Northern Iraqi Students Stir Emotions with Their Songs

Northern Iraq semi-final qualification round of the Turkish Olympiads, which will mark its 11th year with the slogan “Towards Universal Peace”, were concluded on February 17, Arbil.

“Turkey Now Back in Africa with Turkish Schools”

In parallel to a focus on Africa initiatives in Turkish foreign policy, there has been a visible increase in the interest toward Turkey throughout Africa as well. Strengthening partnerships and relations founded on the shared past has been welcomed by academics, experts, politicians and the media. Consequently, such an interest has encouraged a rise in the number of scholarly exchanges, given the need for enriching existing academic and cultural common grounds.

New Book Analyzes Fethullah Gulen's Perspective on Literature

A versatile personality, Fethullah Gulen is an architect of soul and sense who confronts his era and its values within the parameters of a deep-rooted civilization and an envisioned future while also inviting his sympathizers along this confrontation. It goes without saying that the meaning such a versatile personality ascribes to literature and art is highly distinct and more comprehensive than what a typical man of letter does.

Gulen Inspired Schools, Global Success

Cemil Genc

Developing countries are investing more today in education than industrialized countries did when they faced similar levels of income. Rapid expansion is generally perceived as coming at the expense of quality, and it can lead to increased social, gender and ethnic inequality [1]. In countries where there are problems with the quality of schooling and the relevance of the knowledge and skills it promotes, further expansion of school enrolment may not be seen as a priority, at least not until employment prospects for school graduates improve and effective reforms have taken place [2].

“An unshakable spiritual unity, unique to Hizmet Movement volunteers”

Hizmet (Gulen Movement) was discussed by Turkish and American academics at a panel titled "Hizmet: A Transnational Social Movement with Participants in Turkey, the US, and around the World” at Georgetown University.

Tradition-Rooted Wrongdoings Erroneously Attributed to Islam

Positive role of interfaith dialogue in curbing violence and discrimination against women was highlighted at the symposium held at United Nations, New York.

Intercultural Dialogue Platform kicks off “Abraham’s Table Gatherings”

On February 12, the first of the series “Abraham’s Table Gatherings” hosted by Intercultural Dialogue Platform took place with the participation of Catholic Assyrian Church’s members. In attendance of the inaugural gathering were President of Journalists and Writers Foundation Mustafa Yesil and Assyrian Catholic Church Foundation President Zeki Basatemir, both in company with the foundations’ board members, in addition to the church’s deputy-bishop Yusuf Sag.

Journalists and Writers Foundation-European Union Delegation Roundtable Meeting

On January 25, 2013, Journalist and Writers Foundation hosted EU-Turkey Delegation Roundtable meeting at Sheraton Hotel, Ankara. In his opening speech, EU Delegation President, Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert noted that they have been examining and comparing Turkey’s ambitions with EU criteria set for the accession process. “Journalists and Writers Foundation is an influential and deep-rooted institution. So, we would like to know the foundation’s thoughts on EU’s criteria for human rights, press freedom, freedom of expression and religion.” Ripert inquired. The delegation sought answers during the meeting that is certain to be instrumental in the country’s diplomatic future.

Mauritius Set for Foreign Investment

In his statements at Turkey-Mauritius Trade and Investment Forum, Mauritius Minister of Foreign Affairs Arvin Boolell noted that Mauritius is the most trade-secure country of the continent and continued: “With tomorrow’s Incentives and Assurance in Bilateral Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, we aim to attract Turkish business world to opportunities in our country. Turkish investors are welcome to set up business in agriculture, energy, food, marine and tourism sectors, in particular.”

Is the Hizmet Movement a Social Movement?

Margaret A. Johnson, Ph.D.

If we look at the sociological definition of a social movement in the broadest sense it refers to collective action by a group of people brought together over a shared desire or interest to impact social change or bring about primary changes to a society.

Gulen-inspired Schools: Achieving Academic and Moral Education

Cemil Genç

Browsing through the major news outlets, you would face with the bizarre picture of the fact that in many parts of the world, civil society suffers because of conflicts, corruption and lack of pace. It is an inevitable relativity to recognize the crucial role of education in contributing to building a culture of peace and condemning instances.

Impressions of the Gulen Movement Conference in Senegal

Alie Yunus Kallay

EBRU Review Magazine and Turkish-Senegalese Association for Atlantic Cultural Dialogue (ATSA) invited Muslims from all over the world to participate and present papers on the theme “Diversity and Cohesion in a Globalized World: Contributions of the Gülen Movement” in a seminar held in Dakar (Senegal), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education of Senegal and the University of Sheikh Anta Diop of Dakar (UCAD) on the 8th and 9th of February 2013.

Turkish Parliamentary Delegation Visits Pak-Turk Schools in Islamabad

Cemil Cicek, Speaker of the Turkish Parliament (Turkish Grand National Assembly), accompanied by an official delegation paid a visit to Pak-Turk School and College during his stay in the country for Parliament Assembly of Economic Partnership Organization to take place in Islamabad.

Fethullah Gülen convinces people Islam integral part of global order

Professor Hans Köchler from Austria,

President of the International Progress
Organization. (Photo: Today's Zaman)

The Abant Platform organized by the Journalists and Writers' Foundation (GYV) hosted a wide range of participants from different walks of life at the traditional Abant meetings to discuss the “Diverse Perspectives on Turkey” on Feb. 8-10. Today's Zaman talked to one of the most prominent participants of the meeting, Professor Hans Köchler from Austria, the president of the International Progress Organization (IPO), a Vienna-based think tank that aims to promote dialogue among civilizations, the peaceful coexistence of nations as well as human rights. Köchler had been nominated as an observer at the Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie) bombing trial by the then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Turkish Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts plans grand opening at Agawam location

Cori Urban

Where can you go to learn about the Turkish language and culture or to learn how to cook Turkish dishes?

Kimse Yok Mu Brings Joy to Gaza Orphans

Kimse Yok Mu brought joy to 500 Gaza orphans as it once again extended a compassionate hand those in need.

Even a single blanket can save a life

Kimse Yok Mu, an international aid organization operated by people inspired by Fethullah Gulen's ideas, has recently launched a campaign to help the people of Bangladesh. The campaign’s name is ‘Even a single blanket can save a life’ and the goal of the campaign is to collect money to buy warm blankets for the poor in Bangladesh.

Donate Relief Aid on Valentine’s Day, Kimse Yok Mu Suggests

[Time Sensitive]

Fethullah Gulen’s Books Met Indian Readers at New Delhi World Book Fair

Cihan News Agency

Fethullah Gulen’s books met the readers at recently held New Delhi World Book Fair, rated as one of the most recognized book fairs around the world.

Abant meeting calls for commitment to EU process, new constitution

Participants of the three-day-long Abant Platform meeting have emphasized the need to finish drafting a new constitution, stressed the importance of a state that is equidistant to all beliefs and underlined the significance of reviving Turkey's membership talks with the European Union.

The Future of the Gulen Movement

Ziya Meral *

Leaving aside all of the conspiracy theories and anxieties, the Gulen movement, also known as the Hizmet from the Turkish word for service, is one of the most fascinating and out of the box faith-based movements that have emerged from the Muslim world recently.

Abant Platform raises support for EU process, criticism for parties

In the second day of the discussions of the 28th Abant Platform meeting, the participants leveled criticisms at both Turkey and the EU while reiterating support for Turkey’s membership process at large. It was agreed that although Turkey’s long-term interests lie in the EU membership, both sides suffer from a fatigue as Turkey’s disappointment leads to a decrease in its appetite for the EU.

Abant Platform meeting launches with identity debates in Turkey

The Abant Platform started its 28th meeting on Friday at Lake Abant with the participation of over a hundred intellectuals, academics, journalists and pundits from different ideological backgrounds to discuss the current issues in Turkey.

Caring for the 42 percent, the new constitution and Abant spirit

İhsan Yılmaz

...It seems that politicians, being politicians, will continue to act as they always have and will focus on their electoral victories. It is futile to expect them to act like Platonic wise rulers who take into account the happiness of society as a whole. They will not give up their divisive aggressive rhetoric. The burden lies on the shoulders of civil society.

28th Abant Platform Convenes to Discuss ‘Diverse Perspectives on Turkey'

The prestigious Abant Platform, which has tackled pressing issues facing Turkey since its establishment in 1998, commenced its 28th meeting on Friday to discuss Turkey's domestic and regional issues with a forum titled “Diverse Perspectives on Turkey.”

Fethullah Gülen's message to "Gülen Movement" conference in Senegal

Dear guests, esteemed organizers, academics, thinkers, and honorable government authorities of Senegal,

Countdown to "Hizmet Movement Conference"- Guests depart for Senegal

The Managing Editor and Publisher of the Independent Authoritative Heritage Newspaper, Mr. Mohammed M. Kanneh, Sr. departs the country today, Thursday, February 7, 2013, for Dakar, Senegal.

Conference on Gülen movement to take place in Senegal

As the faith-based Gülen movement widens its activities across the globe in areas such as fostering education and launching humanitarian efforts to heal social and economic woes in different regions, academic research on the motives and nature of the movement is also surging, and a conference is set to take place in the West African country of Senegal this week.

Turkish schools in Mali stay open despite conflict

Turkish schools in Mali are staying open to students in spite of the military operations against rebels being carried out in the northern part of the African country.

Weekly Sermons of Fethullah Gülen are now in English

Sermons of Fethullah Gülen, which have originally been published in Turkish by fgulen.com each Monday, are now available to the English-speaking readers every Wednesday. The texts, compiled from the weekly sermons given by Gülen in the US, can now be accessed from the website titled "The Broken Jug."

PM's wife praises devotion of Prague school's teachers

Emine Erdoğan, the wife of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has praised the teachers of a school opened in the Czech capital of Prague by Turkish entrepreneurs.

Turkish families in the neighboring city of Malian fights

While a considerable number of people have evacuated the area, the ongoing war couldn’t deter the Turkish teachers. The two families residing in the northern Mali city of Segou, the nearest settlement to the hot zone Konna, explained: “There is no way we are leaving Segou.”

TUSKON’s Turkish-Filipino Initiatives to Open New Trade Doors

Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey opens new trade doors with Turkish-Filipino Business Forum in the capital Manila.

‘Time for win-win in trade for Turkey, Portugal'

Amid global economic volatilities, Turkish and Portuguese companies must begin establishing partnerships in fast-growing markets in which each has wide experience before they lose more time missing opportunities in this area, a Portuguese business union head has told Today's Zaman.

The Wing of the Bird: Fethullah Gülen on Sincerity

Thomas Michel

Fethullah Gülen as Spiritual Master

Much has been written about the thought of Fethullah Gulen in terms of the social programs and institutions inspired by his ideas. Some have studied his theory of education as the pedagogical basis for the schools and other educational ventures founded and administered by members of the community associated with Gülen’s name. Others have focused on Gülen’s vision as the philosophical motor behind a social movement working to produce social change and renewal, whether it be in Turkey, in the worldwide Islamic umma, or in the modern world in general. Still others have underlined Gülen’s call for universal love, fellowship, and tolerance and consequently his encouragement of interreligious dialogue as an essentially Islamic obligation.

Tajik-Turkish Schools excel in Science Olympiads

Haci Kemal Tajik-Turkish Schools operating in Tajikistan recorded another victory in the science olympiads held in Kazakhistan. The schools’ team ranked second, winning one gold and two silver medals.

Thais in Bursa demanding more Turkish Schools

Highly satisfied with the Turkish Schools operating in their country and demanding more, an official delegation from Thailand visited Bursa, Turkey. Bursa Governor Sahabettin Harput expressed his pleasure to host Chiang Mai Governor Tanin Subhasaen, his wife and accompanying officials from such a far but friendly country. Emphasizing the significance of Thailand as a country housing 66 million on 500.000 km2 area, “Thais are a very hardworking nation in the region. Thailand, which holds a critical position among the world’s countries with its high scale of production and friendly people, is certainly significant to us as well,” said Harput.

Psychological Campaigns Against the Hizmet Movement

For as long as I can remember, there are always operations (or military campaigns) against the honorable Fethullah Gulen and the Hizmet movement.

Though marginal, a powerful evil network has seen this movement as a phenomenon that must be annihilated for the good of Turkey. In fact, it would be more accurate to say that they want to do away with the movement for their own interests and reign rather than for any benefit to the country.

Kimse Yok Mu gears up to assist Malian refugees

Kimse Yok Mu continues its help to Malians left homeless in the ongoing civil war around the country. Donations delivered to the country are ready to be distributed.

Turks Taught Us How to Invest In Education, says Congolese Minister

Cihan News Agency

In his remarks at the opening ceremony of Shafak International Turkish Schools’ new campus sponsored by businesspeople from Adana province of Turkey, Republic of Congo Minister of Education Maker Mwangu Famba expressed his admiration of high quality education offered at the schools. “They have accomplished what our President points us in education. Turks taught us how to invest in education.” said the Minister.

Universal Ethical Values and STEM Education

Cemil Genc

Fethullah Gülen is a Turkish Islamic scholar well known for his teachings promoting mutual understanding and tolerance between cultures. Mr.Gulen was among the top of the list of “The World’s Top 20 Public Intellectuals” according to the magazines Foreign Policy and Prospect in 2008. Fethullah Gülen has written nearly 50 books and most of them translated into multiple languages. Mr. Gulen have inspired an international education movement that extends far beyond the borders of Turkey. Actively serving to communities in over 100 different countries, Gulen inspired schools synthesize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education with moral teaching very successfully.

Islam and Terror: The Perspective of Fethullah Gülen

Ismail Albayrak*

To associate two radically opposed concepts, Islam and terror, seems nowadays to be considered a 'natural' reaction to comtemporary events; thus we feel that we are an under obligation to bring these two different terms together in our paper. The aim of this paper is to show that there is no direct relation between them. To do this we focus mainly on the question: what is the meaning of terror? We examine what Islam says about terror; the relationship between the notion of jihad and Islam; the status of suicide attacks in Islam; and the false justification of war in the modern world, which can only pave the way for terrorist actions. We address these issues from the perspectives of the distinguished and eminent Turkish scholar and thinker Fethullah Gülen. The paper concludes with a summary of the positive effects of the interfaith/cultural dialogue meetings initiated by Gülen both within and outside Turkey in order to promote national and international tolerance, peace and mutual understanding.

Funding Gulen-Inspired Good Works: Demonstrating and Generating Commitment to the The Movement

Questions regarding the financing of numerous and expensive projects of the Gülen movement are periodically raised by both critics of the movement and newcomers to the movement who are invited to Gülen related events. Because of the large amounts of money involved in these projects, on occasion people have raised the possibility of collusion between the movement and various governments, especially Saudi Arabia and/or Iran, and including the Turkish government. There has even been suspicion that the American CIA may be a financial partner behind the projects. Aware of these criticisms, in a recent comment to a group of visiting followers, Fethullah Gülen indicated that a priority must be proactive financial transparency.

Journeys with the Gülen Movement (Hizmet): 2008-2012

James C. Harrington

Journeys through life take strange twists and happen in mysterious ways – some would say providential, although I might not – but one does wonder at times.

My journeys with the Gülen movement began one Summer Sunday morning in 2008, when a judge friend of mine announced from the back of church, as we were about to leave, that she was putting together an interfaith trip to Turkey and looking for volunteers. I wasn't sure what it was about, but the price was right. I had some vacation time left and had never been to Turkey. So, always ready for something new in my life, I signed up.

Diversity and Dialogue as Indispensable Prerequisites of Democracy in Fethullah Gulen’s Thought

Leonid R. Sykiainen*

Compatibility between Islamic and modern democratic liberal values is not more than theoretical ground to combine the both for success of political reforms in the Muslim world. It will be possible only through the dialogue of different cultures and civilizations. In this respect Fethullah Gülen underlines that for centuries the civilizations of the East and the West existed separately from each other. This separation was based on the fact that the former retired from pursuits of intellect and science, while the latter retired from spirituality, metaphysics, and eternal and invariable values. But now the whole situation has changed.

Media release: Reportism in conflict

"We suggest that the Gülen principles of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence and mutual understanding should be applied in the training of media reporters as well as in the strategic procedures of reporting conflict issues. This will promote the values of humanitarianism and culture of peaceful coexistence needed in every political system to nip conflict in its bud and increase the virtues of peace."

‘Fethullah Gulen's principles should be applied in journalism training'

Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen's principles of dialogue and tolerance were suggested as the values that can be used in the training of media reporters, according to the speakers of a panel session held in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, on Tuesday.

A Muslim's Perspective on the Inauguration, MLK and the Universal Story of Hope and Fear

Alp Aslandoğan *

Billions of people around the world of all races, religions, nationalities and political persuasions were inspired by the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. It was not only President Obama's message but the message of hope that underscores everything that America can represent for the world, including peaceful affirmations of power, progress and opportunity.

Design award for Turkish school students in NY competition

Students from the private Turkish school Pioneer Academy of Science were granted the prize of the best robot design in a competition in New York last week.

Renowned Kurdish singer lauds Gülen's support for peace process

Famous Kurdish singer Şivan Perwer has said he found the remarks of well-respected Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen on the peace process to end the Kurdish issue “important.”

Gov't gears up to boost mutual trade with Ghana to $1 bln

Economy Minister Zafer Çağlayan said on Wednesday that the government is gearing up to increase the mutual trade volume with Ghana from $550 million in 2012 to $1 billion in the next two years.

Director of Fethullah Gulen Chair Introduces Fethullah Gulen, Discusses Cooperation with UMM

The relation between Turkey and Muhammadiyah had been established for a long time. Moreover, the relation between the Embassy of Turkey in Jakarta and the General Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah Din Syamsudin was very close. It made the Director of Fethullah Gulen Chair Dr Ali Unsal curious to look directly one of Muhammadiyah Universities that he often heard from Din.

NJ Legislature recognized Turkish-American organizations for accomplishments, contributions

On Dec 3rd and 20th, New Jersey General Assembly and Senate in Trenton recognized Turkish-American organizations for their tireless efforts trying to make a difference in the state of NJ. Peace Islands Institute, Turkish Cultural Center, Turkish American Business Development and Improvement and the Pioneer Academy of Science were honored by both the Assembly and the Senate.

The Urgency of Educational Reform in the United States: Lessons Learned from Fethullah Gulen

Sheryl L. Santos, PhD

Abstract

The United States of America is facing many challenges to its educational system and infrastructure. However, I believe that none of these challenges are as critical to our survival as teaching students to embrace their humanity as members of a culturally and linguistically pluralistic nation in a dynamically changing world. Undeniably, we live in an interdependent world where actions taken in one part of the globe can upset the balance of nature worldwide, destroy ecosystems, and create social, economic, and political instability causing human suffering of catastrophic proportions; of this we see proof daily. It is simply not adequate to define educational excellence in terms of academics and test scores. The exclusion of the intercultural attitudes, communication skills, and behaviors that prepare students for living, learning, and working in a world in transition condemns our youth to lives of ignorance and mediocrity. Citing the successes of Gülen-inspired educational projects, this paper will discuss the need for curricular innovations in the American educational system and how the educational philosophy and ideas of Fethullah Gülen might be applied. The application of intercultural and interfaith dialogue as viable approaches to fostering peace, justice, and harmony will be examined in the context of our national identity and educational foundations.

Turkish schools are selected best high schools in Mongolia

Mongolia selected the bests of 2012. Turkish schools that have served in the country for 18 years took the first place among high schools. The global Turkish schools, which are founded by philanthropists, keep being popular. The Turkish schools in Mongolia were founded in 1994. More than 3000 students have graduated so far. Students from all segments of the society get education at these schools.