed *
A variety of fears have been expressed regarding "Gülen" charter schools in Texas, from possible financial irregularities to indoctrination of children in Islam. However, neither official state inquiries nor academic studies have found any evidence to such effect. A look at the history of the movement can help us understand it as an attempt by Muslims to contribute positively to modern life while maintaining their beliefs and values.
A variety of fears have been expressed regarding "Gülen" charter schools in Texas, from possible financial irregularities to indoctrination of children in Islam. However, neither official state inquiries nor academic studies have found any evidence to such effect. A look at the history of the movement can help us understand it as an attempt by Muslims to contribute positively to modern life while maintaining their beliefs and values.
September 9, 2011
Anatolian Muslimhood: Humanising capitalism?
Max Farrar *
A week in Istanbul can hardly fail to be an enriching experience for the intellectually curious visitor - even more when this great city, and Turkey generally, is at the heart of so many of the world's shaping concerns of faith and politics. This was certainly the case for me, when I stayed in Istanbul as a guest of the London-based Dialogue Society which supports the ideas and aims of the influential Islamic thinker Fethullah Gülen.
A week in Istanbul can hardly fail to be an enriching experience for the intellectually curious visitor - even more when this great city, and Turkey generally, is at the heart of so many of the world's shaping concerns of faith and politics. This was certainly the case for me, when I stayed in Istanbul as a guest of the London-based Dialogue Society which supports the ideas and aims of the influential Islamic thinker Fethullah Gülen.
September 8, 2011
Core Values of the Gülen Movement: Worship and Servanthood
Thomas Michel
1. Oğuz and Erol, typical members of the Gülen cemaat
Oğuz comes from a casually practicing Muslim family in Malatya, Central Anatolia.1 He first came to know the Gulen movement as a high school student in Ankara and shortly thereafter moved into a yurt, or residence, run by the community. He spent his last two years of high school there as he prepared for the dreaded Öğrenci Seçme Sınavı (ÖSS), the Student Selection Examination. The ÖSS is the college entrance and placement exam taken annually by over 1.5 million students in Turkey, which determines both the universities and programs that a student can enter. Oğuz placed within the top 1% of his examination year and was thus able to enter the Middle East Technical Institute in Ankara, one of the best universities in the country. There he took a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics and had a scholarship offer from a prestigious university in the United States. However, instead of pursuing this enviable career opportunity, Oğuz took up a job teaching physics in a high school in Kyrgyzstan. There he married a Kirghiz colleague and after eight years they are still living and teaching in that country.
1. Oğuz and Erol, typical members of the Gülen cemaat
Oğuz comes from a casually practicing Muslim family in Malatya, Central Anatolia.1 He first came to know the Gulen movement as a high school student in Ankara and shortly thereafter moved into a yurt, or residence, run by the community. He spent his last two years of high school there as he prepared for the dreaded Öğrenci Seçme Sınavı (ÖSS), the Student Selection Examination. The ÖSS is the college entrance and placement exam taken annually by over 1.5 million students in Turkey, which determines both the universities and programs that a student can enter. Oğuz placed within the top 1% of his examination year and was thus able to enter the Middle East Technical Institute in Ankara, one of the best universities in the country. There he took a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics and had a scholarship offer from a prestigious university in the United States. However, instead of pursuing this enviable career opportunity, Oğuz took up a job teaching physics in a high school in Kyrgyzstan. There he married a Kirghiz colleague and after eight years they are still living and teaching in that country.
September 7, 2011
Glocal Education
Mustafa K. Erol
The reason that the Hizmet movement concentrates on the few areas that it does has to do with the importance and centrality of those areas in our lives. Providing services in education is a core commitment of the Movement because it is so vital for just about everyone and for one’s whole lifetime. The right education can not only improve employment opportunities and self-esteem, it can also enable individuals to look for and find meaning in their lives. It is an essential, vital need of human nature to seek knowledge and understanding, a need that has both intellectual and spiritual dimensions.
The reason that the Hizmet movement concentrates on the few areas that it does has to do with the importance and centrality of those areas in our lives. Providing services in education is a core commitment of the Movement because it is so vital for just about everyone and for one’s whole lifetime. The right education can not only improve employment opportunities and self-esteem, it can also enable individuals to look for and find meaning in their lives. It is an essential, vital need of human nature to seek knowledge and understanding, a need that has both intellectual and spiritual dimensions.
September 6, 2011
Traffic fatalities soured the Eid
Ekrem Dumanlı
A total of 87 people lost their lives in traffic accidents during the first six days of the nine-day Eid al-Fitr national holiday period. The deaths of more than a hundred people while returning home from the holiday has plunged their families into grief. Traffic accidents have left behind not only dead people but also disabled ones as well as orphaned children. The material damage is immeasurable.
A total of 87 people lost their lives in traffic accidents during the first six days of the nine-day Eid al-Fitr national holiday period. The deaths of more than a hundred people while returning home from the holiday has plunged their families into grief. Traffic accidents have left behind not only dead people but also disabled ones as well as orphaned children. The material damage is immeasurable.
September 5, 2011
End of the story
Etyen Mahçupyan
The case against Ergenekon, a clandestine organization nested within the state trying to overthrow or manipulate the democratically elected government, was first perceived as an accident by the Kemalists of Turkey.
The case against Ergenekon, a clandestine organization nested within the state trying to overthrow or manipulate the democratically elected government, was first perceived as an accident by the Kemalists of Turkey.
September 4, 2011
Sign of peace from Turkey is a lesson for us on 9/11 anniversary
John Kass
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks — committed by Muslim terrorists who murdered thousands of our countrymen — we should prepare ourselves.
We should prepare for the memorials and the tears, and we should brace ourselves for something else:
The hate.
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks — committed by Muslim terrorists who murdered thousands of our countrymen — we should prepare ourselves.
We should prepare for the memorials and the tears, and we should brace ourselves for something else:
The hate.
September 3, 2011
CAP's Islamophobia Report raises some new questions
Aydoğan Vatandaş *
A study(**) on Islamophobia in the US, released by the Washington-based Center for American Progress (CAP) on Friday, highlights how a small group of donors fund misinformation experts who promote Islamophobic sentiments and how their misinformation spreads through the media and grassroots organizers like Eagle Forum.
The research was also reported that these misinformation experts are also manufacturing a smear campaign against the Gülen movement, inspired by the teachings of Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, in the US.
A study(**) on Islamophobia in the US, released by the Washington-based Center for American Progress (CAP) on Friday, highlights how a small group of donors fund misinformation experts who promote Islamophobic sentiments and how their misinformation spreads through the media and grassroots organizers like Eagle Forum.
The research was also reported that these misinformation experts are also manufacturing a smear campaign against the Gülen movement, inspired by the teachings of Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, in the US.
September 2, 2011
Nazarbayev hails Turkish schools in his country
Today's Zaman
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has praised Turkish schools operating in his country, saying these schools have been making a significant contribution to the development of the Central Asian country.
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has praised Turkish schools operating in his country, saying these schools have been making a significant contribution to the development of the Central Asian country.
September 1, 2011
The Gülen Movement and human rights values in the Muslim world
Özcan Keleş *
Fethullah Gülen is many things at once and it is this combination of characteristics, abilities and qualifications, some of which have hitherto seemed mutually exclusive, that marks him out from the rest and has provided him with a transformative edge.
 |
| Fethullah Gulen |
August 31, 2011
Fethullah Gülen calls for ‘bridges of peace' in Eid al-Fitr remarks
Sezai Kalaycı
Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, currently residing in the US, has issued a call for peace and dialogue, warning that failure to address enmities through dialogue could lead to a large-scale devastation for humanity.
Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, currently residing in the US, has issued a call for peace and dialogue, warning that failure to address enmities through dialogue could lead to a large-scale devastation for humanity.
August 30, 2011
Teachers of Wisdom, Knowledge of God, and Dialogue
Enes Ergene
In Gülen's thought, the teacher is crucially important because he or she prepares the individual and society for the future. Traditionally, teachers were the holy carriers of the Muslim community. They toiled under social and human burden of all types, and thus, their power and social respect were both part of their social identity. The corruption of the educational system affected teachers first. As they lost their quality and social influence, the quality of all people descended with them. Here, the manner of action that defines Gülen seeks to honor the teaching profession and to facilitate the reappearance of the teacher on the stage of history. Gülen's vision is bold and broad in its scope; his vision of the teacher is of someone defined by a healthy balance between material and spiritual yearnings, and of someone who has a sacrificing and sincere identity. For Gülen, such a teacher has never been so necessary in any period in history.
In Gülen's thought, the teacher is crucially important because he or she prepares the individual and society for the future. Traditionally, teachers were the holy carriers of the Muslim community. They toiled under social and human burden of all types, and thus, their power and social respect were both part of their social identity. The corruption of the educational system affected teachers first. As they lost their quality and social influence, the quality of all people descended with them. Here, the manner of action that defines Gülen seeks to honor the teaching profession and to facilitate the reappearance of the teacher on the stage of history. Gülen's vision is bold and broad in its scope; his vision of the teacher is of someone defined by a healthy balance between material and spiritual yearnings, and of someone who has a sacrificing and sincere identity. For Gülen, such a teacher has never been so necessary in any period in history.
August 29, 2011
Turkish aid ship, volunteer doctors depart for Somalia
Kimse Yok Mu
The "Humanitarianism Is Not Dead" ship departed for Somalia
KYM officials, donators, and volunteers saw the "Humanitarianism Is Not Dead" ship, which held 3,700 tons of aid, off from Mersin port on August 23nd.
The "Humanitarianism Is Not Dead" ship departed for Somalia
KYM officials, donators, and volunteers saw the "Humanitarianism Is Not Dead" ship, which held 3,700 tons of aid, off from Mersin port on August 23nd.
August 28, 2011
Fethullah Gülen: A Vision of Transcendent Education
Charles Nelson *
Abstract
Focusing on the acquisition of knowledge considered to be essential to future careers, schools rarely consider ethics and values as part of the curriculum. This lack, coupled with a materialistic perspective toward educational outcomes, has contributed to the sense of a moral crisis in the U.S. and in its schools. In response to this crisis, a character education movement has attempted to instill virtue into U.S. students. Similarly, another education movement has arisen, that of Fethullah Gülen. This movement has founded hundreds of schools around the world, seeking to integrate science and spirituality in an attempt to raise a "Golden Generation" of individuals who will usher in a world of peace and harmony. Working toward this goal, Gülen-inspired teachers prefer to teach ethics by example rather than by lecture in order not to create conflict between themselves and community expectations. In a culture of individualism and Wall Street and political scandals, however, it is not clear whether U.S. students in general would be inspired sufficiently by moral exemplars alone to inquire into the reasons for their behavior, much less to be transformed into a "Golden Generation." Consequently, this paper explores educational research findings and the writings of Fethullah Gülen, concluding that in a U.S. setting, at least, Gülen-inspired educators should consider incorporating practices of moral reasoning, intention, and self-determined action in their schools.
Abstract
August 27, 2011
Preaching by Example: Understanding the Gülen Hizmet in the Global Context of Religious Philanthropy and Civil Religion
Greg Barton
Abstract
The Gülen movement, or hizmet, is often misunderstood, and this is in large measure because it is unlike anything else in the Muslim world, though the Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama mass-based organisations of Indonesia do bear some resemblance.
However, there is no good reason to limit comparisons to the Muslim world. As a social movement motivated by religious values and the ideals of selfless service, engaged in philanthropic endeavour and active in the civil sphere, the Gülen hizmet deserves comparison with other such movements around the globe. This paper looks outside the geographic and cultural context of the Muslim world to demonstrate that the Gülen hizmet shares much in common with many Western, Christian, philanthropic initiatives in education and public discourse of the past three centuries, particularly in North America.
Abstract
The Gülen movement, or hizmet, is often misunderstood, and this is in large measure because it is unlike anything else in the Muslim world, though the Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama mass-based organisations of Indonesia do bear some resemblance.
However, there is no good reason to limit comparisons to the Muslim world. As a social movement motivated by religious values and the ideals of selfless service, engaged in philanthropic endeavour and active in the civil sphere, the Gülen hizmet deserves comparison with other such movements around the globe. This paper looks outside the geographic and cultural context of the Muslim world to demonstrate that the Gülen hizmet shares much in common with many Western, Christian, philanthropic initiatives in education and public discourse of the past three centuries, particularly in North America.
August 26, 2011
Gulen Movement: Global Frontier to Ceaseless Activism
Stuart William
A programme on BBC Radio 4 called the Gulen or Hizmet movement the world’s “most successful Islamic movement”. It is indeed remarkable for its vision, its activities and the dynamism of its volunteers. Two characteristics of the Movement in particular strike one immediately, namely its global orientation and its ceaseless activism.
A programme on BBC Radio 4 called the Gulen or Hizmet movement the world’s “most successful Islamic movement”. It is indeed remarkable for its vision, its activities and the dynamism of its volunteers. Two characteristics of the Movement in particular strike one immediately, namely its global orientation and its ceaseless activism.
August 25, 2011
[RAMADAN NOTES] Different levels of fasting
Kerim Balcı
Muslim scholars differentiate between three levels of fasting. The first level is that of the common people, which entails abstaining from eating, drinking and sexual activities during daytime hours. The second level is that of the elite in which people ensure all organs of the body refrain from any kind of sin. The third level belongs to the elite of the elite, who must keep the soul, mind and heart clear of all thoughts and feelings that could distract one from God.
Muslim scholars differentiate between three levels of fasting. The first level is that of the common people, which entails abstaining from eating, drinking and sexual activities during daytime hours. The second level is that of the elite in which people ensure all organs of the body refrain from any kind of sin. The third level belongs to the elite of the elite, who must keep the soul, mind and heart clear of all thoughts and feelings that could distract one from God.
August 24, 2011
Exhibit lets Iraqi women tell stories of heartbreak and hope
Abe Levy
During two recent summer research trips to northern Iraq, Sister Martha Ann Kirk gleaned the perspectives of more than 140 Iraqi girls and women living in this violence-wracked corner of the world.
She took photos and notes, sat in living rooms, broke bread and walked neighborhoods to understand and document their experiences.
During two recent summer research trips to northern Iraq, Sister Martha Ann Kirk gleaned the perspectives of more than 140 Iraqi girls and women living in this violence-wracked corner of the world.
She took photos and notes, sat in living rooms, broke bread and walked neighborhoods to understand and document their experiences.
August 23, 2011
Nation Signs Education Related Deal With Turkish Organization
All Africa Global Media via COMTEX
Mogadishu - The ministry of education for the transnational federal government of Somalia has disclosed it had signed an education related deal with Nile Organization which is from Turkey.
Mogadishu - The ministry of education for the transnational federal government of Somalia has disclosed it had signed an education related deal with Nile Organization which is from Turkey.
August 22, 2011
Turkey, South Africa agree to waive visas, draft free trade agreement
Today's Zaman
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said on Sunday that Turkey has reached an agreement with South Africa to mutually waive visa requirements and increase bilateral visits, with an aim toward enriching diplomatic and trade ties, as he announced plans for a visit to South Africa by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the coming months.
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said on Sunday that Turkey has reached an agreement with South Africa to mutually waive visa requirements and increase bilateral visits, with an aim toward enriching diplomatic and trade ties, as he announced plans for a visit to South Africa by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the coming months.
August 21, 2011
For Muslim couple in Alabama Ramadan means fasting, then feasting, as all over the world
Roy Hoffmann
MOBILE - In south Alabama, as in their native Turkey, Ümit and Gülcan Gunebir observe Ramadan with prayer and fasting.
During each of the 30 days of the religious observance — this year, Aug. 1 – Aug. 30 — the couple rise before dawn in their west Mobile home, eat breakfast, then do not let food or drink pass their lips until sundown.
MOBILE - In south Alabama, as in their native Turkey, Ümit and Gülcan Gunebir observe Ramadan with prayer and fasting.
During each of the 30 days of the religious observance — this year, Aug. 1 – Aug. 30 — the couple rise before dawn in their west Mobile home, eat breakfast, then do not let food or drink pass their lips until sundown.
August 20, 2011
GYV gathers politicians, diplomats at iftar dinner in Turkish capital
Today's Zaman
Many distinguished figures, including cabinet members, politicians, diplomats, businessmen and journalists, came together at the same iftar (fast-breaking dinner) table on Thursday night in an event held by the Ankara branch of the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV).
Many distinguished figures, including cabinet members, politicians, diplomats, businessmen and journalists, came together at the same iftar (fast-breaking dinner) table on Thursday night in an event held by the Ankara branch of the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV).
August 19, 2011
Robustness and civility: Themes from Fethullah Gülen
Paul Weller *
The 7/7 attacks on the London transportation system in 2005, perpetrated by Muslims raised in the UK, shocked the British government, many Muslims and the wider civil society.
Subsequently, the UK’s multiculturalist policy consensus has been subject to intensive criticism. Politicians and some parts of civil society have challenged a perceived “separatism” within Muslim communities. These people emphasize a need for shared values and social cohesion and advocate the promotion of “moderate Islam” and “moderate Muslims.”
The 7/7 attacks on the London transportation system in 2005, perpetrated by Muslims raised in the UK, shocked the British government, many Muslims and the wider civil society.
Subsequently, the UK’s multiculturalist policy consensus has been subject to intensive criticism. Politicians and some parts of civil society have challenged a perceived “separatism” within Muslim communities. These people emphasize a need for shared values and social cohesion and advocate the promotion of “moderate Islam” and “moderate Muslims.”
August 18, 2011
The Concepts of Tolerance and Dialogue within the Context of Gülen’s Thought
Darian C. De Bolt
Fethullah Gülen sums up some of his central ideas when he writes, “Throughout the four corners of the world, people of truth and love…are carrying messages of love, tolerance and dialogue with everyone”(2004, 174). These three concepts, love, tolerance, and dialogue, show up again and again throughout Gülen’s writings, speeches, sermons, and interviews. What I would like to do is to examine particularly the concepts of tolerance and dialogue within the context of Gülen’s thought. I will concentrate particularly on the concepts of tolerance and dialogue because it is these ideas that personally attracted me to his thought. Although it is obvious I will relate these concepts to the Western tradition, you must understand that Gülen grounds these notions firmly within his own deep commitment to and knowledge of his faith tradition of Islam. However, let me begin in reverse order starting with dialogue.
 |
| Fethullah Gulen |
August 17, 2011
Binnaz Toprak and Ahmet Sik and the Gulen Movement
Onur Emir
The Gulen (or, as it is recently being called, the Hizmet) Movement has been both praised and criticized by academics and the media. In this post I discuss recent criticisms levelled by Binnaz Toprak and Ahmet Sik towards the Movement. My aim is to show readers the different perspectives of the critiques on the Gulen Movement.
The Gulen (or, as it is recently being called, the Hizmet) Movement has been both praised and criticized by academics and the media. In this post I discuss recent criticisms levelled by Binnaz Toprak and Ahmet Sik towards the Movement. My aim is to show readers the different perspectives of the critiques on the Gulen Movement.
August 16, 2011
The Growth of School System in Diverse Soils
Cemil Genç
Gulen schools have been presenting stunning performance regardless of the society have been initiated.
In this article, we would like to accentuate the successful expansion of the schools in different parts of the world. We thought the International Turkish Language Olympiads numbers would be a good indicator of the expansion of the Gulen inspired schools all over the world.
Gulen schools have been presenting stunning performance regardless of the society have been initiated.
In this article, we would like to accentuate the successful expansion of the schools in different parts of the world. We thought the International Turkish Language Olympiads numbers would be a good indicator of the expansion of the Gulen inspired schools all over the world.
August 15, 2011
Turkish students receive medals in Int’l Science Olympics
Today's Zaman
This year all 23 students representing Turkey through the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) in the International Science Olympics received medals in various branches of science.
Madagascar's first international award came from the Turkish school's student
Cihan News Agency
Miary Lalah Rakotoarison, a student attending a Turkish school in Madagascar, which gained its independence 50 years ago, brought an international success to his country. Miary Lalah Rakotoarison won a gold medal in The Young Inventors Project Competition, held in Georgia under the math category. Team coach Talgat Amanov who got his education in Kyrgyzstan from a Turkish school is now working at the Turkish school in Madagascar. Rakotoarison became the pride of his country.
Miary Lalah Rakotoarison, a student attending a Turkish school in Madagascar, which gained its independence 50 years ago, brought an international success to his country. Miary Lalah Rakotoarison won a gold medal in The Young Inventors Project Competition, held in Georgia under the math category. Team coach Talgat Amanov who got his education in Kyrgyzstan from a Turkish school is now working at the Turkish school in Madagascar. Rakotoarison became the pride of his country.
August 14, 2011
Samanyolu telethon for Somalia raises more than TL 25 million
Bayram Emir
More than TL 25 million has been raised in a special telethon organized by the Samanyolu Media Group and Turkish charity foundation Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) for famine-stricken Somalia.
Titled “İnsanlık Ölmedi” (Humanity Has Not Died), the show was aired as part of relief efforts and was broadcast by stations affiliated with the Samanyolu Media Group, including STV and Samanyolu Haber TV, on Thursday night. The show was hosted by Gezegen Mehmet, a famous radio host.
More than TL 25 million has been raised in a special telethon organized by the Samanyolu Media Group and Turkish charity foundation Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) for famine-stricken Somalia.
Titled “İnsanlık Ölmedi” (Humanity Has Not Died), the show was aired as part of relief efforts and was broadcast by stations affiliated with the Samanyolu Media Group, including STV and Samanyolu Haber TV, on Thursday night. The show was hosted by Gezegen Mehmet, a famous radio host.
August 13, 2011
Turkey role model for region, Pakistani FM says
Servet Yanatma
The 34-year-old Pakistani foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, has left an impression in Turkey on a first-time official visit abroad this week, as the country received the young official with a warm welcome in Ankara.
The 34-year-old Pakistani foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, has left an impression in Turkey on a first-time official visit abroad this week, as the country received the young official with a warm welcome in Ankara.
August 12, 2011
Journalists and Writers Foundation gathers all colors of Turkey at iftar
Esra Maden
Many distinguished figures including Turkey's spiritual leaders, politicians, artists, businessmen and journalists came together at the same iftar (fast-breaking dinner) table on Tuesday night in an event held by the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV).
Many distinguished figures including Turkey's spiritual leaders, politicians, artists, businessmen and journalists came together at the same iftar (fast-breaking dinner) table on Tuesday night in an event held by the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV).
August 11, 2011
160 tons of relief supplies were sent to Somalia
The drought that has swept over East Africa has become a major human catastrophe, especially the border regions of Somalia, Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia. African people are struggling with death and have left their towns and cities to come to camps on the borders. Kimse Yok Mu (KYM) arrived to the region of African Horn when the crisis started and KYM is continuing non-stop to help, sending 7 containers of basic food assistance to Somalia by ship from Mersin.
August 10, 2011
ANALYSIS: Norway massacre: going beyond madness
Ahmad Ali Khalid *
Breivik was a product of Islamophobic rhetoric and his violence did not emerge in a vacuum. Breivik was no madman — he was in enough control of his mental faculties to substantiate his ideological views over a 1,500-page dossier extensively quoting journalists, writers and philosophers.
The best way to deny accountability is to run towards insanity. Even the sane welcome this prospect as long as the burdens of responsibility are lifted from their shoulders. Madness negates any shred of moral responsibility, which opens up a disturbing world. Breivik’s massacre was not an act of madness. It was a cruel and vicious act of terrorism no doubt but it was brutally calculated. There was nothing indiscriminate in his mind about his attacks — he deliberately targeted people who were part of the ruling party.
The best way to deny accountability is to run towards insanity. Even the sane welcome this prospect as long as the burdens of responsibility are lifted from their shoulders. Madness negates any shred of moral responsibility, which opens up a disturbing world. Breivik’s massacre was not an act of madness. It was a cruel and vicious act of terrorism no doubt but it was brutally calculated. There was nothing indiscriminate in his mind about his attacks — he deliberately targeted people who were part of the ruling party.
August 9, 2011
Gülen Movement and Transparency
İsmail Mesut Sezgin
The transparency of the Hizmet or Gülen Movement has long been a theme of various critics – writers, intellectuals and politicians. In the context of Turkey where secularism is deployed as a means to control religion rather than to separate it from politics, it is not hard to understand why this theme has been so popular. Since Ataturk placed severest legal restrictions on religious institutions and important sites (like graveyards and religious centres), all religious groups, in order to exist all, have been forced to give themselves a make-over. Some, such as the Mevlevis (Rumi), Bektashis and Alavis, were more successful than others at securing the approval of the authorities. However, other groups, including other Sufi movements, have to be registered with and monitored by the official authority (Diyanet) responsible for religious affairs in Turkey.
August 8, 2011
[RAMADAN NOTES] Almsgiving in Ramadan
Kerim Balcı
Muslims all over the world greet Ramadan with wishes of generosity and abundance in the grace of God. This may sound like a paradox since Ramadan is also the month of abstaining from eating and drinking, the prime worldly needs we cannot fully abandon.
Muslims all over the world greet Ramadan with wishes of generosity and abundance in the grace of God. This may sound like a paradox since Ramadan is also the month of abstaining from eating and drinking, the prime worldly needs we cannot fully abandon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
