Mutlu Tönbekici
I've been in Uganda for the last 4-5 days to see the schools of the Gulen Movement. As my colleagues missed the flight, I'm the only one here. But this turned out to be a good thing. As they welcomed me as the most precious guest and I could visit the houses of the Turkish people working here in the Turkish schools not like a journalist but a relative from Erzurum or Manisa.
January 23, 2012
January 22, 2012
‘US failed to criticize anti-democratic e-memo by Turkish military’
Köksal Akpınar
The US has always supported military coups d’état in Turkey. As of late, this has changed a bit, but still the US administration’s ambivalent stance when the Turkish military issued a threatening e-memorandum – that is, an anti-government declaration posted on its website – on April 27, 2007, was no attitude to be proud of, according to Yasemin Çongar, a prominent pro-democracy journalist in Turkey.
Referring to the US administration’s response to the April 27 memo, Çongar said: “They acted unethically. And I think this embarrassed them later.
They were embarrassed when the [Turkish] government stood up to the military, though they [the US] had failed to take a similar stance, and, more importantly, [they were embarrassed] by the reaction of people with democratic awareness in Turkey.”
She recently responded to questions from the Cihan Magazine, sharing her opinions on various aspects of Turkish politics and life.
The US has always supported military coups d’état in Turkey. As of late, this has changed a bit, but still the US administration’s ambivalent stance when the Turkish military issued a threatening e-memorandum – that is, an anti-government declaration posted on its website – on April 27, 2007, was no attitude to be proud of, according to Yasemin Çongar, a prominent pro-democracy journalist in Turkey.
Referring to the US administration’s response to the April 27 memo, Çongar said: “They acted unethically. And I think this embarrassed them later.
They were embarrassed when the [Turkish] government stood up to the military, though they [the US] had failed to take a similar stance, and, more importantly, [they were embarrassed] by the reaction of people with democratic awareness in Turkey.”
She recently responded to questions from the Cihan Magazine, sharing her opinions on various aspects of Turkish politics and life.
January 21, 2012
I am afraid 2012 will not be easy
Emre Uslu
When the Justice and Development Party (AKP) received 50 percent of the votes in the 2011 election and came to power by promising to make a new constitution, expectations were raised to expect a transformation of the system. But if you consider the aftermath of the elections, one cannot help thinking that it will be good if we just avoid having any troubles in 2012. What reasons are there to be so pessimistic?
When the Justice and Development Party (AKP) received 50 percent of the votes in the 2011 election and came to power by promising to make a new constitution, expectations were raised to expect a transformation of the system. But if you consider the aftermath of the elections, one cannot help thinking that it will be good if we just avoid having any troubles in 2012. What reasons are there to be so pessimistic?
January 20, 2012
Minister: PKK is uneasy with Gülen's followers as they communicate with civilians
Today's Zaman
Akşam: The daily covered an interview with Agriculture Minister Mehdi Eker in its lead story. “The Kurdistan Workers’ Party [PKK] is uncomfortable with my speaking Kurdish. They want politicians who do not know Kurdish so that the PKK can say that the government is foreign to us and does not know anything about our culture. However, I will continue with my attempts to communicate with Kurds because now is the time that communication is of the utmost importance,” said Eker. He added that the PKK is also uneasy with the existence in "their" region of followers of Fethullah Gülen, an Islamic scholar. Eker highlighted that Gülen’s followers’ aim is to communicate with civilians in the region and that this is the last thing the PKK wants.
Excerpted from Press Roundup on Today's Zaman, 16 January 2012, Monday
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| (Photo: Aksam) |
Excerpted from Press Roundup on Today's Zaman, 16 January 2012, Monday
Turkish school to open many new branches in Egypt
Anadolu Agency
The Turkish school, which is regarded as one the best schools in Egypt, currently has two branches in Cairo and Beni Suef with 1000 students.
Turkish Salahaldin International School plans to open ten new branches within three years in Egypt, the school's director general has said.
The Turkish school, which is regarded as one the best schools in Egypt, currently has two branches in Cairo and Beni Suef with 1000 students.
Turkish Salahaldin International School plans to open ten new branches within three years in Egypt, the school's director general has said.
January 19, 2012
Dink verdict: Border between state and deep state fades away
İhsan Yılmaz
Five years ago, in my column on Jan. 21, 2007, a few days after Hrant Dink’s assassination, I wrote, “Turkey desperately needs to quash the deep state, mythical or real.
The usual suspects, including retired bureaucrats, could and should be effectively surveilled, prosecutors can and should be as courageous and vigilant as they were in prosecuting Dink and many others who threatened Turkishness or the Turkish state by expressing their opinions. The government can and should overcome Şemdinli syndrome.” Unfortunately, the recent court verdict on the Dink case only confirmed that we have been miserably disappointed in regard to all of the above expectations.
Five years ago, in my column on Jan. 21, 2007, a few days after Hrant Dink’s assassination, I wrote, “Turkey desperately needs to quash the deep state, mythical or real.
The usual suspects, including retired bureaucrats, could and should be effectively surveilled, prosecutors can and should be as courageous and vigilant as they were in prosecuting Dink and many others who threatened Turkishness or the Turkish state by expressing their opinions. The government can and should overcome Şemdinli syndrome.” Unfortunately, the recent court verdict on the Dink case only confirmed that we have been miserably disappointed in regard to all of the above expectations.
January 18, 2012
Universalistic aspect of the Gülen Movement
fgulen.org
Are norms and values in the Gülen Movement modified according to varying circumstances?
Varying circumstances do not result in modifications to norms and values in the Gülen Movement.
Its norms and values have held steady over time, so that the Gülen Movement has not suffered or changed as a result of crisis or conflict in society, nor in the face of other new developments, but instead has become stronger. This is different from political movements, in which self-interest and cost–benefit calculations do indeed generally lead to modification of norms.
Are norms and values in the Gülen Movement modified according to varying circumstances?
Varying circumstances do not result in modifications to norms and values in the Gülen Movement.
Its norms and values have held steady over time, so that the Gülen Movement has not suffered or changed as a result of crisis or conflict in society, nor in the face of other new developments, but instead has become stronger. This is different from political movements, in which self-interest and cost–benefit calculations do indeed generally lead to modification of norms.
January 17, 2012
Overcoming the risk of internal conflicts and fragmentation in the Gülen Movement
fgulen.org
How likely are fragmentation and schisms in the Gülen Movement?
Fragmentation and schisms are unlikely to form in the Gülen Movement for several reasons: the Gülen Movement does not have an ideology; its worldview or belief system is not dogmatically attached to some fixed orthodoxy of interpretation of values and ideals handed on from the past; it is not closed to fresh presentation of its own near reference-tradition or to ideas originating outside that tradition; neither is it closed to new formulations and practices that open up a large common source of compatible values and ideals between different traditions.
How likely are fragmentation and schisms in the Gülen Movement?
Fragmentation and schisms are unlikely to form in the Gülen Movement for several reasons: the Gülen Movement does not have an ideology; its worldview or belief system is not dogmatically attached to some fixed orthodoxy of interpretation of values and ideals handed on from the past; it is not closed to fresh presentation of its own near reference-tradition or to ideas originating outside that tradition; neither is it closed to new formulations and practices that open up a large common source of compatible values and ideals between different traditions.
January 16, 2012
Foreign Policy's emotional and biased journalism on Turkey
İhsan Yılmaz
On Jan. 11, 2012, Foreign Policy magazine published a piece titled “Behind the Bars in the Deep State” by Justin Vela.
The piece is neither objective nor accurate. It is one-sided and biased. It is also prejudicial against the Hizmet (Gülen) movement. It fails to give a balanced picture of Turkish politics and democracy and thus betrays its readers. Here are my specific reasons why:
On Jan. 11, 2012, Foreign Policy magazine published a piece titled “Behind the Bars in the Deep State” by Justin Vela.
The piece is neither objective nor accurate. It is one-sided and biased. It is also prejudicial against the Hizmet (Gülen) movement. It fails to give a balanced picture of Turkish politics and democracy and thus betrays its readers. Here are my specific reasons why:
January 15, 2012
Gulen Movement and global issues: In what way does the world 'need' a movement like the Gülen Movement?
fgulen.org
In what way does the world 'need' a movement like the Gülen Movement?
The circumstances in which we live today necessitate a far better educated, fairer and more peaceful world and the co-operation of civilizations.
In what way does the world 'need' a movement like the Gülen Movement?
The circumstances in which we live today necessitate a far better educated, fairer and more peaceful world and the co-operation of civilizations.
January 14, 2012
Emotional Western journalism on Turkey
İhsan Yılmaz
Especially after the “one minute” incident at Davos, some Western media sources have been increasingly emotional in their journalism and news reporting of Turkey.
The majority of pieces that appear in the Western media are far from balanced, objective or accurate. One does not need to be an Edward Said reader to know how Orientalism influences coverage of Islam in the Western media, but the case of Turkey requires special attention. Soon after the Turkish Parliament, dominated by the Justice and Democracy Party (AKP), rejected a motion that would allow American troops to use Turkish soil in their invasion of Iraq in March 2003, the Western media increasingly described the AKP as an Islamo-fascist party. Now, after the “one minute” incident, and after 10 years of AKP rule -- which is supported not only by secular liberal-democrats, but by even non-Muslim citizens such as Armenians, despite their critical distance and lack of engagement -- these very circles claim that Turkey is becoming an authoritarian country under the rule of the AKP and the Hizmet (Gülen) Movement.
Especially after the “one minute” incident at Davos, some Western media sources have been increasingly emotional in their journalism and news reporting of Turkey.
January 13, 2012
Greatest trick of pro-Ergenekon figures
Hüseyin Gülerce
There is fierce competition and struggle between democratization and guardianship on the political, judicial and media fronts. The supporters of guardianship still remain baffled by the unpreparedness for the recent developments and inability to properly read the changing Turkey and the world.
There is fierce competition and struggle between democratization and guardianship on the political, judicial and media fronts. The supporters of guardianship still remain baffled by the unpreparedness for the recent developments and inability to properly read the changing Turkey and the world.
January 12, 2012
Where should the former chief of General Staff be judged?
Kerim Balcı
Whenever the self-marginalizing old-media elite start asking orchestrated, irrelevant questions about a criminal case, our country faces a new challenge, of a covert media operation against the judiciary or police.
This time it is about which court should judge the former chief of General Staff. The self-marginalizing old-media elite claim he should be judged in the Supreme State Council. These people intentionally deny their readers any information -- in fact, memory -- about why on earth the former chief of General Staff is being judged after all. The covert media operation to save the former chief of General Staff from the special court in which he is being judged for the time being has been so well-orchestrated that it surpassed even the voice of the retired general* who pled not guilty.
Whenever the self-marginalizing old-media elite start asking orchestrated, irrelevant questions about a criminal case, our country faces a new challenge, of a covert media operation against the judiciary or police.
This time it is about which court should judge the former chief of General Staff. The self-marginalizing old-media elite claim he should be judged in the Supreme State Council. These people intentionally deny their readers any information -- in fact, memory -- about why on earth the former chief of General Staff is being judged after all. The covert media operation to save the former chief of General Staff from the special court in which he is being judged for the time being has been so well-orchestrated that it surpassed even the voice of the retired general* who pled not guilty.
January 11, 2012
We the pious did not feel for the suffering of the Kurds
Ezgi Başaran
One of the leading figures of the conservative community Cemal Usak has criticized the community both for its view about the Kurdish Issue and its test with power saying: "Freedom of the Kurdish Language, which was said to be licit, should have been defended but that was not the case."
Why Cemal Usak?
Cemal Usak is an intellectual, participated since the foundation of the Association of Writers and Journalists, which is known for its proximity to the Gulen Movement and now he is the vice president of it. More importantly, he represents the common sense among the conservative community. Recently he shared a personal anecdote about the Kurdish Issue and wrote a critical article about the conservatives’ test with power. One must listen to Usak, especially when the tension about the Kurdish Issue is determined by the media, majority of which is possessed by the pious.
One of the leading figures of the conservative community Cemal Usak has criticized the community both for its view about the Kurdish Issue and its test with power saying: "Freedom of the Kurdish Language, which was said to be licit, should have been defended but that was not the case."
Why Cemal Usak?
Cemal Usak is an intellectual, participated since the foundation of the Association of Writers and Journalists, which is known for its proximity to the Gulen Movement and now he is the vice president of it. More importantly, he represents the common sense among the conservative community. Recently he shared a personal anecdote about the Kurdish Issue and wrote a critical article about the conservatives’ test with power. One must listen to Usak, especially when the tension about the Kurdish Issue is determined by the media, majority of which is possessed by the pious.
January 10, 2012
Fethullah Gülen: PKK employing tactics similar to those of Feb. 28
Today's Zaman
Well-respected Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has said the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is using manipulation tactics similar to those employed during the military intervention of 1997, in the wake of the propaganda campaign launched by the PKK against Gülen movement.
For some months, the PKK has misinterpreted the remarks of Gülen regarding the solution to Turkey's long-standing Kurdish problem.
Well-respected Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has said the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is using manipulation tactics similar to those employed during the military intervention of 1997, in the wake of the propaganda campaign launched by the PKK against Gülen movement.
For some months, the PKK has misinterpreted the remarks of Gülen regarding the solution to Turkey's long-standing Kurdish problem.
January 9, 2012
Turkish school in Pakistan produces math world champion
Today's Zaman
Usama Mahmoud Hawar, a student at a Turkish school in Pakistan, has become the world champion in mathematics in an exam commissioned by the British Council’s Cambridge University, the Anatolia news agency reported on Sunday.
Usama Mahmoud Hawar, a student at a Turkish school in Pakistan, has become the world champion in mathematics in an exam commissioned by the British Council’s Cambridge University, the Anatolia news agency reported on Sunday.
January 8, 2012
KYM delivered various forms of aid to the Philippines
Kimse Yok Mu
Washi hurricane hit the island of Mindanao in the Philippines with heavy rain, causing a major disaster. As a result of the severe rain storm in the Philippines, it was announced that almost 1000 people have died in floods.
Washi hurricane hit the island of Mindanao in the Philippines with heavy rain, causing a major disaster. As a result of the severe rain storm in the Philippines, it was announced that almost 1000 people have died in floods.
January 7, 2012
The volunteers' work has become hope for the Bangladesh children
Kimse Yok Mu
With the arrival of the winter season, conditions of life have become more difficult and the people of Bangladesh. Unable to purchase anything, they are wrapping themselves in plastic bags and burning paper in order to protect themselves from them cold. Children mortalities are often in Bangladesh and KYM has launched a blanket campaign for Bangladesh.
With the arrival of the winter season, conditions of life have become more difficult and the people of Bangladesh. Unable to purchase anything, they are wrapping themselves in plastic bags and burning paper in order to protect themselves from them cold. Children mortalities are often in Bangladesh and KYM has launched a blanket campaign for Bangladesh.
January 6, 2012
The Freedom of Religion, the Concept of War, and Fethullah Gulen
Ahmet Kurucan
Scholars have put forward varying ideas on the legitimacy of war in Islam. While there is consensus on the prevention of atrocity and self-defense, there are disputes on issues like preclusion from the freedom of teaching religion, violation of a peace agreement, assassination of envoys, etc. In this article, we would like to shed light on an issue that is particularly associated with the freedom of teaching religion.
This particular kind of freedom is presented as one of the causes of war in the book Muhammad: The Messenger of God by Fethullah Gülen. If one approaches the problem from a partial analysis, rather than a holistic one, then one can easily come to the conclusion that "war can be waged to ensure spiritual guidance and communication." In the aforementioned book, Gülen basically says that force is allowed if there is a resistance against the preaching of Islam and others are prevented from listening to its message.
Scholars have put forward varying ideas on the legitimacy of war in Islam. While there is consensus on the prevention of atrocity and self-defense, there are disputes on issues like preclusion from the freedom of teaching religion, violation of a peace agreement, assassination of envoys, etc. In this article, we would like to shed light on an issue that is particularly associated with the freedom of teaching religion.
This particular kind of freedom is presented as one of the causes of war in the book Muhammad: The Messenger of God by Fethullah Gülen. If one approaches the problem from a partial analysis, rather than a holistic one, then one can easily come to the conclusion that "war can be waged to ensure spiritual guidance and communication." In the aforementioned book, Gülen basically says that force is allowed if there is a resistance against the preaching of Islam and others are prevented from listening to its message.
January 5, 2012
Why do people join and contribute to the service networks in the Gulen Movement? How do they become integrated?
fgulen.org
How do participants become integrated into the service projects and networks in the Gülen Movement?
As there is not a single dimension to human behavior, all problems are first brought for solution to networks of people, into the communicative process.
At the same time individuals become informed within the collectivity. Then they voluntarily integrate into relational networks of educational, social, and altruistic services. The Gülen Movement does not give identity to people, but provides resources for them to construct their own identity. It makes them responsible for both that identity and their action.
How do participants become integrated into the service projects and networks in the Gülen Movement?
As there is not a single dimension to human behavior, all problems are first brought for solution to networks of people, into the communicative process.
At the same time individuals become informed within the collectivity. Then they voluntarily integrate into relational networks of educational, social, and altruistic services. The Gülen Movement does not give identity to people, but provides resources for them to construct their own identity. It makes them responsible for both that identity and their action.
January 4, 2012
Turkish school opens in northern Iraq, more schools in demand
Today's Zaman
A private Turkish school has been opened in the northern Iraqi province of Sulaimaniya where in 2008 northern Iraq's first university, Işık University, was also established by Turkish entrepreneurs.
A private Turkish school has been opened in the northern Iraqi province of Sulaimaniya where in 2008 northern Iraq's first university, Işık University, was also established by Turkish entrepreneurs.
Turkish aid organization opens school in Somalia
Today's Zaman
Turkish aid organization Kimse Yok Mu opened a school on Saturday in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
Turkish aid organization Kimse Yok Mu opened a school on Saturday in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
January 3, 2012
Ahmet Şık's book and Ergenekon's media campaign (cont'd)
Emre Uslu
In a previous article I examined the media campaign against the Ergenekon trials and discussed Ahmet Şık.
As I mentioned, the impact of Şık's arrest was exaggerated because he was allegedly writing a book criticizing the Gülen movement's influence in the police force, and his arrest was to prevent this book from being published. Many intellectuals truly believed this campaign when the prosecutors, in their search for the draft copies of the book, found one at Odatv, and another in the possession of people whom Şık claimed had not received a copy. Şık claims to have had no relations with these individuals.
In a previous article I examined the media campaign against the Ergenekon trials and discussed Ahmet Şık.
As I mentioned, the impact of Şık's arrest was exaggerated because he was allegedly writing a book criticizing the Gülen movement's influence in the police force, and his arrest was to prevent this book from being published. Many intellectuals truly believed this campaign when the prosecutors, in their search for the draft copies of the book, found one at Odatv, and another in the possession of people whom Şık claimed had not received a copy. Şık claims to have had no relations with these individuals.
January 2, 2012
Fethullah Gülen extends condolences to families of deadly airstrike victims
Today's Zaman
Well-respected Turkish intellectual and scholar Fethullah Gülen has conveyed his condolences to the families of 35 people who were mistakenly killed by the military last week in an airstrike that targeted the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
“I wish God's mercy upon our 35 citizens, brothers and sons who tragically died in the incident and extend my condolences to their grieving families, and I hope that God grants patience to them,” Gülen said in message he issued on Saturday.
Well-respected Turkish intellectual and scholar Fethullah Gülen has conveyed his condolences to the families of 35 people who were mistakenly killed by the military last week in an airstrike that targeted the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
“I wish God's mercy upon our 35 citizens, brothers and sons who tragically died in the incident and extend my condolences to their grieving families, and I hope that God grants patience to them,” Gülen said in message he issued on Saturday.
January 1, 2012
The Turkish imam and his global educational mission
Pelin Turgut
October, 1992. the Soviet Union has disbanded and chaos reigns in its former territories. Three times a week, a rattly Russian charter plane filled with young Muslim devotees flies east from Istanbul across barren, low-lying steppes to the capitals of Central Asia. The men are clean-cut, sharply dressed in dark suits and ties, trim of mustache and purposeful. It is the first foray out of their hometown for most, let alone on a plane, but such is their faith in Fethullah Gülen, the Turkish Muslim imam they revere. "Fly like swallows," Gülen exhorted, "to these countries that are newly free, as an expression of our brotherhood."
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| Fethullah Gulen |
December 31, 2011
Gulen Movement's inclusiveness and benefits to wider society
fgulen.org
Is the Gülen Movement trying to build a separate, exclusive society?
The majority of people who participate in the services are introduced by friends.
The fact that it is not via relatives or through some kind of clan system shows that relationships in the Movement can be inclusive, transformative and lasting. Also, the fact that introduction to and participation in the Movement or service-projects occurs through acquaintances in everyday life and through work colleagues indicates that the cultural perspective or worldview of the Gülen Movement is regarded as legitimate and rational. The participation of individuals who did not grow up within the Gülen community or its networks is also significant: it indicates purely individual choices and a strong subjective identification; people make an active rationalizing and reckoning of the decision to participate in the collective action of the Movement.
Is the Gülen Movement trying to build a separate, exclusive society?
The majority of people who participate in the services are introduced by friends.
The fact that it is not via relatives or through some kind of clan system shows that relationships in the Movement can be inclusive, transformative and lasting. Also, the fact that introduction to and participation in the Movement or service-projects occurs through acquaintances in everyday life and through work colleagues indicates that the cultural perspective or worldview of the Gülen Movement is regarded as legitimate and rational. The participation of individuals who did not grow up within the Gülen community or its networks is also significant: it indicates purely individual choices and a strong subjective identification; people make an active rationalizing and reckoning of the decision to participate in the collective action of the Movement.
December 30, 2011
Turkish school graduates in Bosnia now teachers at alma maters
Ömer Çetres / Zlatan Kapiç
Ten graduates of Turkish schools in Bosnia which were opened right after the Bosnian war are now working as teachers at the schools they attended as students, the Anatolia news agency has reported.
The Turkish schools, which were opened with the help of volunteer Turkish teachers right after the 1992-1995 Bosnian war, are among the top educational institutions in the country.
Ten graduates of Turkish schools in Bosnia which were opened right after the Bosnian war are now working as teachers at the schools they attended as students, the Anatolia news agency has reported.
The Turkish schools, which were opened with the help of volunteer Turkish teachers right after the 1992-1995 Bosnian war, are among the top educational institutions in the country.
December 29, 2011
Ahmet Şık’s book and Ergenekon’s media campaign
Emre Uslu
The Odatv trial has finally begun after months of waiting. The time between the first arrest and the beginning of the trial was a very long time and reason for widespread complaint. This time is not only problematic for the suspects who may have spent excessive time in prison -- and may not even be found guilty at the end of their trial -- it is also a problem for prosecutors who have arrested well-known suspects.
During this period, suspects have used media outlets to spread their message to the public and create the image that they are not guilty but are imprisoned because of their political stance. There are many people in Turkey who spent years behind bars because they did not have media influence.
The Odatv trial has finally begun after months of waiting. The time between the first arrest and the beginning of the trial was a very long time and reason for widespread complaint. This time is not only problematic for the suspects who may have spent excessive time in prison -- and may not even be found guilty at the end of their trial -- it is also a problem for prosecutors who have arrested well-known suspects.
During this period, suspects have used media outlets to spread their message to the public and create the image that they are not guilty but are imprisoned because of their political stance. There are many people in Turkey who spent years behind bars because they did not have media influence.
December 28, 2011
Why is the Gülen Movement made up of service networks?
fgulen.org
In everyday life, intimate interpersonal relations and emotional relationships with those closest to them allow individuals to make sense of their world through networks.
Interpersonal interactions and affective bonds are the fundamental background to movement participation. Through the service-networks people become more able to reach out to other systems, relations, meanings, goals and interests. Without such networks, it is not possible for most people to reach out to all these on their own.
In everyday life, intimate interpersonal relations and emotional relationships with those closest to them allow individuals to make sense of their world through networks.
Interpersonal interactions and affective bonds are the fundamental background to movement participation. Through the service-networks people become more able to reach out to other systems, relations, meanings, goals and interests. Without such networks, it is not possible for most people to reach out to all these on their own.
December 27, 2011
Social backgrounds of the people in the Gülen Movement and those who support "externally"
fgulen.org
What social backgrounds do people in the Gülen Movement come from?
People are attracted to the Gülen Movement by exemplary friends from the Gülen Movement, by people in their immediate environment, neighbors, and relatives and by their conduct and sincerity, by reading Gülen's works and listening to his lectures, by the overall meaning and the message of the altruistic services, and by the worldview of the Gülen Movement.
What social backgrounds do people in the Gülen Movement come from?
People are attracted to the Gülen Movement by exemplary friends from the Gülen Movement, by people in their immediate environment, neighbors, and relatives and by their conduct and sincerity, by reading Gülen's works and listening to his lectures, by the overall meaning and the message of the altruistic services, and by the worldview of the Gülen Movement.
December 26, 2011
Nature of participation and membership in the Gülen Movement
fgulen.org
What kind of people participate in the Gülen Movement?
Many people from all walks of life and different intellectual backgrounds participate in the service projects.
The types of service Gülen advocates – education, health, intercultural and interfaith dialogue, cooperation of civilizations – require action, and concern relationships in the everyday lives of all members of society and humanity.
The relationships are affective: interpersonal, social, informal and integrative; professional: formal and contractual; cultural: educational, self-reflective, altruistic and apolitical; locational: project-based and inclusive; and transnational: – peaceful, collaborative and civilizing.
What kind of people participate in the Gülen Movement?
Many people from all walks of life and different intellectual backgrounds participate in the service projects.
The types of service Gülen advocates – education, health, intercultural and interfaith dialogue, cooperation of civilizations – require action, and concern relationships in the everyday lives of all members of society and humanity.
The relationships are affective: interpersonal, social, informal and integrative; professional: formal and contractual; cultural: educational, self-reflective, altruistic and apolitical; locational: project-based and inclusive; and transnational: – peaceful, collaborative and civilizing.
December 25, 2011
The Gülen Movement and its Chief Priority
fgulen.org
What is the Gülen Movement?
The Gülen Movement originated in 1970s' Turkey as a faith-inspired initiative to improve educational opportunities for a local community; since then, it has grown into a transnational educational, inter-cultural and interfaith movement.
It is estimated that participants number in several millions. The Gülen Movement has securely established, respected institutions (of different kinds, but mostly schools) on every continent.
What is the Gülen Movement?
The Gülen Movement originated in 1970s' Turkey as a faith-inspired initiative to improve educational opportunities for a local community; since then, it has grown into a transnational educational, inter-cultural and interfaith movement.
It is estimated that participants number in several millions. The Gülen Movement has securely established, respected institutions (of different kinds, but mostly schools) on every continent.
December 24, 2011
The joy of circumcision for Somalian children
Kimse Yok Mu
KYM is sharing the excitement of Somali children's circumcisions. The project was started on the 1st of November 2011, when Somalian families applied to KYM Association's Somalia branch to perform the operations on their children, and these operations are taking place.
December 23, 2011
Turkey moves far beyond Europe
Soner Çağaptay
The Turks are selling pasta to the Italians, educating Papua-New Guineans in their universities, building airports in Egypt, running schools in Nigeria and establishing diplomatic missions in Latin America. Turkey has not felt and acted like the confident global player it is today since the heyday of the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth century.
The Turks are selling pasta to the Italians, educating Papua-New Guineans in their universities, building airports in Egypt, running schools in Nigeria and establishing diplomatic missions in Latin America. Turkey has not felt and acted like the confident global player it is today since the heyday of the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth century.
December 22, 2011
The Journalists and Writers Foundation’s suggestions for a constitution
İhsan Yılmaz
Several civil society organizations have been presenting their suggestions for a new constitution to a parliamentary sub-committee. A few days ago, the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) was received and listened to by the committee. The GYV did not present a full package but summarized its understanding on the most sensitive issues that have been hotly debated in the country.
I find this development very important for two reasons. The first one is related to the identity of the GYV. As is well known, its honorary chairman is an influential Islamic scholar, Fethullah Gülen, who is widely respected in Turkey. Gülen has inspired a worldwide faith-based movement of volunteers known as the Hizmet movement, which is very influential in the country. Thus, what the Hizmet says about the new constitution is very important.
Several civil society organizations have been presenting their suggestions for a new constitution to a parliamentary sub-committee. A few days ago, the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) was received and listened to by the committee. The GYV did not present a full package but summarized its understanding on the most sensitive issues that have been hotly debated in the country.
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| Fethullah Gulen |
December 21, 2011
Turkey makes inroads into Africa
Menekse Tokyay
As part of Turkey's opening to Africa, on Friday (December 16th) the ministers of 54 countries of the African Union and representatives of African institutions concluded the first Ministerial Review Conference of the Africa-Turkey Partnership to improve ties between the continent and Turkey, following a similar summit in 2008.
Having gained observer status in the African Union in 2005, Turkey has been acting as a voice for Africa and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) at international platforms such as the G20 and Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
As part of Turkey's opening to Africa, on Friday (December 16th) the ministers of 54 countries of the African Union and representatives of African institutions concluded the first Ministerial Review Conference of the Africa-Turkey Partnership to improve ties between the continent and Turkey, following a similar summit in 2008.
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| Turkey's budding relationship with Africa helped it win a seat in the UN Security Council in 2009-14 and may yet secure it another in its 2015-16 bid. [Reuters] |
December 20, 2011
Emphasizing “We” in Fethullah Gulen’s Thought
Stuart William
While reading an article about Robert Putnam’s ‘hunkering down’ theory, I was struck by how close Putnam comes to one of the most vital points at the core of Fethullah Gulen’s teachings on dialogue.
‘Hunkering down’ is the phrase Putnam used to describe how people can react when they are exposed to others of different cultural heritage and ethnicity. He developed this idea after extensive observation of what was really happening in urban areas where large numbers of immigrants had settled among the ‘host’ community.
While reading an article about Robert Putnam’s ‘hunkering down’ theory, I was struck by how close Putnam comes to one of the most vital points at the core of Fethullah Gulen’s teachings on dialogue.
‘Hunkering down’ is the phrase Putnam used to describe how people can react when they are exposed to others of different cultural heritage and ethnicity. He developed this idea after extensive observation of what was really happening in urban areas where large numbers of immigrants had settled among the ‘host’ community.
December 19, 2011
African Union President demands more Turkish schools
Ayten Çiftçi
African Union President and Equatorial Guinea Foreign Minister Eustaquio Nseng Esono, speaking to Today's Zaman on Sunday, said he would like to see the number of Turkish schools on the African continent rise.
After attending the Turkey-Africa Partnership Ministerial Review Conference held on Friday in İstanbul, Esono said Africa can only solve its current problems through education and that the number of Turkish schools in various countries in Africa should be increased. Being president of the Africa Union, which consist of 54 African countries, Esono said the demand for schools is increasing day by day, Turkish schools play an important role in meeting this demand, but more Turkish schools are needed.
African Union President and Equatorial Guinea Foreign Minister Eustaquio Nseng Esono, speaking to Today's Zaman on Sunday, said he would like to see the number of Turkish schools on the African continent rise.
After attending the Turkey-Africa Partnership Ministerial Review Conference held on Friday in İstanbul, Esono said Africa can only solve its current problems through education and that the number of Turkish schools in various countries in Africa should be increased. Being president of the Africa Union, which consist of 54 African countries, Esono said the demand for schools is increasing day by day, Turkish schools play an important role in meeting this demand, but more Turkish schools are needed.
December 18, 2011
Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival Attracts Thousands in Los Angeles
Medialog Platform
A four-day Turkish festival, the Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival 2011, organized by the Pacifica Institute, opened its doors to visitors in southern California on Thursday [October 6] and continued attracting masses at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa on its last day [Sunday, October 9] this year, as was the case when the event was organized for the first time in 2009.
Medialog Platform from Journalists and Writers Foundation also attended the festival along with a group of journalists from Istanbul, Turkey.
A four-day Turkish festival, the Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival 2011, organized by the Pacifica Institute, opened its doors to visitors in southern California on Thursday [October 6] and continued attracting masses at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa on its last day [Sunday, October 9] this year, as was the case when the event was organized for the first time in 2009.
Medialog Platform from Journalists and Writers Foundation also attended the festival along with a group of journalists from Istanbul, Turkey.
December 17, 2011
KYM Clinic has risen in helping Ugandan patients
Kimse Yok Mu
KYM opened a clinic which has become the hope of Ugandan patients who are living in a country struggling with health problems.
KYM opened a clinic which has become the hope of Ugandan patients who are living in a country struggling with health problems.
Adana volunteers care for 13 Ugandan children
Kimse Yok Mu
359 students were brought from African countries for education by KYM, and 13 of them are having their education in Adana Private Burc Ozgoren High School. The KYM Adana branch volunteers are giving them a helping hand.
The students came to the Association and were given gift packages including coats, shoes, pants, shirts, and other clothes.
359 students were brought from African countries for education by KYM, and 13 of them are having their education in Adana Private Burc Ozgoren High School. The KYM Adana branch volunteers are giving them a helping hand.
The students came to the Association and were given gift packages including coats, shoes, pants, shirts, and other clothes.
December 16, 2011
What makes the Gülen Movement different from movements of the past and present in Europe?
fgulen.org
Although the Gülen Movement is a contemporary movement, it concerns itself with forms of action, content and meanings that are qualitatively different from the tradition of struggle frequently seen in European societies.
It does not fit into the conventional categories of the workers’ movement of industrial capitalism and modern leftist movements.
Although the Gülen Movement is a contemporary movement, it concerns itself with forms of action, content and meanings that are qualitatively different from the tradition of struggle frequently seen in European societies.
It does not fit into the conventional categories of the workers’ movement of industrial capitalism and modern leftist movements.
Fethullah Gülen's message of condolence for deceased Egyptian scholar Dr Abdelhaleem Uways
Fethullah Gülen
I am deeply saddened by the news that Dr Abdelhaleem Uways, a great scholar, a man of virtue, and my brother, has passed away.
My most sincere sympathies are with his family for this great loss of all Muslims. I pray that Allah makes his grave a heavenly garden of intimacy.
Published on fgulen.com, 12 December 2011, Monday
My most sincere sympathies are with his family for this great loss of all Muslims. I pray that Allah makes his grave a heavenly garden of intimacy.
Published on fgulen.com, 12 December 2011, Monday
December 15, 2011
AK Party-Gülen community relationship
Salih Tuna, Yeni Şafak
Over the past few days, many columnists have been analyzing the relationship between the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government and the Gülen community. Numerous questions have been raised, for example, “Has the Gülen community turned its back on the AK Party, or has the AK Party turned its back on the Gülen community?”
Over the past few days, many columnists have been analyzing the relationship between the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government and the Gülen community. Numerous questions have been raised, for example, “Has the Gülen community turned its back on the AK Party, or has the AK Party turned its back on the Gülen community?”
December 14, 2011
Old reflexes of media against faith will rise again
Zafer Özcan
The name of Ferhat Barış first came to public attention in 1999 in the wake of the release of a videotape that was doctored in a way to make the public believe that religious scholar Fethullah Gülen was trying to get Turkey under his control and was shown on various TV stations.
Journalist Barış fought against a smear campaign targeting the religious people of Turkey through his columns published in the Zaman daily. The tape incident is only one example of attempting to manipulate public opinion carried out in recent decades in Turkey.
The name of Ferhat Barış first came to public attention in 1999 in the wake of the release of a videotape that was doctored in a way to make the public believe that religious scholar Fethullah Gülen was trying to get Turkey under his control and was shown on various TV stations.
Journalist Barış fought against a smear campaign targeting the religious people of Turkey through his columns published in the Zaman daily. The tape incident is only one example of attempting to manipulate public opinion carried out in recent decades in Turkey.
December 13, 2011
Kazakhstan presents medals to Turks for contributing to bilateral relations
Today's Zaman
Turks who have contributed to Turkish-Kazakh relations were presented medals at a reception organized by the Kazakh Consulate General in İstanbul on Thursday evening.
At the reception hosted by Kazakh Consul General Askar Shokybayev to mark the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence, dozens of Turkish businessmen, academics, educators and representatives of civil society organizations received medals for their contributions to improving friendship and cooperation between Turkey and Kazakhstan.
Turks who have contributed to Turkish-Kazakh relations were presented medals at a reception organized by the Kazakh Consulate General in İstanbul on Thursday evening.
At the reception hosted by Kazakh Consul General Askar Shokybayev to mark the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence, dozens of Turkish businessmen, academics, educators and representatives of civil society organizations received medals for their contributions to improving friendship and cooperation between Turkey and Kazakhstan.
December 12, 2011
Babacan visits Turkish, Japanese schools in Sendai
Sunday's Zaman
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan, during a visit to Japan, on Wednesday visited a Turkish and a Japanese school in Sendai, both of which sustained severe damage in last March's earthquake and tsunami, the Anatolia news agency reported.
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan, during a visit to Japan, on Wednesday visited a Turkish and a Japanese school in Sendai, both of which sustained severe damage in last March's earthquake and tsunami, the Anatolia news agency reported.
Pakistani students donate to Turkish quake survivors
Anatolian Agency
Pakistani students have donated their pocket money to Turkish quake survivors.
Students receiving education in 18 Turkish schools in Pakistan and a group of Pakistani businessmen handed out 1.9 million rupee (almost 21,000 USD) to Turkish Ambassador in Islamabad Babur Hizlan.
Pakistani students have donated their pocket money to Turkish quake survivors.
Students receiving education in 18 Turkish schools in Pakistan and a group of Pakistani businessmen handed out 1.9 million rupee (almost 21,000 USD) to Turkish Ambassador in Islamabad Babur Hizlan.
December 11, 2011
‘US consults Turkey on most international issues’
Ayten Çiftçi
The US special envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), calling Turkey one of the US's closest allies, told Today's Zaman in an exclusive interview on Monday, “There are very few major international issues on which we do not consult Turkey on a regular basis.”
Rashad Hussain, a Muslim of Indian heritage, has served in the White House Counsel's Office and has advised President Barack Obama's administration on policy matters related to the Muslim world in his capacity as an envoy to the OIC.
The US special envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), calling Turkey one of the US's closest allies, told Today's Zaman in an exclusive interview on Monday, “There are very few major international issues on which we do not consult Turkey on a regular basis.”
Rashad Hussain, a Muslim of Indian heritage, has served in the White House Counsel's Office and has advised President Barack Obama's administration on policy matters related to the Muslim world in his capacity as an envoy to the OIC.
December 10, 2011
Govt, scholars, others chart path to nation-building
Information Nigeria
NIGERIA, and indeed the rest of the world, must promote dialogue between cultures and mass education of the citizenry, among others, in other to stem crises rooted in religious, ethnic, social or political differences.
The above was the fulcrum of recommendations made by a broad spectrum of academics, government officials, traditional rulers, media chieftains, clerics, jurists, diplomats, non-government organisations (NGOs) and students at a recent two-day international conference in Abuja, which attracted participants from across the world.
NIGERIA, and indeed the rest of the world, must promote dialogue between cultures and mass education of the citizenry, among others, in other to stem crises rooted in religious, ethnic, social or political differences.
The above was the fulcrum of recommendations made by a broad spectrum of academics, government officials, traditional rulers, media chieftains, clerics, jurists, diplomats, non-government organisations (NGOs) and students at a recent two-day international conference in Abuja, which attracted participants from across the world.
December 9, 2011
Global Ergenekon
Ekrem Dumanlı
The busy domestic political agenda may prevent us from seeing what has been going on around us. For instance, a small mobile home was burned in Germany and a historical secret was revealed.
The evidence left by two persons who committed suicide inside the mobile home shed light on murders committed 10 years ago. That the murderers were arrested and then released, that they held passports which only agents could have, and that they had confessed to assaults against Turks raised suspicions that they were protected by some units within the state. Germany is now in shock. For the first time it has become clear that racism is not a marginal discourse in Europe.
The busy domestic political agenda may prevent us from seeing what has been going on around us. For instance, a small mobile home was burned in Germany and a historical secret was revealed.
The evidence left by two persons who committed suicide inside the mobile home shed light on murders committed 10 years ago. That the murderers were arrested and then released, that they held passports which only agents could have, and that they had confessed to assaults against Turks raised suspicions that they were protected by some units within the state. Germany is now in shock. For the first time it has become clear that racism is not a marginal discourse in Europe.
December 8, 2011
Education, human capital and Arab Spring
Abdullah Bozkurt
I strongly believe that education is the most important formidable challenge facing the countries in the Middle East, which have been in stages of transition amid discontent, demonstrations, uprisings or even revolutions, while they try to map out trajectories for their future.
The ultimate success or terrible failure of the reforms and institutionalization process Arab countries have been undertaking for some time will undoubtedly hinge on the outcome of educational reforms. This was the message I carried to the prestigious Abant Platform over the weekend, which was organized in Gaziantep, a Turkish province on the border with Syria, with the title “The Future of the Middle East after the Arab Spring,” in cooperation with Zirve University.
I strongly believe that education is the most important formidable challenge facing the countries in the Middle East, which have been in stages of transition amid discontent, demonstrations, uprisings or even revolutions, while they try to map out trajectories for their future.
The ultimate success or terrible failure of the reforms and institutionalization process Arab countries have been undertaking for some time will undoubtedly hinge on the outcome of educational reforms. This was the message I carried to the prestigious Abant Platform over the weekend, which was organized in Gaziantep, a Turkish province on the border with Syria, with the title “The Future of the Middle East after the Arab Spring,” in cooperation with Zirve University.
December 7, 2011
The Arab Spring and Turkey
Ergun Babahan
First, let me underline one fact: The Arab world has not been on Turkey's radar only because of reasons related to religion.
The increased importance of this region as a market for Turkish exports has made the Arab lands precious for Turkey. Turkey mostly relied on European Union countries for trade, but during the last decade it has realized the risks of focusing on a single market and decided to diversify its trade partners.
First, let me underline one fact: The Arab world has not been on Turkey's radar only because of reasons related to religion.
The increased importance of this region as a market for Turkish exports has made the Arab lands precious for Turkey. Turkey mostly relied on European Union countries for trade, but during the last decade it has realized the risks of focusing on a single market and decided to diversify its trade partners.
December 6, 2011
Forum blames violence on wrong religious orientation
Eric Ikhilae
Recurring violence in parts of the country result mostly from wrongful interpretation of religious doctrines by clerics and spiritual leaders, participants at an international conference in Abuja have said.
They sought positive scientific knowledge and ideas to prevent the growing ignorance and superstition among Nigerians, saying this is responsible for frequent inter-religious conflicts and violence.
Stressing the importance of education for societal peace, the forum noted that it serves as a means of fostering understanding and cooperation for peaceful coexistence in any society.
Recurring violence in parts of the country result mostly from wrongful interpretation of religious doctrines by clerics and spiritual leaders, participants at an international conference in Abuja have said.
They sought positive scientific knowledge and ideas to prevent the growing ignorance and superstition among Nigerians, saying this is responsible for frequent inter-religious conflicts and violence.
Stressing the importance of education for societal peace, the forum noted that it serves as a means of fostering understanding and cooperation for peaceful coexistence in any society.
December 5, 2011
Imam in the Middle - Fethullah Gulen and the "Gulen" Movement
Ronni Mott *
In June 2007, I took a once-in-a-lifetime 12-day trip to Turkey. During our stay, our group visited multiple historic and religious sites. We visited Greco-Roman amphitheaters and the ruins of the former port city of Ephesus. We marveled at the mosque of 13th-century Islamic Sufi mystic and poet Rumi in Konya, and Byzantine Christian churches carved out of rock chimneys in Cappadocia. There, ancient murals depicting Bible stories covered every inch of the indoor surfaces. On the outside, nothing hinted at the beauty within.
What made this trip different from a typical tourist agenda was that we also visited schools, hospitals and businesses, and met with students, teachers, doctors and entrepreneurs. The Institute of Interfaith Dialog, a non-profit educational group led by Turkish Americans, planned, led and heavily subsidized the trip. I was part of a group of about 20 people from Jackson.
What made this trip different from a typical tourist agenda was that we also visited schools, hospitals and businesses, and met with students, teachers, doctors and entrepreneurs. The Institute of Interfaith Dialog, a non-profit educational group led by Turkish Americans, planned, led and heavily subsidized the trip. I was part of a group of about 20 people from Jackson.
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