Fethullah Gülen on Islam-Democracy Relationship/Compatibility

Tauseef Ahmad Parray *

This article explores the Islam-democracy debate in the thought and writings of one of the prominent living Muslim intellectuals of Turkey, Fethullah Gülen. Born in 1941, Gülen, addresses the hotly debated issues that have gained prominence as they become highly intensified in the post 9/11 world.

Fethullah Gülen (b. 1941, Erzurum, Eastern Turkey) is a Turkish Muslim scholar, thinker, author, poet, preacher, opinion leader, peace advocate and educational activist who has articulated his views for last three decades. He presently lives in Pennsylvania, USA, where he has lived since 1998.

The Gulen Movement as the Door Opening to Global Tolerance *

Begüm Burak

In the contemporary world, the relations between nations have become much more as borders have become less important in a globalizing world. On the other hand today, people around the world share some common values such as the importance of democracy, human rights, rule of law and freedom in a much more challenging way compared to yesterday. However, despite the existence of such hopeful developments, world politics also witnesses inhumane practices that cause global reactions but cannot be ended immediately, like the Esad terror in Syria.

Blinded by envious rivalry

Süleyman Sargın *

There is a rapidly changing agenda both in Turkey and around the world. It is virtually impossible to follow this agenda fully.

Abant meeting ends with stress on democratization

Yonca Poyraz Doğan

One of the concluding statements of the Abant meeting, which brought together foreign and domestic academics and journalists living in Turkey, was that Turkey's democracy needs to be more consolidated for it to be more effective in the world and for it to be a role model in its region.

Abant participants: Turkey needs EU support to improve its democracy

Yonca Poyraz Doğan

No matter the problems related to the European Union's historical financial crisis and Turkey's loss of enthusiasm regarding membership in the EU; participants of the 27th Abant meeting, titled “Different Perspectives on Turkey,” have said that Turkey needs the EU in order to improve its fragile democracy.

The Alliance of Civilizations amid the Global Ecological Crisis

Dialogue Eurasia (Belarus) Association has added a new conference to the list of previously held ones. At the last international conference in Minsk called "The Allicance of Civilizations amid the Global Ecological Crisis" there were discussed the ways to address global problems that threaten our world and humanity.

Great Turkmen poet and philosopher Mahdumgulu Faragi commemorated in Baku

Dialogue Eurasia Platform (DEP) having a great progress in the development of cultural relations between the Turkic-speaking states, added to this list another success. Thus, at Qafkaz University held an event on "Development, Unity, and the days of poetry of Mahdumgulu Faragi", dedicated to the life and works of the great Turkmen poet and philosopher Mahdumgulu Faragi, organized by the Azerbaijani representative of Dialogue Eurasia Platform, the Embassy of the Republic of Turkmenistan in Azerbaijan and Qafkaz University. The first speech was made by Ahmet Sanich – prof., Head of the University. He expressed his thoughts on behalf of people united by language, culture and historical heritage. The next speaker was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan Toyli Komekov. In his speech he said about the rich historical community and the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

Irada Tunchay receives the award "For Services To The Truth"

The ceremony for the "For Services to the Truth" award, founded by the Dialogue Eurasia Platform, together with the Press Council, has been carried out.

Local, foreign participants debate Turkish democracy at Abant platform

Yonca Poyraz Doğan

Even though Turkey has achieved great economic development in the past 10 years, it is still having trouble consolidating its democracy, according to both native and non-native participants of the 27th Abant Platform.

Abant Platform: Perspectives on Turkey

İhsan Yılmaz

The Abant Platform, being an innovative institution, has now initiated a new discussion forum which, as far as I am aware, is a first in Turkey. We will be discussing different perspectives on Turkey together with non-Turkish academics, diplomats and journalists working in the country. For three days, we will focus on topics such as “Democratization, Turkey’s Democratic Transformation,” “Turkish Foreign Policy and the Middle East,” “Turkey’s EU Journey,” “Turkey’s Economic Development” and “Perspectives on Turkish Media.”

‘I am 61 years old now, and want to have a comfortable conscience’

Bünyamin Köseli

Hadi Uluengin, a journalist associated with Turkey’s left-wing ’60s movement, recently transferred from the populist and pro-status quo Hürriyet daily to the liberal Taraf daily.

Islamic scholar gave Buddhist point to ponder

Sanitsuda Ekachai *

I have just returned from Turkey, one of the world's most beautiful countries. What has stayed deeply in my mind, however, is not the country's picture-perfect postcard beauty, but its people, its modern take on Islam and a host of questions for my own country.

Hizmet and the Kurdish question

İhsan Yılmaz

It is only normal that many people wonder what the stance of the country’s most influential civil society movement (Hizmet) is on the country’s most burning problem. Nevertheless, in our good old “Shallowland” it is futile to expect a full account of the issue from people who pretend to be discussing the issue.

Turkish Olympiad host families mourn students’ return home

Zeynep Kırşan

The Turkish families who hosted students from the 10th International Turkish Language Olympiad in their homes for over two weeks were sad to see the students, whom they regarded as members of their own families, return home.

A Muslim case for liberty

Şahin Alpay

“Is Islam a religion of coercion and repression? Or is it compatible with the idea of liberty -- that individuals have full control over their lives and are free to be religious, irreligious or whatever they wish to be?

Rwanda woos Turkish investors

Bosco Hitimana

Teacher Jeniffer Awuor goes over
an arithmetic lesson for her students
at Little Gems Pre-Primary School in Gikondo,
the first Turkish school in Rwanda.
Photo: (Mark Darrough)

Turkish schools were common in Kenya and Uganda long before one could open in Kigali. Since April this year, Little Gems Pre-Primary School opened in Rwanda as the first Turkish school and investment in the country. Turkey has one of the most advanced education sectors in the world, according to Ismail Ustun, the representative of the school.

Fethullah Gülen says success of Turkish Olympiad belongs to nation

Turkish-Islamic scholar and intellectual Fethullah Gülen has said the success of the 10th International Turkish Olympiad belongs to the entire Turkish nation -- and not to a single community or group -- because of the huge support it lent to the massive event.

Turkish Olympiad students bid farewell to friends in tears

Erhan Çaçan, Kübra Engin

Students from around the world, who came together as part of the 10th International Turkish Language Olympiad four weeks ago in Turkey, bid farewell to friends in tears during a closing ceremony held for the Olympiad at İstanbul's Türk Telekom Arena on Thursday night.

East Indian Activist Supports Inter-cultural Dialog and Gulen Movement

Swami Agnivesh (Photo: Gulfnews.com)

Swami Agnivesh, 72, a Hindu social activist best known for his work against bonded labor said on a recent visit to Istanbul that he believed in intercultural dialog and Fethullah Gulen’s liberal ideas. Agnives said he was impressed with the Fethullah Gulen Movement’s work to find fellowship between cultures.

New era that started in Arena

Ekrem Dumanlı

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the closing ceremony of the 10th International Turkish Olympiad and delivered an emotional speech, inviting Mr. Fethullah Gülen back to Turkey.

Turkish Olympiad students praise friendly locals, delicious food

İpek Üzüm

Students from around the world who traveled to Turkey to attend the 10th International Turkish Language Olympiad say they very much enjoyed attending the event and touring Turkey during their visit. The Olympiad, which brings together hundreds of foreign students each year from Turkish schools established throughout the world, is organized by the International Turkish Education Association (TÜRKÇEDER). The Olympiad was held between May 30 and June 14 in various cities around Turkey, but predominantly in Ankara and İstanbul.

The choice is up to Gülen, says Turkish PM

Photo: AA

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said the choice on whether to return or not return is up to the Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen himself, following Gülen's remarks that he is likely to stay in the United States, according to daily Hürriyet.

Fethullah Gülen says he prefers staying longer in US to avoid ‘harming positive things’

Turkish and Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has said he prefers staying in the US longer to avoid damaging positive developments in Turkey in a first public response to Turkish prime minister’s invitation to Turkey.

Different segments applaud Erdoğan's call for Gülen to return to Turkey

In an open call that received applause from many, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan invited Turkish-Islamic scholar and intellectual Fethullah Gülen to return to Turkey in a speech he delivered during the closing ceremony of the 10th International Turkish Olympiad on Thursday night.

Would Gülen Hodja want to return?

Mehmet Ali Birand


Fethullah Gülen

 Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has invited Fethullah Gülen “Hodja,” who has been living in the United States for years, back to the country. He said, “this longing should come to an end.”

A rift between the Hizmet movement and the AKP?

Bülent Keneş

For some time, Turkey has been obsessively talking about an alleged contention between the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Hizmet movement.

Gulen Movement and government

Yavuz Baydar

Is it the Gulen Movement attacking the government, or vice versa? Some believe that it is, some hope that it is, some deny that it is and many others feel deeply concerned that it is.

I tend to belong to the latter camp. It is undeniable that the Hizmet movement is at odds with the top echelons of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government, which is seen as a growing rift over vital issues, and it rings alarm bells for Turkey -- and its aspirations for taking the leap into becoming a stable, predictable, reliable, free and prosperous country.

Erdoğan hopes Islamic scholar Gülen returns to Turkey soon

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has openly invited Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen to Turkey in a speech he delivered during a closing ceremony of the 10th Turkish Olympiads amid standing ovation of over 50,000 crowd.

Students delight thousands in glorious Turkish Olympiads finale

Joy and thanksgiving prevailed as tens of thousands of people gathered in İstanbul’s grand stadium on Thursday to live experience outstanding performances of students in the 10th Turkish Olympiads.

‘I laughed for three days at Hizmet-Fenerbahçe claims’

Mehmet Berk

Speaking to the Radikal daily just hours after the HSYK appointment list was made public, Prosecutor Berk said he was expecting to be removed from the ongoing match-fixing probe and appointed the Küçükçekmece deputy chief prosecutor.

AK Party faces risk of losing popular support

Lale Kemal

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), which came to power for the third term after the June 12, 2011 elections, has increasingly been enjoying a situation in which it faces no real opposition from other political parties in Parliament.

Turkish Language Olympiad poised to see spectacular end

While festivals continue with different groups of students across Turkey, preparations for a spectacular end to the Turkish Language Olympiad are underway.

Turkish Olympiad students meet with "Dadaş" in Erzurum

İpek Üzüm

Turkish Olympiad participants from around the world were greeted as Dadaş, a regional word and mark of respect meaning "brother," in Erzurum, the jewel of Anatolia, on Monday at the Erzurum Festival, which was held as part of 10th International Turkish Olympiad.

Peace Islands Honors Remarkable Individuals at the Awards Ceremony

Peace Islands Institute's 5th Annual Award Ceremony was held on June 3rd, 2012 at Hilton Hasbrouck Heights. Over 200 guests and many dignitaries joined PII to applaud accomplishments of the honorees.

President Gül: Turkish schools abroad largest non-state project

Turkish President Abdullah Gül has said Turkish schools abroad are the largest non-state project Turkey has ever seen, noting that the schools' value will only increase in the future.

Turkish Olympiad students delight over 200,000 at İzmir festival

İpek Üzüm

Students from around the world performed in front of nearly 200,000 people in the western province of İzmir on Sunday night at a festival commemorating the 10th International Turkish Language Olympiad, which brings together hundreds of foreign students studying at Turkish schools established around the world.

Pluralism in Turkey and Islamism

İhsan Yılmaz

Hawaii -- I presented a paper on Turkish legal pluralism in Hawaii at the International Conference on Law and Society.

Success of Int’l Turkish Olympiads result of extensive teamwork

İpek Üzüm

The successful organization of the International Turkish Olympiads, which brings together hundreds of foreign students each year from Turkish schools established throughout the world, has been the result of extensive teamwork and cooperation.

Turkish Olympiad students perform in front of 35,000 in Antalya

İpek Üzüm

Students from around the world performed in front of thousands of people in Antalya on Saturday at a festival commemorating the 10th International Turkish Language Olympiad, which brings together hundreds of foreign students studying at Turkish schools established around the world. The Antalya festival took place at the Akdeniz University Stadium, with about 35,000 attendees. A total of 73 international students from 21 countries performed at the Antalya festival.

Turkish Olympiad

Ahmet Selim

The Turkish Language Olympiad continues to provide us with excitement, appreciation and joy. How can those foreign students learn such good Turkish in such a short time, and how can they sing songs and read poems so brilliantly?

Fortunately, we have not closed Gülen schools

Mehmet Ali Birand

When I was invited to become one of the judges in the International Turkish Olympiad, I was initially surprised. I was also a bit embarrassed because I never considered myself to be an expert in Turkish songs and folk songs, but I could not turn the offer down because I did not want to offend my interlocutors.

BÇG also compiled lists to keep tabs on Turks living abroad

Ali Akkuş

The West Study Group (BÇG), a clandestine group formed within the military during the days of the Feb. 28, 1997 military coup, not only categorized individuals in Turkey according to their religiosity and ideology but also Turks abroad, Today's Zaman has learned.

Kılıçdaroğlu meets Turkish Olympiads participants

Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu met with a group of students participating in the 10th International Turkish Language Olympiads on Friday at the CHP headquarters, the party said in a statement.

Indian scholar: Fethullah Gülen a great blessing for Turkey

Osman Ünalan

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, an Islamic scholar in India, has praised the Hizmet movement and its activities for helping Turkey get rid of negative and biased views about Islam and transforming it into a much-admired center for more self-aware Muslims.

Academia shows interest in Turkish Olympiad

Emrullah Bayrak

The 10th International Turkish Language Olympiad received attention from academics this year as Turcologists from 22 countries watched the big event, held across Turkey by the International Turkish Education Association (TÜRKÇEDER).

Egyptian student wins Turkish Olympiad poetry competition

İpek Üzüm

Egyptian student Mennatallah Ahmed Mahdy, who recited a Sezai Karakoç poem, won the poetry competition of the 10th International Turkish Language Olympiad on Wednesday night.

Pak-Turk schools’ 17th anniversary

Peshawar - The Pak-Turk Schools and Colleges Chairman Unal Tosur said on Wednesday that education was an effective tool for socioeconomic development and prosperity of a nation.

Hizmet Movement Conference in Taiwan - Call for Papers

Formosa Institute and Taiwan Association of Islamic Studies (TAIS) are organizing a conference titled "Hizmet Movement and the Thought and Teachings of Fethullah Gülen: Contributions to Multiculturalism and Global Peace" to be held on December 8-9 2012 and calling for papers with a deadline of June 30, 2012.

Democracy, not ‘The community,’ will be undermined

Hüseyin Gülerce

For the first time, I sense concern amongst the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) support base. The statements and remarks suggesting that the special courts will be abolished raises question on where the AK Party is headed.

Turkish Olympiad students captivate locals in Konya despite heavy rain

İpek Üzüm

Students from around the world staged performances despite heavy rain on Monday, captivating the audience at a Konya festival that was held as part of the 10th Turkish Language Olympiad.

Can Washington Ever Welcome a Nonviolent Muslim?

Michael Shank *

CBS News' 60 Minutes recently produced a show about Turkish Muslim scholar Fethullah Gulen, spurred by concern about the so-called Hizmet movement's alleged connection to a growing network of high performing and nationally ranked charter schools in the U.S. These schools rank in Newsweek's top ten miracle schools in America and have a waiting list of 30,000 students, a testament to their academic rigor and reputation.

Focus is on serving humanity, not only promoting Turkish

Bülent Keneş

A cultural festival that has become a tradition in Turkey began on May 30. While its emphasis seems to be on the promotion of the Turkish language, the International Turkish Olympiad creates an array of bright colors in Turkey with more than 1,500 students from 135 countries singing songs and performing dances in their local clothing.

Turkmen student wins Turkish Olympiad with popular song

Turkmenistan's Ruslan Annamammedov won the most prestigious medal for singing at the Turkish Language Olympiad on Tuesday night before a crowd of tens of thousands in İstanbul, beating competitors from 135 countries.

FM Davutoğlu praises Gülen's contribution to education

Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has praised Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen's support for educational activities in foreign countries, along with his efforts to inspire intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

Those who avoid applause!

Ekrem Dumanlı

A darkened room… Unclear words turn into a whisper first, and then, silence reigns in the room.