The Supreme Court of Appeals has asked a senior Justice and Development Party (AK Party) official to hand over any evidence regarding his allegations about US-based Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen amid claims by the official that a judge at the high court had acted contrary to legal procedures and contacted Gülen before issuing his final verdict in a case against a businessman several years ago.
January 11, 2014
Reflections from the US
Arzu Kaya Uranlı
These days, shocking events have been taking place one after another in Turkey. Watching what's going on is very perplexing. Because Turkey is seven hours ahead, we in the United States have been waking up to shocking news, especially since Dec. 17, 2013, when news of alleged corruption in the current government spread.
These days, shocking events have been taking place one after another in Turkey. Watching what's going on is very perplexing. Because Turkey is seven hours ahead, we in the United States have been waking up to shocking news, especially since Dec. 17, 2013, when news of alleged corruption in the current government spread.
The real problem is not an AK Party-Gülen movement conflict
Abdülhamit Bilici
On the evening of the day that the Gezi Park events swirled out of control, one of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's consultants, Yalçın Akdoğan, came to share his views on the decade-long story of the Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) stay in power during a panel session at Şehir University.
On the evening of the day that the Gezi Park events swirled out of control, one of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's consultants, Yalçın Akdoğan, came to share his views on the decade-long story of the Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) stay in power during a panel session at Şehir University.
January 10, 2014
American academic: Hizmet Movement serves for entire humanity
American Professor Ori Soltes stated that Hizmet Movement, inspired by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, serves for the entire humanity with no thought of personal gain.
Parallel hearts…
Hüseyin Gülerce
There is an argument that has been popularized recently. The argument states the Hizmet movement was organized within the police, the judiciary and bureaucracy, that it created a parallel state and started the legal process in the corruption and bribery probes in an attempt to topple the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan government.
There is an argument that has been popularized recently. The argument states the Hizmet movement was organized within the police, the judiciary and bureaucracy, that it created a parallel state and started the legal process in the corruption and bribery probes in an attempt to topple the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan government.
January 9, 2014
Turkish Schools excel in South Africa
South African students attending Turkish run Star College in the country have achieved a 100% pass rate at the recently concluded matric exams in 2013.
January 8, 2014
Skullduggery and uncertainty
Amanda Paul
2014 will be a difficult year for Turkey. The present crisis is set to continue for the foreseeable future, possibly becoming even uglier as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan faces the toughest challenge of his political career so far.
2014 will be a difficult year for Turkey. The present crisis is set to continue for the foreseeable future, possibly becoming even uglier as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan faces the toughest challenge of his political career so far.
Corruption or spies?
İhsan Yılmaz
It is crystal clear that Erdoğan will use his majestic media and state power to continue his psychological war campaign to dodge questions about alleged corruption cases related to some of his ministers, very close friends and even relatives.
It is crystal clear that Erdoğan will use his majestic media and state power to continue his psychological war campaign to dodge questions about alleged corruption cases related to some of his ministers, very close friends and even relatives.
January 7, 2014
Fethullah Gülen's letter to President Gül
Erhan Başyurt, Bugün
A letter sent to President Abdullah Gül by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen left its mark over the weekend. The original version of the letter has been published.
A letter sent to President Abdullah Gül by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen left its mark over the weekend. The original version of the letter has been published.
January 5, 2014
GYV says Gülen did not send letter to Erdoğan
The Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV), whose honorary chairman is Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, dismissed reports that Gülen has sent a letter to the prime minister.
January 4, 2014
Erdoğan media's accusations against Gülen and Hizmet
İhsan Yılmaz
This piece is based on an academic paper that I published in 2007.
This piece is based on an academic paper that I published in 2007.
January 1, 2014
Coming soon: operation against the Hizmet movement
Oğuzhan Tekin
The AK Party government sees the corruption probes as a coup launched against it by the Hizmet movement and it has convinced itself that the probes are a defensive move in response to the effort to close prep schools.
The AK Party government sees the corruption probes as a coup launched against it by the Hizmet movement and it has convinced itself that the probes are a defensive move in response to the effort to close prep schools.
Gülen, Hizmet, the state and the AKP
İhsan Yılmaz
Without a sound knowledge of Turkish political history, it is very difficult to understand why Fethullah Gülen and the Hizmet movement have been very sensitive about governmental, constitutional and legal issues despite being primarily an educational and dialogue movement that endeavors to stay away from daily politics.
Without a sound knowledge of Turkish political history, it is very difficult to understand why Fethullah Gülen and the Hizmet movement have been very sensitive about governmental, constitutional and legal issues despite being primarily an educational and dialogue movement that endeavors to stay away from daily politics.
December 31, 2013
Gülen's lawyer, Court of Appeals deny claims of AK Party official
The lawyer of Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has strongly denied claims made by a senior government official who said on Monday that a Supreme Court of Appeals judge had asked Gülen's opinion about a suspect whose case the court was hearing before delivering the final verdict, with the Court of Appeals also denying the allegations with a statement on Tuesday.
Gülen’s lawyer denies claims of AK Party official, PKK commander
The lawyer of Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has strongly denied claims made by a senior government official who said on Monday that a Supreme Court of Appeals judge had asked Gülen's opinion about a suspect whose case the court was hearing before delivering the final verdict.
December 30, 2013
GYV calls on government to respect judiciary amid corruption probe
The government should respect Turkey's independent judiciary as a corruption probe that has implicated senior members of the ruling party deepens, the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV), whose honorary chair is Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, said in a statement published on its website on Monday.
Why Mr. Gülen was targeted
Abdullah Bozkurt
The main difference between Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen and the politician who became Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is that the former is vehemently opposed to the use and abuse of Islam as a political ideology and party philosophy while the latter sees the religion as an instrument to channel votes and to consolidate his ranks among supporters.
The main difference between Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen and the politician who became Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is that the former is vehemently opposed to the use and abuse of Islam as a political ideology and party philosophy while the latter sees the religion as an instrument to channel votes and to consolidate his ranks among supporters.
December 28, 2013
GYV head dismisses parallel state allegations against Hizmet
Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) head Mustafa Yeşil has said the use of the “parallel state” argument against the faith-based Hizmet movement led by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen is reminiscent of practices of the Feb. 28 coup period.
December 26, 2013
Why Erdoğan exploits anti-American sentiments
Aydoğan Vatandaş*
Turkey was shocked by the corruption scandal last week, which included allegations of money laundering and gold smuggling and resulted in the detention of the sons of three ministers and the general manager of Halkbank. The scandal led to harsh criticism of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Turkey was shocked by the corruption scandal last week, which included allegations of money laundering and gold smuggling and resulted in the detention of the sons of three ministers and the general manager of Halkbank. The scandal led to harsh criticism of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Journalists and Writers Foundation's Press Release
Journalists and Writers Foundation
The president of our foundation, Mustafa Yeşil, was invited by the Ambassador of the European Union term president to the "Traditional Lunch Meeting of Ambassadors of European Union Member Countries' Ambassadors" on Thursday December 19.
The president of our foundation, Mustafa Yeşil, was invited by the Ambassador of the European Union term president to the "Traditional Lunch Meeting of Ambassadors of European Union Member Countries' Ambassadors" on Thursday December 19.
The longest day for the AK Party
Hüseyin Gülerce
Dec. 25, 2013 was the longest day for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party). Ankara was in chaos: Three ministers who were implicated in a recent graft probe resigned.
Dec. 25, 2013 was the longest day for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party). Ankara was in chaos: Three ministers who were implicated in a recent graft probe resigned.
Path and passengers
Orhan Miroğlu
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a brief speech to a group at the airport after coming back from Pakistan.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a brief speech to a group at the airport after coming back from Pakistan.
GYV lashes out at ‘traitor' label for attending EU ambassadors meeting
The Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV), in a written statement, has denounced some media outlets' labeling the body a “traitor” over its attendance at the traditional lunch meeting of the EU ambassadors.
Questions over corruption and paralysis of politics
Begüm Burak
Paralysis of politics is prevailing in Turkey nowadays. Democratization efforts have been overshadowed by the corruption scandal but still power-holders seek a scapegoat to put the blame on.
Paralysis of politics is prevailing in Turkey nowadays. Democratization efforts have been overshadowed by the corruption scandal but still power-holders seek a scapegoat to put the blame on.
Afghan-Turk schools bestowed Parliamentary Medal of Honor
Afghanistan’s Upper House (Umutwe wa Sena or Sénat) bestowed Parliamentary Medal of Honor on Afghan-Turk Cag Educational Institutions for their academic achievements.
PM praises chief suspect Zarrab for contribution to Turkish economy
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has praised Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab -- who stands accused of being the ringleader of a shady money-laundering and gold-smuggling ring set up to dodge sanctions against Iran -- for his contribution to the country's economy and charity events.
December 25, 2013
Erdoğan's imaginary power struggles
İhsan Yılmaz
When we look at international media coverage of the recent corruption scandal in Turkey, we see that the events are generally seen as a “power struggle” between the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government and the Hizmet movement.
When we look at international media coverage of the recent corruption scandal in Turkey, we see that the events are generally seen as a “power struggle” between the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government and the Hizmet movement.
'Gray domination' and Turkey's civil rights challenge
Hakan Yeşilova*
During his speech at Nelson Mandela's memorial service in Johannesburg, President Obama quoted Madiba, a true leader: “I've fought against white domination, I've fought against black domination.”
During his speech at Nelson Mandela's memorial service in Johannesburg, President Obama quoted Madiba, a true leader: “I've fought against white domination, I've fought against black domination.”
Power struggle between old friends in Turkey
The 72-year-old with the white mustache lives in a well-shielded home in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, and only receives a few guests. Fethullah Gülen, an imam and native of Turkey, has been living in the US since 1999, having decided not to return to Turkey after a hospital stay in the States.
NY Times: 3 Turkish Ministers Resign Amid Corruption Scandal
Three Turkish cabinet ministers resigned Wednesday in an intensifying corruption
scandal that has challenged the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan and polarized the country.
Al-Jazeera: Turkish probe marks AKP-Gulen power struggle*
Umut Uras
Turkey has been shaken by the most extensive and sensational corruption investigations of its recent history that have led to dozens of detentions - from renowned business people to senior bureaucrats and sons of ministers.
Turkey has been shaken by the most extensive and sensational corruption investigations of its recent history that have led to dozens of detentions - from renowned business people to senior bureaucrats and sons of ministers.
Turkey's Corruption Probe, And One Question For Erdogan
İsmet Berkan
A widening corruption probe has been consuming Turkey in recent days. Figures close to the leading Justice and Development Party (AKP), including sons of cabinet members, are facing serious allegations of bribery and money laundering. The government is denying all accusations and claims the charges are part of a conspiracy with roots both foreign and domestic. The operation is run by prosecutors allegedly close to the Fethullah Gulen religious movement (officially known Hizmet Movement).
A widening corruption probe has been consuming Turkey in recent days. Figures close to the leading Justice and Development Party (AKP), including sons of cabinet members, are facing serious allegations of bribery and money laundering. The government is denying all accusations and claims the charges are part of a conspiracy with roots both foreign and domestic. The operation is run by prosecutors allegedly close to the Fethullah Gulen religious movement (officially known Hizmet Movement).
Please do not insult the intelligence of the people
Sevgi Akarçeşme
Turkey has been witnessing a shocking corruption probe in the last week. On Dec. 17, sons of three ministers were accused of being involved in the investigation that apparently has been going on for months. Public opinion was shocked when a money-counting machine was found in the interior minister's house along with hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Turkey has been witnessing a shocking corruption probe in the last week. On Dec. 17, sons of three ministers were accused of being involved in the investigation that apparently has been going on for months. Public opinion was shocked when a money-counting machine was found in the interior minister's house along with hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Pakistan PM Praises Turkish Schools in Erdogan's Visit
Speaking at the Pakistan-Turkey Business Forum on Monday, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif pointed out the historical alliance between the two countries and paid compliments to the PAK-TURK schools established by Turkish entrepreneurs.
US ambassador story concocted by gov't team, claims daily
Reports appearing in pro-government newspapers accusing US Ambassador to Turkey Francis Ricciardone of remarks regarding a major graft probe were manufactured by government teams, according to the Taraf daily on Wednesday.
Conspiratorial minds, authoritarian politics
Mustafa Akyol
In the year 2007, one of the bestselling books in Turkey was a weird title by a conspiracy theorist: “The Children of Moses” by Ergün Poyraz. The book’s cover presented Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan and his wife within a Star of David. Its pages argued, seriously, that Erdoğan was a “secret Jew” who collaborated with “international Jewry” to destroy the secular republic of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The writer, Mr. Poyraz, was a hardcore secular-nationalist (aka Kemalist) who seemed pretty convinced that Turkey was targeted by a Zionist global plot, of which Erdoğan’s AKP (Justice and Development Party) was a mere pawn.
In the year 2007, one of the bestselling books in Turkey was a weird title by a conspiracy theorist: “The Children of Moses” by Ergün Poyraz. The book’s cover presented Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan and his wife within a Star of David. Its pages argued, seriously, that Erdoğan was a “secret Jew” who collaborated with “international Jewry” to destroy the secular republic of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The writer, Mr. Poyraz, was a hardcore secular-nationalist (aka Kemalist) who seemed pretty convinced that Turkey was targeted by a Zionist global plot, of which Erdoğan’s AKP (Justice and Development Party) was a mere pawn.
December 24, 2013
Who is the winner?
Mümtazer Türköne
A fierce war of words is under way between well-respected Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Gülen accuses the government of trying to cover up corruption while the prime minister accuses him of attempting to secretly take over the state apparatus.
A fierce war of words is under way between well-respected Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Gülen accuses the government of trying to cover up corruption while the prime minister accuses him of attempting to secretly take over the state apparatus.
Gülen's curse was misquoted, misinterpreted, GYV chief says
Mustafa Yeşil, chairman of the Journalists and Writers Foundation's (GYV) executive board, in response to criticisms targeting prominent Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, said the curse uttered by Gülen did not have a direct reference and was poorly comprehended and highly manipulated by some who repeated it.
How Erdogan is covering up the corruption scandal
Mahir Zeynalov
Turkey has been rocked with a corruption scandal since Tuesday that involves many businessmen, the sons of three ministers and several public officials. It is the biggest threat facing the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkey has been rocked with a corruption scandal since Tuesday that involves many businessmen, the sons of three ministers and several public officials. It is the biggest threat facing the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Limits of political Islam: the other face of AKP (2)
Anwar Alam*
Such narratives do not hold up for long and quickly expose themselves to their multiple inherent contradictions. First, Fethullah Gülen himself has been accused of supporting the military coup in 1980; if that is true then Gülen does not personally see the military as an obstacle to his Islamic vision.
Such narratives do not hold up for long and quickly expose themselves to their multiple inherent contradictions. First, Fethullah Gülen himself has been accused of supporting the military coup in 1980; if that is true then Gülen does not personally see the military as an obstacle to his Islamic vision.
Limits of political Islam: the other face of AKP (1)
Anwar Alam*
International consensus was emerging that Turkey was fast moving toward democracy. The Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Gülen movement were credited with bringing a new democratic space to the country, then consolidating and expanding it in the last decade.
International consensus was emerging that Turkey was fast moving toward democracy. The Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Gülen movement were credited with bringing a new democratic space to the country, then consolidating and expanding it in the last decade.
‘Turkish schools in Africa important for strong relations'
The first-ever Rwandan ambassador to Turkey, Lt. Gen. Caesar Kayizari, has said that Turkish schools in Africa play an important role in strengthening relations between African nations and Turkey, adding that Turkey has a lot to offer Rwanda in terms of education.
Pak-Turk School donates Rs1m for victims of Philippines typhoon
Students of a Pak-Turk International Schools and Colleges have donated Rs1 million from their pocket money and savings for the children affected by the typhoon Haiyan that devastated Philippines recently.
December 23, 2013
Overshadowing the graft probe
Lale Kemal
Though the two events -- the Gezi Park protests and the high-profile graft investigation -- are different in nature, there are many similarities in the way the government has handled both -- and in both, its handling has dealt a serious blow to the rule of law.
Though the two events -- the Gezi Park protests and the high-profile graft investigation -- are different in nature, there are many similarities in the way the government has handled both -- and in both, its handling has dealt a serious blow to the rule of law.
Gülen criticizes remarks insulting members of Hizmet movement
Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has strongly criticized remarks that insulted members of the Hizmet movement, saying that these kind of behavior won't solve problems.
Corruption scandal will consolidate Turkish democracy
Abdullah Bozkurt
Right off the bat, I would like to say this: Don't let your heart be troubled much by what has been happening in Turkey recently. When all the dust settles in the aftermath of corruption, money laundering and racketeering involving higher-ups in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), we will have the chance to lay the foundation for a democracy by consensus, which is the only way to rule a large country like Turkey with a relatively young population and rising middle class.
Right off the bat, I would like to say this: Don't let your heart be troubled much by what has been happening in Turkey recently. When all the dust settles in the aftermath of corruption, money laundering and racketeering involving higher-ups in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), we will have the chance to lay the foundation for a democracy by consensus, which is the only way to rule a large country like Turkey with a relatively young population and rising middle class.
Turkish Airlines discriminates against critical newspapers on planes
Turkey's flagship carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) stopped the distribution of the Zaman, Today's Zaman, Bugün and Ortadoğu dailies to business-class passengers on its planes on Monday without providing any explanation, though other dailies are still being handed out onboard.
Never without justice
Ekrem Dumanlı
Look at the irony of fate! As the most important graft and corruption investigation ever seen in our country is being conducted, similar incidents are also taking place in different parts of the world. But they are not similar to ours.
Look at the irony of fate! As the most important graft and corruption investigation ever seen in our country is being conducted, similar incidents are also taking place in different parts of the world. But they are not similar to ours.
What we learned from the operation
Mutlu Tönbekici, Vatan
With the detention of the son of the environment and urban planning minister, we learned that such a ministry actually exists.
With the detention of the son of the environment and urban planning minister, we learned that such a ministry actually exists.
Alevi leader Kenanoğlu: Discrimination against Alevis increased in 2013
Conditions have been worsening for Alevis in Turkey, especially in recent years, as the government has taken sides in the Syrian war and demonizes Alevis, says this week's guest for Monday Talk.
December 22, 2013
The Islamic roots of the conflict in Turkey
Ömer Taşpınar
The conflict between the Gülen movement and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has now taken on a very public dimension. For many in Turkey and in the West, this conflict is nothing but a power struggle. Yet, focusing solely on politics and the quest for power would be reductionist. The current conflict has deep historical, ideological and even doctrinal roots.
The conflict between the Gülen movement and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has now taken on a very public dimension. For many in Turkey and in the West, this conflict is nothing but a power struggle. Yet, focusing solely on politics and the quest for power would be reductionist. The current conflict has deep historical, ideological and even doctrinal roots.
[Political Scandal a la Turca] What is happening in Turkey right at this moment?
Sedat Yusuf*
Over the past two years, Turkey has been witnessing one scandal after another at such a head-spinning pace that, let alone foreign observers of Turkey, Turks themselves find it hard to grasp the scandal at hand before another one breaks out. Right at this very moment, the country is shaken by a massive bribery investigation, implicating four of the incumbent ministers of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government, the head of a public bank dealing with Iran, an AK Party-affiliated mayor, advisers and a host of businessmen and other figures, totaling 52 people.
Over the past two years, Turkey has been witnessing one scandal after another at such a head-spinning pace that, let alone foreign observers of Turkey, Turks themselves find it hard to grasp the scandal at hand before another one breaks out. Right at this very moment, the country is shaken by a massive bribery investigation, implicating four of the incumbent ministers of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government, the head of a public bank dealing with Iran, an AK Party-affiliated mayor, advisers and a host of businessmen and other figures, totaling 52 people.
Hakan Şükür’s resignation
Hüseyin Gülerce
The resignation of İstanbul deputy Hakan Şükür from his ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is not an ordinary resignation. It is the most serious incident that disrupts the prestige of the AK Party in the eyes of pious voters.
The resignation of İstanbul deputy Hakan Şükür from his ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is not an ordinary resignation. It is the most serious incident that disrupts the prestige of the AK Party in the eyes of pious voters.
December 21, 2013
For the first time, Gülen curses purge of police officials in emotional speech
Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has cursed those responsible for a purge of police officials involved in a corruption investigation, in his first comments on the case that has struck at the heart of the ruling elite.
'Power struggle with Gulen movement weakens Erdogan'
DW: Fethullah Gulen's Hizmet movement has been labeled a NGO, a political network, a religious community and an Islamic sect. How would you describe the movement founded by the Muslim cleric?
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