Ali H. Aslan
The Rumi Forum, an international organization promoting interfaith dialogue and peace, presented awards celebrating peace and dialogue initiatives at their annual Peace and Dialogue Awards ceremony in Washington on Tuesday.
November 2, 2011
Ceremony Honors Individuals Dedicated to Peace
Erdoğan Dur, Namisha Sarin, Yavuz Yağlıdere
The nation's capital - the scene of a pretigious ceremony... honoring those who contribute to the world's interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
In Washington D-C, the 6th Annual 2011 RUMI Peace and Dialogue Awards drew a crowd of supporters dedicated to peace and understanding worldwide.
The nation's capital - the scene of a pretigious ceremony... honoring those who contribute to the world's interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
In Washington D-C, the 6th Annual 2011 RUMI Peace and Dialogue Awards drew a crowd of supporters dedicated to peace and understanding worldwide.
November 1, 2011
Opinion: Out of the rubble, a chance to mend relations
Aydoğan Vatandaş *
Even though Turkey and Israel had great tensions after the Mavi Marmara raid last year, it was a breath of a fresh air to know that Israel was the first country to extend her hand to Turkey following last week’s devastating earthquake in Van.
The United States, Germany, Greece and Poland also offered help, as did Armenia, a country that had no diplomatic relationship with Turkey for a long time.
But Turkey was initially reluctant to accept outside offers of help.
Even though Turkey and Israel had great tensions after the Mavi Marmara raid last year, it was a breath of a fresh air to know that Israel was the first country to extend her hand to Turkey following last week’s devastating earthquake in Van.
The United States, Germany, Greece and Poland also offered help, as did Armenia, a country that had no diplomatic relationship with Turkey for a long time.
But Turkey was initially reluctant to accept outside offers of help.
October 31, 2011
Somali education minister praises opening of Turkish school
Alyson Neel
The Somali education minister expressed his happiness at the opening of the first Turkish high school in Somalia on Monday.
"It has been wonderful -- the students and parents are very happy to have access to quality education," Somali Education Minister Ahmet Aidid Ibrahim shared in an exclusive interview with Today's Zaman on Tuesday.
The Somali education minister expressed his happiness at the opening of the first Turkish high school in Somalia on Monday.
"It has been wonderful -- the students and parents are very happy to have access to quality education," Somali Education Minister Ahmet Aidid Ibrahim shared in an exclusive interview with Today's Zaman on Tuesday.
Logistics center and food center are opened with a ceremony in Somalia
Kimse Yok Mu
KYM Association opened a Logistics Center and a food center with a ceremony attended by the Somali PM Sheikh Sharif Ahmed.
The ceremony was held in the center of the capital city Mogadishu and the Prime Minister gave a speech thanking the Turkish people for all the help.
The ceremony was held in the center of the capital city Mogadishu and the Prime Minister gave a speech thanking the Turkish people for all the help.
October 30, 2011
Turkish hospital opens to save lives in Kazakhstan
Today's Zaman
The Sema Hospital, specializing in the treatment of heart disease, was officially inaugurated over the weekend in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan.
The Sema Hospital, specializing in the treatment of heart disease, was officially inaugurated over the weekend in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan.
Turkish college to partner Yobe on education, agriculture
Hamisu Kabir Matazu
The Turkish International College has expressed its readiness to partner Yobe Emirates on education and agriculture.
The Turkish International College has expressed its readiness to partner Yobe Emirates on education and agriculture.
October 29, 2011
Turkey as seen from Pakistan
İhsan Yılmaz
KARACHI -- I have been giving a marathon of speeches in Pakistan, and in the past few days have spoken in three or four different venues on the transformations taking place in Turkey, Turkish foreign policy, Turkish NGOs, relations between Turkey and the West, the Arab Spring from the Turkish perspective and the relationship between secularism, Islam and democracy in Turkey.
KARACHI -- I have been giving a marathon of speeches in Pakistan, and in the past few days have spoken in three or four different venues on the transformations taking place in Turkey, Turkish foreign policy, Turkish NGOs, relations between Turkey and the West, the Arab Spring from the Turkish perspective and the relationship between secularism, Islam and democracy in Turkey.
October 28, 2011
Fethullah Gülen and a new paradigm in the Kurdish issue
Markar Esayan
We are experiencing hard times. This country has so many ignored problems that are affecting us; they do this sometimes as a group, sometimes individually and sometimes as a collective whole.
Waste of time and money may be compensated. But how about the loss of lives? Or what about those who have experienced the anguish of losing a loved one.
We are experiencing hard times. This country has so many ignored problems that are affecting us; they do this sometimes as a group, sometimes individually and sometimes as a collective whole.
Waste of time and money may be compensated. But how about the loss of lives? Or what about those who have experienced the anguish of losing a loved one.
October 27, 2011
TV stations raise TL 129 million for earthquake victims
Today's Zaman
Relief efforts for the victims of last Sunday's massive earthquake have overtaken the entire country, with several TV stations raising TL 129 million as part of a joint charity telethon.
Relief efforts for the victims of last Sunday's massive earthquake have overtaken the entire country, with several TV stations raising TL 129 million as part of a joint charity telethon.
STV, Kimse Yok Mu raise TL 65 million for quake victims
Today's Zaman
More than TL 65 million was raised in a special telethon organized by the Samanyolu Media Group and Turkish charity foundation Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) on Tuesday night for the victims of Sunday's massive earthquake in eastern Turkey, according to a Cihan news agency report.
A total of TL 65,056,527 was donated during a live fundraising telecast on local Samanyolu TV channels and radio stations. More than 9,000 people reached out in support of the earthquake victims by sending SMS text messages during the telethon. The show was hosted by Gezegen Mehmet, a famous radio personality.
More than TL 65 million was raised in a special telethon organized by the Samanyolu Media Group and Turkish charity foundation Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) on Tuesday night for the victims of Sunday's massive earthquake in eastern Turkey, according to a Cihan news agency report.
A total of TL 65,056,527 was donated during a live fundraising telecast on local Samanyolu TV channels and radio stations. More than 9,000 people reached out in support of the earthquake victims by sending SMS text messages during the telethon. The show was hosted by Gezegen Mehmet, a famous radio personality.
October 26, 2011
Opportunity emerges -- from Van
Yavuz Baydar
There is such a huge difference between causes of death. Just a week or so ago the country was traumatized by an abominable attack that killed 24 soldiers. Two days ago, retaliatory action resulted in -- according to military sources -- the deaths of 270 Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) insurgents. There were Kurds, as I wrote in my previous article, among the soldiers and many of the militants were Kurds from Turkey.
The earthquake that hit the predominantly Kurdish province of Van on Sunday has killed over 300 people. The worst hit area, the district of Erciş, is almost purely Kurdish, with political sympathies equally divided between Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and Peace and Democracy Party (BDP).
There is such a huge difference between causes of death. Just a week or so ago the country was traumatized by an abominable attack that killed 24 soldiers. Two days ago, retaliatory action resulted in -- according to military sources -- the deaths of 270 Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) insurgents. There were Kurds, as I wrote in my previous article, among the soldiers and many of the militants were Kurds from Turkey.
The earthquake that hit the predominantly Kurdish province of Van on Sunday has killed over 300 people. The worst hit area, the district of Erciş, is almost purely Kurdish, with political sympathies equally divided between Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and Peace and Democracy Party (BDP).
October 25, 2011
Fethullah Gülen: ‘Shame for military to stage coups but not to finish off the PKK’
Today's Zaman
Renowned Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has said it is shameful that the Turkish military, which ruled millions of people after staging coups, has failed to bring an end to outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorism despite three decades having passed since it came into existence.
In his latest speech broadcast on the herkul.org website, Fethullah Gülen expressed his grief over the deaths of dozens of security members during terrorist attacks in the country's Southeast last week. He also expressed his disappointment over the Turkish military's failure to end PKK terrorism over the past 30 years.
Renowned Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has said it is shameful that the Turkish military, which ruled millions of people after staging coups, has failed to bring an end to outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorism despite three decades having passed since it came into existence.
In his latest speech broadcast on the herkul.org website, Fethullah Gülen expressed his grief over the deaths of dozens of security members during terrorist attacks in the country's Southeast last week. He also expressed his disappointment over the Turkish military's failure to end PKK terrorism over the past 30 years.
October 24, 2011
German interpellation about Gülen Movement
The Federal Government of Germany responded to a minor interpellation by Ulla Jelpke et al from the Die Linke party, who inquired about the Gülen movement. In a letter signed by Klaus-Dieter Fritsche, the President of the German Bundestag, Federal Government responded to this inquiry by affirming that “The Federal Government does not have any information about the Fethullah Gülen movement which may be relevant to the protection of the Constitution. The Fethullah Gülen movement is not monitored by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.” Here are the questions by the Die Linke party and answers by the government:
October 23, 2011
We were afraid to publish when we got the coup diaries, Birand says
Fatih Vural
Veteran journalist Mehmet Ali Birand made striking confessions about the contribution of the mainstream media to the military in anti-democratic practices over the years in May, triggering the debate on the role of the media during military coups.
Noting that most journalists and media channels acted in favor of the military to guarantee the hegemonic position of the secular and Kemalist establishment in the political landscape thus excluding important segments of society from the decision-making process, Birand said that democracy had not been as important as retaining political power by using any means, including supporting coups, for secular intellectuals and journalists.
Veteran journalist Mehmet Ali Birand made striking confessions about the contribution of the mainstream media to the military in anti-democratic practices over the years in May, triggering the debate on the role of the media during military coups.
Noting that most journalists and media channels acted in favor of the military to guarantee the hegemonic position of the secular and Kemalist establishment in the political landscape thus excluding important segments of society from the decision-making process, Birand said that democracy had not been as important as retaining political power by using any means, including supporting coups, for secular intellectuals and journalists.
October 22, 2011
Superheroes inspired by Quran nothing to fear (Fear Not)
Kay Campbell
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- The contested reputation of Muslim leader Fethullah Gulen is a case study in the vexations faced by Muslims who are working for peace in a world too often convinced that all Muslims are either murderous zealots, friends of murderous zealots, covering up for said murderous zealots, or future murderous zealots.
Turkish Islamist fundamentalists claim that Gulen, who now lives in the U.S., is working for Jewish interests inside of Turkey. Also, Gulen is a Trojan horse for the American C.I.A. (this in the land where the Trojan Horse was invented) to infect Turkey with Western decadence.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
Turkish Islamist fundamentalists claim that Gulen, who now lives in the U.S., is working for Jewish interests inside of Turkey. Also, Gulen is a Trojan horse for the American C.I.A. (this in the land where the Trojan Horse was invented) to infect Turkey with Western decadence.
October 21, 2011
PKK’s war for survival and power
Bülent Keneş
Turkey woke up to an indescribable sorrow on Wednesday morning. Hundreds of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorists launched simultaneous attacks against eight different spots in the Çukurca district of Hakkari, slaughtering 24 young soldiers and wounding 22 others in the spring of their lives.
People are quite right to ask why security forces failed to take adequate security measures in the region to protect both themselves and the country despite the fact that the terrorist organization will have increased concerns about its survival and act with these concerns in mind, as there have been refreshed hopes that the work on drafting a new constitution will remove the remaining traces of the Kurdish issue, which has already been diminished thanks to the democratic reforms implemented so far.
Turkey woke up to an indescribable sorrow on Wednesday morning. Hundreds of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorists launched simultaneous attacks against eight different spots in the Çukurca district of Hakkari, slaughtering 24 young soldiers and wounding 22 others in the spring of their lives.
People are quite right to ask why security forces failed to take adequate security measures in the region to protect both themselves and the country despite the fact that the terrorist organization will have increased concerns about its survival and act with these concerns in mind, as there have been refreshed hopes that the work on drafting a new constitution will remove the remaining traces of the Kurdish issue, which has already been diminished thanks to the democratic reforms implemented so far.
October 20, 2011
Fethullah Gülen says he is saddened over heart-wrenching PKK killings
Today's Zaman
Turkish renowned Islamic scholar has said he is saddened over the death of Turkish soldiers in attacks by the terrorist Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Hakkari on Wednesday that killed 24 soldiers.
Fethullah Gülen said despite similar previous incidents and all intelligence gathering, openly tandem attacks as a result of lack of necessary sensitivity and measures, these attacks are a dark scenario played out over these territories.
Gülen expressed condolences for the slain troops and said he hopes people could tackle these problems.
Published on Today's Zaman, 20 October 2011, Thursday
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| Fethullah Gulen |
Fethullah Gülen said despite similar previous incidents and all intelligence gathering, openly tandem attacks as a result of lack of necessary sensitivity and measures, these attacks are a dark scenario played out over these territories.
Gülen expressed condolences for the slain troops and said he hopes people could tackle these problems.
Published on Today's Zaman, 20 October 2011, Thursday
October 19, 2011
Turkey rolls up sleeves to reach out to needy at home, abroad on Eid al-Adha
Today's Zaman
Turkish charity groups are once again preparing to help the less fortunate in Turkey and around the world during the upcoming holiday of Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), which is to begin on Nov. 6 and last for four days.
Turkish charity groups are once again preparing to help the less fortunate in Turkey and around the world during the upcoming holiday of Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), which is to begin on Nov. 6 and last for four days.
October 18, 2011
I see real patriotism in the Gülen movement *
Serdar Turgut
When I sit down to write my column, I never worry about pleasing everyone or constraining my emotions. When I decide it's the right time for a column, my emotions should be heightened. I do not write with my brain; I write with my heart.
When I sit down to write my column, I never worry about pleasing everyone or constraining my emotions. When I decide it's the right time for a column, my emotions should be heightened. I do not write with my brain; I write with my heart.
October 17, 2011
Protectionist Ideology in Turkey and Its Cheap, Polarizing Bloggers Abroad
Muhammed Çetin
When a conflict arises in society, adherents of any ideology will use it to their own advantage. One way they do this is by pushing groups outside the conflict to be involved in it.
They attempt to make their adversary's position seem illegitimate and negative in the eyes of third parties. Protectionist groups in the Turkish system use all these tactics to discredit opponents, legitimize repression and mask unlawful schemes. Their easiest route to that end has been to control the media, including recently using deceitful bloggers outside Turkey.
When a conflict arises in society, adherents of any ideology will use it to their own advantage. One way they do this is by pushing groups outside the conflict to be involved in it.
They attempt to make their adversary's position seem illegitimate and negative in the eyes of third parties. Protectionist groups in the Turkish system use all these tactics to discredit opponents, legitimize repression and mask unlawful schemes. Their easiest route to that end has been to control the media, including recently using deceitful bloggers outside Turkey.
October 16, 2011
Afghan-Turk Medal Winning Students Praised
Kabul (BIA)
As many as 43 Afghan-Turk High School got first positions in a competition held in Turkey and won medals were lauded during a meeting in Kabul. The students had attended a competition of social and science in Turkey could get the first positions and win gold, silver and bronze medals. At the meeting, general director of Afghan-Turk schools in Kabul, Neman Urdoghan shed light on the historical relation between the two countries and pledged expansion of cultural and education activities of his country with Afghanistan. Likewise, Turkish ambassador emphasized on expansion of his country’s cooperation particularly in the area of education and health as saying that, “we join the Afghan people in their pain and grief”. At the meeting education minister, Farooq Wardak also lauded the talent of the Afghan-Turk school students who had brought medals and honored their people and government. He also thanked the Turkish country for providing education facilities for the Afghan students. At the end of the meeting prizes were distributed among the medal winning students.
Published on Bakhtar News Agency, 11 October 2011, Wednesday
Published on Bakhtar News Agency, 11 October 2011, Wednesday
October 15, 2011
The ‘community’ [Gulen movement] and the Kurdish issue
Özlem Albayrak, Yeni Şafak
The Gülen movement has long been approached by other religious groups and communities with wariness since it refused to be “obstinate” with the Republican regime that oppressed Muslims for many years and it failed to level criticism of modernity and the West as was typical of other Muslim groups.
The Gülen movement has long been approached by other religious groups and communities with wariness since it refused to be “obstinate” with the Republican regime that oppressed Muslims for many years and it failed to level criticism of modernity and the West as was typical of other Muslim groups.
October 14, 2011
Balkans between two worlds: Turkey and Europe
Mesut İdriz *
Geo-ontologically the Balkans falls at the crossroads between the heartlands of Turkey’s Anatolia and Europe.
...
Turkish educational institutions in the Balkans have a longer history than Turkish state agencies, in both pre-university and university levels. These educational institutions have managed to be successful as secondary schools, so-called “kolej” (high schools), where the medium of instruction is in English, along with the local languages. These schools’ students do not belong to a specific group or ethnicity, as the schools are open to all, including the children of diplomats and expats working for international companies.
Geo-ontologically the Balkans falls at the crossroads between the heartlands of Turkey’s Anatolia and Europe.
...
October 13, 2011
Importance and power of the Gülen movement
Cengiz Çandar, Radikal
The Gülen community is currently the most influential Turkish lobby in the US. They work in the right way and obey the rules of the game in the US perfectly.
The Gülen community is currently the most influential Turkish lobby in the US. They work in the right way and obey the rules of the game in the US perfectly.
October 12, 2011
The US and Turkey: Rebuilding relations
Beril Dedeoğlu
There is a considerable difference between looking at Turkey from inside and outside the country. From which foreign country one looks towards Turkey also matters greatly. When we are in Turkey, we often view ourselves as people capable of criticizing their country and as a nation that yearns for a better political system, better democracy and more transparent institutions. However, from the outside, the image we portray is sometimes quite different.
We were in Los Angeles for the last few days as guests of the Pacifica Institute, in the context of the Turkish Cultural and Food Festival. We had contradictory feelings when we visited the city and the festival area. California is one of the richest states in the US, and its level of development has sometimes astonished us. It's instructive to observe how the agriculture, industry and service sectors can develop in harmony, how vineyards and colleges, how the movie industry and ports can coexist and even support each other's activities. It was also a reminder how much distance Turkey has yet to cover.
There is a considerable difference between looking at Turkey from inside and outside the country. From which foreign country one looks towards Turkey also matters greatly. When we are in Turkey, we often view ourselves as people capable of criticizing their country and as a nation that yearns for a better political system, better democracy and more transparent institutions. However, from the outside, the image we portray is sometimes quite different.
October 11, 2011
Albanian president hails Turkish schools in his country
Today's Zaman
Albanian President Bamir Topi has praised schools opened in his country by Turkish entrepreneurs and called for the opening of more such schools.
Albanian President Bamir Topi has praised schools opened in his country by Turkish entrepreneurs and called for the opening of more such schools.
October 10, 2011
Turkey's Gulen movement and global Islamic activism
Mohamed Nawab Osman *
Contemporary writings on Islam tend to portray global Islamic activism in a negative light. In such writings, the notion of global Islamic activism is often linked to the revival of the Islamic Caliphate as espoused by groups such as the al-Qaida and Ikhwanul Muslimin (Muslim Brotherhood).
Contemporary writings on Islam tend to portray global Islamic activism in a negative light. In such writings, the notion of global Islamic activism is often linked to the revival of the Islamic Caliphate as espoused by groups such as the al-Qaida and Ikhwanul Muslimin (Muslim Brotherhood).
October 9, 2011
Pak Turk university soon
Ashraf Ansari
The ceremony was organized by the Pak Turk International Cag Educational Foundation (ICEF’s) in which officials of Pakistan and Turkey, business community, academicians, philanthropists and parents of Pak Turk Schools’ were present.
Islamabad—ground breaking ceremony of Girls School Campus H-8/1 of Pak Turk International Schools and Colleges was performed here on Friday.
The ceremony was organized by the Pak Turk International Cag Educational Foundation (ICEF’s) in which officials of Pakistan and Turkey, business community, academicians, philanthropists and parents of Pak Turk Schools’ were present.
October 8, 2011
Anatolia in Los Angeles
Ergun Babahan
LOS ANGELES -- The Gülen movement continues to successfully bring Turkey to every corner of the world. We are in Los Angeles for this year’s 3rd Anatolian Cultures and Foods Festival. There are hundreds of people here from Turkey as well as from various other countries in Europe.
October 7, 2011
Fethullah Gülen's Ideas Address the Entire World
Bülent Keneş
The ideas of Fethullah Gülen, the most discussed figure of Turkey for decades now, have become important topics in the intellectual circles of the world in recent years. Having millions of followers worldwide in addition to those in his own country, Gülen has risen to prominence with his statements and actions that shatter the twisted perception of Islam into a thousand pieces.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
October 6, 2011
The Anatolians are coming
Mustafa Akyol
If you want to get an idea of how much Turkish civil society has flourished recently, just visit this address on your browser: http://www.anatolianfestival.org/. It is the website of the “Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival” that will be held this upcoming weekend in Costa Mesa, California. Probably the largest nongovernmental “Turkish event” so far in the United States, it is quite impressive. In a huge area expected to be visited by tens of thousands, icons of Turkish culture will be displayed via impressive installations, concerts, conferences and eateries.
October 5, 2011
Ethics in a Multifaith Society: Muslims and Christians in Dialogue
The conference “Ethics in a multifaith society: Muslims and Christians in Dialogue” [Tuesday-Wednesday, 22-23 November 2011] is held in honour of M. Fethullah Gülen, from whom the Australian Catholic University Chair in the Study of Islam and Muslim-Catholic Relations, established in 2007, takes its name.
October 4, 2011
Turkish charities in Somalia for long haul
Alyson Neel
Somali Education Minister Mustafa Aidid Ibrahim has called for a remedy, not a band aid from the international community in addressing his country’s ailments.
Somali Education Minister Mustafa Aidid Ibrahim has called for a remedy, not a band aid from the international community in addressing his country’s ailments.
October 3, 2011
Diplomacy between Turkey and Israel
Mehmet Kalyoncu *
“Constructive ambiguity” is probably the most useful diplomatic tool that enables the states to move forward in their relationships with their counterparts, no matter what kind of crisis they may have experienced.
But it looks like it has long been kicked out of the Turkish diplomatic lexicon. Technically, the constructive ambiguity is defined as a deliberate vagueness in one's statements or position in negotiations with a view to expand the realm of maneuvering in order to advance particular political objectives.
“Constructive ambiguity” is probably the most useful diplomatic tool that enables the states to move forward in their relationships with their counterparts, no matter what kind of crisis they may have experienced.
But it looks like it has long been kicked out of the Turkish diplomatic lexicon. Technically, the constructive ambiguity is defined as a deliberate vagueness in one's statements or position in negotiations with a view to expand the realm of maneuvering in order to advance particular political objectives.
October 2, 2011
‘Military ban on journalists resulted in lost jobs after 1997 coup’
Köksal Akpınar
Cüneyt Özdemir, a young and promising journalist, said the biggest threat faced by journalists during the Feb. 28 postmodern coup in Turkey was losing their jobs if they flout a ban on their entering military facilities and housing complexes.
Cüneyt Özdemir, a young and promising journalist, said the biggest threat faced by journalists during the Feb. 28 postmodern coup in Turkey was losing their jobs if they flout a ban on their entering military facilities and housing complexes.
September 30, 2011
Somali Education Minister: Somalia needs remedy, not band-aid
Alyson Neel
Somali Education Minister Ahmet Aidid İbrahim, in an exclusive interview with Today's Zaman on Thursday in İstanbul, said that drought-stricken Somalia needs a sustainable remedy from the international community, not a mere band-aid. “My country has been struggling for twenty years because of civil war and a lack of law and order,” İbrahim said of the dismal conditions in Somalia, where there has been no central governmental control over most of the country's territory since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991.
Somali Education Minister Ahmet Aidid İbrahim, in an exclusive interview with Today's Zaman on Thursday in İstanbul, said that drought-stricken Somalia needs a sustainable remedy from the international community, not a mere band-aid. “My country has been struggling for twenty years because of civil war and a lack of law and order,” İbrahim said of the dismal conditions in Somalia, where there has been no central governmental control over most of the country's territory since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991.
309 Somali students come to Turkey for education
Today's Zaman
Turkish charity organization Kimse Yok Mu on Wednesday gave 309 Somalis the opportunity to receive a quality education in Turkey, according to a news report from the Cihan news agency.
The students, along with Kimse Yok Mu officials and Somali Education Minister Ahmet Eydid İbrahim, arrived at İstanbul Atatürk Airport early Wednesday morning, where they were welcomed by more Kimse Yok Mu representatives.
Turkish charity organization Kimse Yok Mu on Wednesday gave 309 Somalis the opportunity to receive a quality education in Turkey, according to a news report from the Cihan news agency.
The students, along with Kimse Yok Mu officials and Somali Education Minister Ahmet Eydid İbrahim, arrived at İstanbul Atatürk Airport early Wednesday morning, where they were welcomed by more Kimse Yok Mu representatives.
September 29, 2011
Fethullah Gulen sees peace wherever Huntington sees clash
Ali İhsan Aydın
The Gülen movement was explored by many scholars and academicians at the London School of Economics during the three-day conference.
On the last day of a conference titled "The Changing Islamic World: Contributions of the Fethullah Gülen Movement" held in London, Gülen's interfaith and inter-cultural dialogue activities were discussed.
The Gülen movement was explored by many scholars and academicians at the London School of Economics during the three-day conference.
On the last day of a conference titled "The Changing Islamic World: Contributions of the Fethullah Gülen Movement" held in London, Gülen's interfaith and inter-cultural dialogue activities were discussed.
September 28, 2011
Understanding Structure and Hierarchy in the Gülen Movement – 1
Martin Taylor
The Gülen Movement, also known as Hizmet (service), is a social movement inspired by the Turkish Islamic scholar and peace activist Fethullah Gülen.[1] It began in Turkey in the 1970’s and operates principally in education, dialogue, media and relief work. It has founded over a thousand schools; even more dialogue organisations; clinics; media outlets; humanitarian aid and other charitable NGOs in over a 130 countries worldwide. By all measures, the Movement is big, extensive, dynamic and successful. For many, this means that it must be centrally organized and hierarchically structured — that is, it must be top-down with clear chains of command, various layers of operating systems with the necessary checks and balances that entails. The assumption is based on our everyday experience of getting things done (and finding that the bigger the task the harder and more complex the organisational effort it requires) and on our knowledge of small and large organisations. The assumption is that large entities must have elaborate hierarchical structures and systems to even exist let alone achieve their goals.
The Gülen Movement, also known as Hizmet (service), is a social movement inspired by the Turkish Islamic scholar and peace activist Fethullah Gülen.[1] It began in Turkey in the 1970’s and operates principally in education, dialogue, media and relief work. It has founded over a thousand schools; even more dialogue organisations; clinics; media outlets; humanitarian aid and other charitable NGOs in over a 130 countries worldwide. By all measures, the Movement is big, extensive, dynamic and successful. For many, this means that it must be centrally organized and hierarchically structured — that is, it must be top-down with clear chains of command, various layers of operating systems with the necessary checks and balances that entails. The assumption is based on our everyday experience of getting things done (and finding that the bigger the task the harder and more complex the organisational effort it requires) and on our knowledge of small and large organisations. The assumption is that large entities must have elaborate hierarchical structures and systems to even exist let alone achieve their goals.
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.
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| 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.
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