Asma Afsaruddin *
Fethullah Gülen’s views on jihad and peaceful co-existence of different faith and cultural communities are strongly grounded in Qur’anic and Sunnaic perspectives and represent a mimetic continuity with them. As a practitioner of tasawwuf (Sufism), he emphasizes the importance of the greater internal jihad without disavowing the necessity of the lesser external jihad in specific situations. Thus in his explication of the distinction between these two forms of struggling in the path of God, Gülen says:
August 27, 2012
Gülen’s Rethinking of Islamic Pattern and Its Socio-Political Effects
Fabio Vicini *
Over recent decades Islamic traditions have emerged in new forms in different parts of the Muslim world, interacting differently with secular and neo-liberal patterns of thought and action. In Turkey Fethullah Gülen’s community has been a powerful player in the national debate about the place of Islam in individual and collective life. Through emphasis on the importance of ‘secular education‘ and a commitment to the defense of both democratic principles and international human rights, Gülen has diffused a new and appealing version of how a ‘good Muslim‘ should act in contemporary society. In particular he has defended the role of Islam in the formation of individuals as ethically-responsible moral subjects, a project that overlaps significantly with the ‘secular’ one of forming responsible citizens.
Over recent decades Islamic traditions have emerged in new forms in different parts of the Muslim world, interacting differently with secular and neo-liberal patterns of thought and action. In Turkey Fethullah Gülen’s community has been a powerful player in the national debate about the place of Islam in individual and collective life. Through emphasis on the importance of ‘secular education‘ and a commitment to the defense of both democratic principles and international human rights, Gülen has diffused a new and appealing version of how a ‘good Muslim‘ should act in contemporary society. In particular he has defended the role of Islam in the formation of individuals as ethically-responsible moral subjects, a project that overlaps significantly with the ‘secular’ one of forming responsible citizens.
August 26, 2012
Turkish schools in Thailand visit the Minister of Trade
A group of teachers and students from Turkish schools in Thailand, who participated in various international Olympiads, visited the minister of trade Mr. Boonsong Teriyapirom at his home.The Hidden Agenda of Hizmet Movement: Serving People with no Expectations
There is not a day that we don’t see a news article or a column about Hizmet (Service) Movement inspired by Fethullah Gulen. Some of these appear with sensational headlines like “Hidden Agenda” or “Grand Ambition” of Gulen Movement and get refuted by many officials and scholars. There are so many different claims and opinions about Hizmet movement that the actual agenda of the movement is really lost in that noise. This short note is to point out the obvious fact that the actual agenda of the movement is hidden in its very name “Hizmet (Service)”.
August 25, 2012
NY Times: Cooking Classes Help Spread Flavor of Turkey
Joan Nathan *
The aroma of sautéed onion and pepper wafted from a converted two-story office space next to a shopping center here. The ingredients were to be combined with red lentils, scallions and parsley, then molded into balls and wrapped in lettuce leaves, an appetizer from Oktay Usta, a famous Turkish chef.
The aroma of sautéed onion and pepper wafted from a converted two-story office space next to a shopping center here. The ingredients were to be combined with red lentils, scallions and parsley, then molded into balls and wrapped in lettuce leaves, an appetizer from Oktay Usta, a famous Turkish chef.
August 24, 2012
Social Responsibility - The Main Characteristic of a Devoted Volunteer in Hizmet Movement
“The Hizmet movement comprises of volunteers, who with their profound sense of responsibility feel the need to contribute in solving the problems of their own societies and of the entire world.” That is how the movement is introduced in an article titled “Basic characteristics of Gulen Movement”. Because of their strong social responsibility, the devoted volunteers of Hizmet movement are not interested in daily political debates nor in the hot discussions of news of the day, but always can and do focus on the actual problems of the society and contribute to the common good of the community.
August 23, 2012
Analysis: An open mind and a thoughtful one
Tom Wheeler *
When I wrote recently of my positive impression of the moderation I experienced at Israeli President Shimon Peres’s conference on Facing Tomorrow in Jerusalem, I was subjected to vicious criticism by a Muslim commentator which, in turn, elicited a sharp rebuke from a Jewish activist. All were published in The New Age.
When I wrote recently of my positive impression of the moderation I experienced at Israeli President Shimon Peres’s conference on Facing Tomorrow in Jerusalem, I was subjected to vicious criticism by a Muslim commentator which, in turn, elicited a sharp rebuke from a Jewish activist. All were published in The New Age.
August 22, 2012
Tolerance in the Theology and Thought of Fethullah Gülen
David B. Capes *
In his writings and oral addresses, Fethullah Gülen prefers the term hoshgoru (literally, “good view”) to “tolerance.” Conceptually, the former term indicates actions of the heart and the mind that include empathy, inquisitiveness, reflection, consideration of the dialog partner’s context, and respect for their positions. The term “tolerance” does not capture the notion of hoshgoru. Elsewhere, Gülen finds even the concept of hoshgoru insufficient, and employs terms with more depth in interfaith relations, such as respect and an appreciation of the positions of your dialog partner.
In his writings and oral addresses, Fethullah Gülen prefers the term hoshgoru (literally, “good view”) to “tolerance.” Conceptually, the former term indicates actions of the heart and the mind that include empathy, inquisitiveness, reflection, consideration of the dialog partner’s context, and respect for their positions. The term “tolerance” does not capture the notion of hoshgoru. Elsewhere, Gülen finds even the concept of hoshgoru insufficient, and employs terms with more depth in interfaith relations, such as respect and an appreciation of the positions of your dialog partner.
The Gülen Movement: Pioneers of interfaith dialogue
Clive Barrett *
The most populous Muslim presence in the UK has its roots in the Indian subcontinent, and the nature of Islam in Pakistan, especially, has coloured British understanding of and approaches to Islam. This is to ignore the diversity of Islam, not only theological, but also cultural and geographical.
The most populous Muslim presence in the UK has its roots in the Indian subcontinent, and the nature of Islam in Pakistan, especially, has coloured British understanding of and approaches to Islam. This is to ignore the diversity of Islam, not only theological, but also cultural and geographical.
August 21, 2012
Clashing Minorities, Converging Majorities: Toward a Coming Religious Peace
Jon Pahl, Ph.D.*
For scholars of religion and violence, the recent past poses a conundrum. Are civilizations clashing—as Samuel Huntington has provocatively posed, or cooperating, as Steven Pinker has recently contended? Pinker recognizes the apparently quixotic character of his argument on behalf of cooperation, and acknowledges that the 20th Century and first decade of the 21st were notable in a notorious way for World Wars, genocides, and the rise of terrorism (1). But Pinker also marshals impressive data on behalf of his claim that over the centuries, but especially in the past fifty years, developments in political organization, literacy, scientific and technological mastery, and social and economic cooperation have significantly improved the duration and quality of life for many human beings.
For scholars of religion and violence, the recent past poses a conundrum. Are civilizations clashing—as Samuel Huntington has provocatively posed, or cooperating, as Steven Pinker has recently contended? Pinker recognizes the apparently quixotic character of his argument on behalf of cooperation, and acknowledges that the 20th Century and first decade of the 21st were notable in a notorious way for World Wars, genocides, and the rise of terrorism (1). But Pinker also marshals impressive data on behalf of his claim that over the centuries, but especially in the past fifty years, developments in political organization, literacy, scientific and technological mastery, and social and economic cooperation have significantly improved the duration and quality of life for many human beings.
August 20, 2012
Quality Education in Developing Countries and Gulen Schools
Cemil Genç
Quality education is one of the most leveraged investments for catalyzing development, promoting global health and reducing poverty and universal education is one of the U.N. Millennium Development Goals. Despite this, there are still hundreds of million children and young people not in school.
Quality education is one of the most leveraged investments for catalyzing development, promoting global health and reducing poverty and universal education is one of the U.N. Millennium Development Goals. Despite this, there are still hundreds of million children and young people not in school.
August 19, 2012
SJMC Crossing Culture Borders
Jennifer Mercado
A small group of University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) faculty opened a line of dialogue with educators and professionals during a trip to Turkey last month.
Hosted by the Niagara Foundation, a handful of SJMC faculty and eastern Iowa-area professionals travelled to Turkey June 15-24 to learn about the country and experience its culture.
“We ran out of adjectives to describe and superlatives to praise what we saw,” said David Perlmutter, SJMC director, of his experience on the trip.
 |
| Chief Rabbi Ishak Haleva receives a gift from Bill Casey, publisher of the Daily Iowan and David Perlmutter, SJMC director, during a visit by an Iowa delegation to Turkey. |
Hosted by the Niagara Foundation, a handful of SJMC faculty and eastern Iowa-area professionals travelled to Turkey June 15-24 to learn about the country and experience its culture.
“We ran out of adjectives to describe and superlatives to praise what we saw,” said David Perlmutter, SJMC director, of his experience on the trip.
August 18, 2012
Kimse Yok Mu presents gifts to 8,000 children in Diyarbakır
Turkish humanitarian aid organization Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) has delivered gifts to 8,000 children from poor families in the province of Diyarbakır to help them enjoy Eid al-Fitr, the three-day religious festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Turkish school opens in Kigali
Stevenson Mugisha
Hope Kids Academy, an international Turkish school, has opened its branch in the country under a Rwandan-Turkish framework.
The school is located in Nyarutarama, Gasabo District.
 |
| The premises of Hope Kids Academy The New Times / Timothy Kisambira. |
The school is located in Nyarutarama, Gasabo District.
August 17, 2012
Bağış urges journalists at iftar to contribute to Kimse Yok Mu
American Turkish Friendship Association organizes Iftar Tent in DC area
American Turkish Friendship Association (ATFA) organizes Iftar Tent in Fairfax which will welcome everyone for dinner. The tent is open for three days beginning with August 9th. Iftar Tent will feature delicious Turkish food and entertainment for guests. ATFA is a non-profit non-governmental organization with no political affiliation dedicated to addressing the social and cultural needs of Turkish and Americans living in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area. The organization was established by followers of Gulen movement which advocates friendship, tolerance and intercultural dialogue.
Published on fethullah-gulen.net, 16 August 2012, Thursday
Published on fethullah-gulen.net, 16 August 2012, Thursday
August 16, 2012
Basic Characteristics of the Gulen Movement
Hizmet (Gulen movement) is a transnational civil society movement calling up everyone to collaborate around a common ideal of good work for humanity. The movement aims to facilitate an environment in which all can work together in a pluralist, peaceful, all-embracing spirit and voluntary altruism, regardless of subscription to a certain faith.
August 15, 2012
Fethullah Gulen and the Concept of Responsibility
Dr. Simon Robinson *
Responsibility is a key concept in philosophy and theology, and also in practice, not least in business and the management of the environment. It is a concept at the heart of the writings of Fethullah Gülen.
Responsibility is a key concept in philosophy and theology, and also in practice, not least in business and the management of the environment. It is a concept at the heart of the writings of Fethullah Gülen.
August 14, 2012
“Der Spiegel” does not reflect the truth
İsmail Kul
One cannot help but remember the joke about Nasreddin Hodja after reading the article about the Hizmet Movement that appeared in the current issue of Der Spiegel. The story is as follows:
One cannot help but remember the joke about Nasreddin Hodja after reading the article about the Hizmet Movement that appeared in the current issue of Der Spiegel. The story is as follows:
The ‘Community' story Der Spiegel ignorantly published
Ekrem Dumanlı
Certain circles who cannot achieve their ends with forged stories in Turkey continue with their black propaganda using the newspapers and journals abroad. They made US newspaper and journals publish many fake stories. Now they try the same with Germany. A German journal compiled a news story by picking up the views which were denied or found to be false. It seeks to present the “Community,” or the Hizmet movement, as a secret order to instill fears in German society. However, those who live abroad know well that the Community always favors dialogue and pays respect to the social order of respective countries. Moreover, those who read the sentences quoted from the people who are presented as members of the Community can easily understand the conspiracy.
Certain circles who cannot achieve their ends with forged stories in Turkey continue with their black propaganda using the newspapers and journals abroad. They made US newspaper and journals publish many fake stories. Now they try the same with Germany. A German journal compiled a news story by picking up the views which were denied or found to be false. It seeks to present the “Community,” or the Hizmet movement, as a secret order to instill fears in German society. However, those who live abroad know well that the Community always favors dialogue and pays respect to the social order of respective countries. Moreover, those who read the sentences quoted from the people who are presented as members of the Community can easily understand the conspiracy.
August 13, 2012
A Mafia that opposes Alcohol, Violence and Firearms
Mahmut Çebi
I once listened to Mehmet Firinci, a student of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, recount the following story: “Bediuzzaman was about 75 years old when a group came to visit him. They were speaking of retaliating with violence against all the oppression they were facing. Bediuzzaman was listening to them while he was sitting on the ground. He became very outraged by what he heard, and all of a sudden he jumped as high as one meter off the ground despite his old age. He then stood up and pushed them away, saying “No to violence, no to violence.” In a similar vein, Mr. Fethullah Gülen made his position very clear against all kinds of violence and terror, be it from the al-Qaeda or PKK. His famous motto “A Muslim cannot be a terrorist, a terrorist cannot be a Muslim” has been ingrained firmly in the minds of many.
I once listened to Mehmet Firinci, a student of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, recount the following story: “Bediuzzaman was about 75 years old when a group came to visit him. They were speaking of retaliating with violence against all the oppression they were facing. Bediuzzaman was listening to them while he was sitting on the ground. He became very outraged by what he heard, and all of a sudden he jumped as high as one meter off the ground despite his old age. He then stood up and pushed them away, saying “No to violence, no to violence.” In a similar vein, Mr. Fethullah Gülen made his position very clear against all kinds of violence and terror, be it from the al-Qaeda or PKK. His famous motto “A Muslim cannot be a terrorist, a terrorist cannot be a Muslim” has been ingrained firmly in the minds of many.
President of Republic of Benin praises Gulen-inspired schools
English translation retrieved from fethullah-gulen.net, 11 August 2012, Saturday
Original article [in Turkish] published on Zaman, 10 July 2012, Monday
August 12, 2012
Turkish Relief Organization Receives "Outstanding Service Medal" in Somalia
A Turkish relief organization, "Kimse Yok Mu", received "Outstanding Service Medal" for its welfare activities in Somalia.
According to a statement released from the charity, Orhan Erdogan, the Somalia representative of the "Kimse Yok Mu", received the award from Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Friday.
According to a statement released from the charity, Orhan Erdogan, the Somalia representative of the "Kimse Yok Mu", received the award from Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Friday.
Lies in the “Research” by Der Spiegel
Mahmut Çebi
Fethullah Gülen has so far been designated with numerous titles: Islamist, pro-Christian, pro-sharia, pro-Vatican, pro-ummah, pro-Turan (Turkish ethnic nationalist), pro-American, pro-Israel, Calvinist, etc. Those who never listened to him or read his books have attacked him with as many defamations as they wished. But these decades-long groundless attacks have never been enough to blow off even a tiniest piece from this giant rock.
Fethullah Gülen has so far been designated with numerous titles: Islamist, pro-Christian, pro-sharia, pro-Vatican, pro-ummah, pro-Turan (Turkish ethnic nationalist), pro-American, pro-Israel, Calvinist, etc. Those who never listened to him or read his books have attacked him with as many defamations as they wished. But these decades-long groundless attacks have never been enough to blow off even a tiniest piece from this giant rock.
August 11, 2012
A failed fairy tale of a poor imprisoned German-Turk
İhsan Yılmaz
I could not resist the temptation to make fun of the poor, “imprisoned” young German-Turk, whose fictitious name is Serkan Öz, to whom Der Spiegel has spoken. He does not want to give his real name saying that he is fearful of the Hizmet movement. So, we can never know if such a person exists or if he is a figment of the imagination. Anyway, let us assume that such a person exists and talk about his claims.
Religious leaders, politicians have iftar in Nigerian capital
The Ufuk Dialogue Foundation hosted a Dialogue and Peace İftar Dinner last week in the Nigerian capital of Abuja.
The event was attended by Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwanbo, Nigerian Information Minister Labaran Maku, Finance Minister Yerima Ngama, Abuja's Roman Catholic Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, Anglican Archbishop Nicholas Okoh and senators, deputies and ambassadors from Canada, Ethiopia, Mali, Cameroon, Indonesia and Palestine.
The event was attended by Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwanbo, Nigerian Information Minister Labaran Maku, Finance Minister Yerima Ngama, Abuja's Roman Catholic Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, Anglican Archbishop Nicholas Okoh and senators, deputies and ambassadors from Canada, Ethiopia, Mali, Cameroon, Indonesia and Palestine.
August 10, 2012
Der Spiegel’s recent strange attack on the Hizmet (Gulen) Movement
İhsan Yılmaz
Der Spiegel has published a piece about the Hizmet (Gülen) movement. Unfortunately, the piece does not look like a work of journalism.
Der Spiegel has published a piece about the Hizmet (Gülen) movement. Unfortunately, the piece does not look like a work of journalism.
August 9, 2012
Nigerian refugees in Chad struggle for life
Majority of whom are women and children, resident of the camp are trying to survive under hard conditions in camp.
August 8, 2012
Ceaseless assistance delivered to 90,000 Arakan people
KYM's aid team continues uninterrupted relief efforts at the Myanmar-Bangladesh border. Aid has reached more than 90,000 Arakan Muslims who left their homes and are living in refugee camps in unhealthy conditions.
Ozer: There are few people like Fethullah Gulen
Fatih Vural
In a recent interview with Sunday’s Zaman, musician Sami Özer spoke about his new album and illustrious career. Özer also shared his memories of a visit to Fethullah Gülen in 2007, and an encounter with singer Ahmet Kaya:
 |
| Sami Özer |
August 7, 2012
Gülen Movement and the public space
fgulen.org
How successful is the Gülen Movement in changing public attitudes?
To date the Gülen Movement has achieved some significant results in changing public attitudes. Through educational initiatives, new media organs and networks, opposition to violent and coercive means and methods, intercultural and interfaith dialogue, and co-operation on projects and services, the Gülen Movement has succeeded in producing new projects and services that reveal the social and political nature of the definitions previously imposed by the dominant interest groups and their apparatuses.
How successful is the Gülen Movement in changing public attitudes?
To date the Gülen Movement has achieved some significant results in changing public attitudes. Through educational initiatives, new media organs and networks, opposition to violent and coercive means and methods, intercultural and interfaith dialogue, and co-operation on projects and services, the Gülen Movement has succeeded in producing new projects and services that reveal the social and political nature of the definitions previously imposed by the dominant interest groups and their apparatuses.
August 6, 2012
Universal Schooling and Gulen Inspired Schools
Cemil Genç
Although universal schooling has been adopted as a goal by international organizations, bilateral aid agencies, national governments, and non-profit organizations, little sustained international attention has been devoted to the purposes or goals of universal education. What is universal primary and secondary education intended to accomplish?
Although universal schooling has been adopted as a goal by international organizations, bilateral aid agencies, national governments, and non-profit organizations, little sustained international attention has been devoted to the purposes or goals of universal education. What is universal primary and secondary education intended to accomplish?
August 5, 2012
Turkish Aid Agency Kimse Yok Mu Reaches out to Kosovo, Albania Muslims
A Turkish charitable agency “Kimse Yok Mu” has sent aid packages, including food items, to strife torn Kosovo region in Balkans. Many Muslims in Albanian majority areas who suffered in long drawn ethnic conflict in the region are still needy and deserving and often international agencies have been offering help to them.
GYV gathers politicians, diplomats at iftar dinner in Turkish capital
Many distinguished figures, including Cabinet members, politicians, diplomats, businessmen and journalists, came together at an iftar (fast-breaking dinner) table on Thursday night in an event held by the Ankara branch of the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) at Ankara's Congresium hall.
August 4, 2012
Australian Catholic University Fethullah Gulen International Scholarship
August 3, 2012
Kimse Yok Mu gathers ‘sister families’ at iftar
Zeynep Kırşan, Cihan Acar
Kimse Yok Mu, a Turkish charity, has brought philanthropists, families of martyrs and families in need together for an iftar.
Kimse Yok Mu, a Turkish charity, has brought philanthropists, families of martyrs and families in need together for an iftar.
Bank Asya campaign to support 1,000 students
Turkey's leading Islamic participation bank, Bank Asya, has announced that it will provide a monthly stipend to 1,000 students as part of its corporate social responsibility.
August 2, 2012
Kimse Yok Mu officials hand out aid with flashlights in rain
Mehmet Yaman
Despite the heavy rain, Kimse Yok Mu, a Turkish charity, continued distributing aid packages throughout the night with the aid of flashlights to Rohingya Muslims who have taken shelter in the Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh from the ongoing violence in their home country, Myanmar.
Despite the heavy rain, Kimse Yok Mu, a Turkish charity, continued distributing aid packages throughout the night with the aid of flashlights to Rohingya Muslims who have taken shelter in the Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh from the ongoing violence in their home country, Myanmar.
Turkey extends helping hand to Rohingya Muslims
Through the activities of various NGOs, philanthropists and the Turkish state, Turkey is continuing to send aid to the aggrieved in Myanmar’s Arakan province, where a massacre of Rohingya Muslims is being carried out by extremists.
August 1, 2012
Understanding Structure and Hierarchy in the Gülen Movement – 2
Martin Taylor
In my previous blog post, in an effort to understand and explain how the Gülen Movement (also called Hizmet) operates without a top-down organizational structure, I looked at Gore Inc, a privately owned high-tech company producing over a thousand products and an annual turnover of $2.5 billion with over 9,000 employees and factories in more than 30 countries. Gore Inc operates as a flat lattice organization without any organizational charts, without a hierarchy of managers and fixed lines of communications between them, without a chain of command and pre-assigned lines of authority and without bosses or titles. So I asked this straightforward question: if this huge, extremely successful international high-tech company can run its business on the basis of a flat lattice structure, then surely it should come as no surprise that a non-profit social movement could also do its work, and do it equally successfully, on the same basis – that is, without a central, hierarchical organization.
In my previous blog post, in an effort to understand and explain how the Gülen Movement (also called Hizmet) operates without a top-down organizational structure, I looked at Gore Inc, a privately owned high-tech company producing over a thousand products and an annual turnover of $2.5 billion with over 9,000 employees and factories in more than 30 countries. Gore Inc operates as a flat lattice organization without any organizational charts, without a hierarchy of managers and fixed lines of communications between them, without a chain of command and pre-assigned lines of authority and without bosses or titles. So I asked this straightforward question: if this huge, extremely successful international high-tech company can run its business on the basis of a flat lattice structure, then surely it should come as no surprise that a non-profit social movement could also do its work, and do it equally successfully, on the same basis – that is, without a central, hierarchical organization.
July 31, 2012
Gülen Donates $10k for Rohingya Aid
Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has donated US $10,000 to support Rohingya Muslims who have become embroiled in sectarian violence since early June, reports Today’s Zaman. The cash was earned from the sale of his books and audio recordings and will be distributed through leading Turkish charity Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) to refugees in Bangladesh’s Cox Bazar over the border from Burma’s western Arakan State. Communal violence is grinding on despite the Naypyidaw government declaring a state of emergency with Muslim Rohingyas increasingly being targeted in attacks that have included killings, rape and physical abuse, claims Amnesty International.
Published on The Irrawaddy News Magazine, 31 July 2012, Tuesday
Related Articles:
Published on The Irrawaddy News Magazine, 31 July 2012, Tuesday
Related Articles:
Fethullah Gülen makes donation to needy Myanmar Muslims
Turkish Islamic scholar and intellectual Fethullah Gülen has donated $10,000 to support Myanmar Muslims who have long faced discrimination in the Asian country and have been targeted in killings by local Buddhists.
Academics from UK Impressed with Dialogue Efforts in Turkey
Academics from Britain visited Turkey for the “Debates on Multiculturalism 2” meeting, were also present at the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) to receive a presentation on dialogue efforts carried out by the foundation.
July 30, 2012
Six Days in Turkey... The Many Lessons
Ike Abonyi
Courtesy of a Turkey-based non-governmental organisation, Ufuk Foundation, select journalists from Nigeria visited Turkey recently during which they glimpsed the country’s secular and liberal life.
On July 8, 2012, six senior journalists based in Abuja, Nigeria left the country for Turkey. The desire to visit the country stemmed from various reasons: it is one of the few countries that belong to two continents and one of the countries that is an Islamic nation yet operates as if its a secular state.
Courtesy of a Turkey-based non-governmental organisation, Ufuk Foundation, select journalists from Nigeria visited Turkey recently during which they glimpsed the country’s secular and liberal life.
On July 8, 2012, six senior journalists based in Abuja, Nigeria left the country for Turkey. The desire to visit the country stemmed from various reasons: it is one of the few countries that belong to two continents and one of the countries that is an Islamic nation yet operates as if its a secular state.
July 29, 2012
Opposition to the Gulen Movement: Who and why? (2)
fgulen.org
What was the “West Working Group” and why did it target the Gülen Movement?
The West Working Group was a group set up initially within the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK); it was subsequently abolished or modified into various tactical units. The West Working Group interfered with politics and governance and became a unit that planned anti-democratic schemes and putsch-like events. (Since the group was disbanded, its members have resurfaced in warfare units in the TSK that have continued to plot strategies for coup attempts.) The group claimed its name epitomized its adherence to Western values because Westernization is one of the fundamental principles of the Turkish Republic.
What was the “West Working Group” and why did it target the Gülen Movement?
The West Working Group was a group set up initially within the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK); it was subsequently abolished or modified into various tactical units. The West Working Group interfered with politics and governance and became a unit that planned anti-democratic schemes and putsch-like events. (Since the group was disbanded, its members have resurfaced in warfare units in the TSK that have continued to plot strategies for coup attempts.) The group claimed its name epitomized its adherence to Western values because Westernization is one of the fundamental principles of the Turkish Republic.
July 28, 2012
Businessmen, politicians, religious leaders come together at GYV iftar
Many distinguished figures, including Turkey's spiritual leaders, politicians, artists, diplomats, businessmen and journalists came together at the same iftar (fast-breaking dinner) table in Istanbul's Conrad Hotel on Wednesday night at an event held by the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV).
July 27, 2012
Introducing the Gulen Movement: Prophet’s Path in the Twenty-first Century
Muzaffar K. Awan, MD. *
In the contemporary world, the relations between people of the world are becoming more cordial as territorial borders are becoming less important in a globalizing world. Also, the people around the world increasingly share some common universal values such as the importance of genuine democracy, economic justice, human rights, rule of law and freedom in a much more challenging way compared to the past. However, despite the existence of such hopeful developments, our present and early twenty-first century is not genuinely democratic. Our world as a whole still constitutes immature and disorderly global system of neoliberal politics, neoliberal capitalism, sovereign self-centric nation-states, and other forms of social and moral schism is rapidly surging forward, like an immense and stormy ocean, heading toward planetary disaster. We are facing the dead-end. Either we create a truly global democratic renaissance for the twenty-first century by founding a holistic global civilization or we undergo an utter loss – and the immense promise of our common human project may be lost forever on our failed spaceship earth. The choice remains ours still and we must summon the moral courage, genuine political and collective will for immediate action to set up an integrated global legal system and a holistic earthly civil society. [1]
In the contemporary world, the relations between people of the world are becoming more cordial as territorial borders are becoming less important in a globalizing world. Also, the people around the world increasingly share some common universal values such as the importance of genuine democracy, economic justice, human rights, rule of law and freedom in a much more challenging way compared to the past. However, despite the existence of such hopeful developments, our present and early twenty-first century is not genuinely democratic. Our world as a whole still constitutes immature and disorderly global system of neoliberal politics, neoliberal capitalism, sovereign self-centric nation-states, and other forms of social and moral schism is rapidly surging forward, like an immense and stormy ocean, heading toward planetary disaster. We are facing the dead-end. Either we create a truly global democratic renaissance for the twenty-first century by founding a holistic global civilization or we undergo an utter loss – and the immense promise of our common human project may be lost forever on our failed spaceship earth. The choice remains ours still and we must summon the moral courage, genuine political and collective will for immediate action to set up an integrated global legal system and a holistic earthly civil society. [1]
July 26, 2012
Opposition to the Gulen Movement: Who and why? (1)
fgulen.org
Why do some (in Turkey in particular) oppose the Gülen Movement?
For those who have exploited and usurped Turkey’s wealth and resources for years, the altruism of those raised among the Gülen Movement is a challenge to their way of thinking. They have found their logic upset. For they see that while they seek to siphon money and resources illegally from the state and people’s pockets, others have begun instead to construct alternate modes of behavior and generate alternative meanings. This offers a symbolic challenge to the more usual rationality of calculation, established bureaucratic routines, and means–end relationships. The challenge arises from the given-for-nothing nature of the “offering” and the directness of personal commitment. These two features demonstrate that sharing with others is not reducible to instrumental logic. In essence, the Gülen Movement reminds everyone of the limitations of a system’s power over people and events. It calls into question the System’s sway over us and invites us to assume greater responsibility for our choices and actions. In so doing, it becomes a vital component in the renewal of civil society and the reinforcement of social cohesion. For precisely those reasons there is counter-mobilization by vested interests.
Why do some (in Turkey in particular) oppose the Gülen Movement?
For those who have exploited and usurped Turkey’s wealth and resources for years, the altruism of those raised among the Gülen Movement is a challenge to their way of thinking. They have found their logic upset. For they see that while they seek to siphon money and resources illegally from the state and people’s pockets, others have begun instead to construct alternate modes of behavior and generate alternative meanings. This offers a symbolic challenge to the more usual rationality of calculation, established bureaucratic routines, and means–end relationships. The challenge arises from the given-for-nothing nature of the “offering” and the directness of personal commitment. These two features demonstrate that sharing with others is not reducible to instrumental logic. In essence, the Gülen Movement reminds everyone of the limitations of a system’s power over people and events. It calls into question the System’s sway over us and invites us to assume greater responsibility for our choices and actions. In so doing, it becomes a vital component in the renewal of civil society and the reinforcement of social cohesion. For precisely those reasons there is counter-mobilization by vested interests.
July 25, 2012
Gülen Movement and Politics (2)
fgulen.org
Does the Gülen Movement engage in political rhetoric or partisan politics?
The character of the services (that the participants are engaged in providing) keeps them away from the everyday and largely pointless partisan fights and rhetoric of political parties; participants do not divert or exhaust their energies in political skirmishes. The effectiveness of the Gülen Movement’s activities arises from its openness and receptiveness, and the efficiency of available forms of representation. This quality of the Gülen Movement contradicts the dominant understanding of social movements in the West, which sees movements as always contentious and conflictual.
Does the Gülen Movement engage in political rhetoric or partisan politics?
The character of the services (that the participants are engaged in providing) keeps them away from the everyday and largely pointless partisan fights and rhetoric of political parties; participants do not divert or exhaust their energies in political skirmishes. The effectiveness of the Gülen Movement’s activities arises from its openness and receptiveness, and the efficiency of available forms of representation. This quality of the Gülen Movement contradicts the dominant understanding of social movements in the West, which sees movements as always contentious and conflictual.
July 24, 2012
Gülen Movement and Politics (1)
fgulen.org
Is the Gülen Movement a political movement, action or actor?
No. A political movement presses for a different distribution of roles, rewards or resources in society and therefore clashes with the power which imposes rules within the structural organization of the state; a non-political movement strives for a more efficient functioning of the system or apparatus of society or, in fact, for that system’s more successful outcomes. It does not pass the established limits of the system or its written and unwritten rules, regulations and norms. The Gülen Movement fits the description of a non-political movement, so despite being a collective action or mobilization, it cannot be said to be a political movement.
Is the Gülen Movement a political movement, action or actor?
No. A political movement presses for a different distribution of roles, rewards or resources in society and therefore clashes with the power which imposes rules within the structural organization of the state; a non-political movement strives for a more efficient functioning of the system or apparatus of society or, in fact, for that system’s more successful outcomes. It does not pass the established limits of the system or its written and unwritten rules, regulations and norms. The Gülen Movement fits the description of a non-political movement, so despite being a collective action or mobilization, it cannot be said to be a political movement.
July 23, 2012
Gülen schools or Gülen-inspired schools?
fgulen.org
What kind of schools does Gülen advocate?
The schools inspired by Fethullah Gülen's educational understanding are not religious or Islamic.
Instead, they are secular private schools inspected by state authorities and sponsored by parents and entrepreneurs. They follow secular, state-prescribed curricula and internationally recognized programs.
What kind of schools does Gülen advocate?
The schools inspired by Fethullah Gülen's educational understanding are not religious or Islamic.
Instead, they are secular private schools inspected by state authorities and sponsored by parents and entrepreneurs. They follow secular, state-prescribed curricula and internationally recognized programs.
July 22, 2012
’60 Minutes’ segment on Gulen Movement highly speculative
Ahmed Rehab
By most objective standards, Fethullah Gulen is a hero of the modern age. While religious polarization has emerged as one of the most nagging problems our time, stumping educators and causing politicians to loose sleep, the Turkish Muslim scholar has inspired millions around the world to rise above petty ideological differences that only work to divide people and instead to embrace all human beings as God’s creation regardless of their faith, national identity, or ideological affiliation.
For Gulen, Jews, Christians, Muslims, atheists, secular nationalists and others have shed too much blood and exhausted too many centuries declaring each other enemies; Instead, he sees ignorance as the common enemy of all people.
 |
| Ahmed Rehab |
For Gulen, Jews, Christians, Muslims, atheists, secular nationalists and others have shed too much blood and exhausted too many centuries declaring each other enemies; Instead, he sees ignorance as the common enemy of all people.
July 21, 2012
Gabonese President: My country is very satisfied with Turkish school
Minhac Çelik
President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon has said his country is very satisfied with a school opened by Turkish volunteers there and called on volunteers to open more schools.
President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon has said his country is very satisfied with a school opened by Turkish volunteers there and called on volunteers to open more schools.
‘No indication Hizmet movement involved in politics’
During an interview, CHP leader Kılıçdaroğlu responded to a question about the alleged role of religious communities in Turkey.
July 20, 2012
Gülen Movement on Islam and secularism
fgulen.org
Do Fethullah Gülen and the Movement oppose secularism?
Not at all. As outlined earlier, Fethullah Gülen and the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) have brought together on common ground secularists and anti-secularists, who had been artificially separated on this issue. Fethullah Gülen argues that secularism should not be an obstacle to religious devoutness, nor should devoutness constitute a danger to secularism. The JWF platforms help to bring these two groups in Turkish society into dialogue.
Do Fethullah Gülen and the Movement oppose secularism?
Not at all. As outlined earlier, Fethullah Gülen and the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) have brought together on common ground secularists and anti-secularists, who had been artificially separated on this issue. Fethullah Gülen argues that secularism should not be an obstacle to religious devoutness, nor should devoutness constitute a danger to secularism. The JWF platforms help to bring these two groups in Turkish society into dialogue.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
