The Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who has inspired the popular civic and social Hizmet (Service) movement, has said that the reassignment of thousands of public officials from their posts without any disciplinary procedures following the Dec. 17, 2013 corruption scandal seems to have been conducted on an arbitrary basis.
March 24, 2014
In Conversation with Fethullah Gülen
In the first part of this interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, the Turkish Islamic scholar talks about the Hizmet movement, the Turkish government ban on private prep schools, the Hanafi school of Islam, and the relationship between Islam, politics and democracy.
Gülen's friends slam Erdoğan's offensive language
Criticisms and reactions are pouring in from family members and friends of moderate Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who has become a prime target of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's offensive language since the Dec. 17, 2013, corruption scandal that implicated members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and high-ranking officials close to the prime minister's inner circle.
Erdoğan, Gül and Arınç: Parting of ways for the troika
Mümtazer Türköne
We had quickly become accustomed to a frequently repeated assertion immediately after the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) was established in 2001.
We had quickly become accustomed to a frequently repeated assertion immediately after the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) was established in 2001.
Erdoğan's hate speech moves to US
Unidentified individuals have graffitied offensive remarks on a wall of the Turkish Cultural Center (TCC) in the city of West Haven, Connecticut.
We are not pro-Gülen movement but what the heck is this, bro?
Ahmet Hakan, Hürriyet
I am not an enthusiast of the International Turkish Olympiad [which is organized by an association affiliated with the Hizmet movement].
I am not an enthusiast of the International Turkish Olympiad [which is organized by an association affiliated with the Hizmet movement].
Why will the AKP's votes be less than 30 percent in the elections?
Hayri Taşkan
There is less than a week to the local elections now in Turkey. Every person who follows Turkish politics knows that this time it is more than just a local election. Although there is no recall process in the Turkish Constitution, this time the local election has turned into something similar to a recall election.
There is less than a week to the local elections now in Turkey. Every person who follows Turkish politics knows that this time it is more than just a local election. Although there is no recall process in the Turkish Constitution, this time the local election has turned into something similar to a recall election.
VESKON says officials' hate speech could draw society into violence
The International Vefa Health Confederation (VESKON), the umbrella organization of health associations in Turkey, has warned of the potential for “social insanity” in the country, defined as a pathological form of mass behavior that stems from the deterioration of value and standards-based systems that regulate social behavior, stating that government officials are responsible for the possible development of this phenomenon due to the frequent public use of hate speech that is already prompting violence across Turkey.
Hallmark of political Islam criticizes Erdoğan's policies
The Milli Görüş (National View) movement that gave birth to the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has voiced its harshest criticisms against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the AKP government, which is embattled by a serious corruption scandal. The Milli Gazete daily, the mouthpiece of the National View movement, and the Felicity Party (SP), the movement's political wing, have argued that the AKP led by Erdoğan has tarnished the prestige of Islam and accused Erdoğan of committing a hate crime against the Hizmet movement by describing it as a "parallel structure."
Kimse Yok Mu uplifts orphans in Tacloban
Kimse Yok Mu Foundation has launched a health center, women’s shelter and an orphanage it renovated after the devastating Haiyan typhoon of the last November in Tacloban, the Philippines. Additionally, it handed over a total of 50 computers and an ambulance vehicle to the Filipino officials.
March 23, 2014
We are not comfortable with insults
Ekrem Dumanlı
Insults and acts of arrogance seem to be endless. New allegations are fabricated on a daily basis and every allegation hurts feelings and emotions. Remarks and allegations referring to assassins, gangs, an illegal organization, phony scholars, traitors, spies and many other unreasonable claims and insults… In no other fight or argument has such disturbing and insulting discourse been used or employed. This is a terrible language and approach. We are not comfortable with strong and grave insults against millions of innocent people, including Fethullah Gülen.
Insults and acts of arrogance seem to be endless. New allegations are fabricated on a daily basis and every allegation hurts feelings and emotions. Remarks and allegations referring to assassins, gangs, an illegal organization, phony scholars, traitors, spies and many other unreasonable claims and insults… In no other fight or argument has such disturbing and insulting discourse been used or employed. This is a terrible language and approach. We are not comfortable with strong and grave insults against millions of innocent people, including Fethullah Gülen.
Islamic scholar Gülen's family criticizes PM's offensive language
Family members of Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen held a press conference in İstanbul on Sunday, in which Kemal Gülen, the scholar's nephew, spoke for the family and said that the government's offensive language has turned various groups against each other, leading to social polarization.
TUSKON: Twitter ban a disappointment in information age
Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) Chairman Rıza Nur Meral voiced his disappointment on Friday over the decision by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), which tries to attract voters with promises of democracy, more human rights, increased rule of law and reforms to gain EU membership, to block access to Twitter.
Is Hizmet being subjected to genocide? (1)
Orhan Erdemli*
Genocide is a crime our society is acutely aware of. Are we sufficiently informed about it even though it is considered the most serious crime against humanity?
Genocide is a crime our society is acutely aware of. Are we sufficiently informed about it even though it is considered the most serious crime against humanity?
Victim of his own success, but in denial
Yavuz Baydar
To be inclusive or not. To be transparent or not.
To be inclusive or not. To be transparent or not.
[Event of the Week] Gülen breaks his silence, responds to allegations
Having stayed largely silent in the face of relentless attacks amounting to hate speech by beleaguered Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who was incriminated in a massive corruption scandal, Fethullah Gülen spoke to Today’s Zaman and provided his account of how he sees the recent events in Turkey in his first interview with the Turkish media since Dec. 17.
Erzurum people react to hate speech made by PM
People living in the southern province of Erzurum expressed their discontent with slandering insults made by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan against Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen and Hizmet Movement.
Senegalese Education Minister: I will send my daughter to Turkish schools
The Senegalese Minister of Education Mbaye Thiam paid a visit to Yavuz Sultan Selim Schools, founded by Turkish entrepreneurs and recognized highly across the country. Thiam said the schools, which produce champions annually in the nationwide university entrance exams, have had an indisputable success to date across the country.
‘The Sisters'
Arzu Kaya Uranlı
I have followed the 58th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations for the last two weeks. This year's theme was “Challenges and achievements in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls.” Women and girls' access to and participation in education, training, science and technology, including the promotion of women's equal access to full employment, were discussed in several meetings and side events.
I have followed the 58th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations for the last two weeks. This year's theme was “Challenges and achievements in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls.” Women and girls' access to and participation in education, training, science and technology, including the promotion of women's equal access to full employment, were discussed in several meetings and side events.
March 22, 2014
Gülen offers more explanations of his views on continuing slander
Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who has inspired a worldwide network active in education, charity and outreach called the Hizmet movement, has responded to manifestly ill-intentioned comments about an interview he gave to Today's Zaman, saying that he cannot remain silent in the face of injustice.
Gülen interview received high praise from intellectuals, NGOs, politicians
The in-depth interview with Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who has inspired the popular civic and social movement called Hizmet, and was published this week in a five-part series by both Zaman and Today's Zaman was received well by people from all walks of life including intellectuals, academics, politicians and human rights activists.
Kyrgyz Culture Minister: Turkish schools are of golden value to us
AK Party doesn't want votes from the Gülen movement
Hüseyin Gülerce
I am of the impression that the majority of the people who compose the Gülen movement, also known as the Hizmet or service movement, have, since the time the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) was formed, supported this party in every election.
I am of the impression that the majority of the people who compose the Gülen movement, also known as the Hizmet or service movement, have, since the time the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) was formed, supported this party in every election.
Hate speech in Netherlands and Turkey
Joost Lagendijk
A few days after the local elections in the Netherlands that were held last Wednesday, the debate is not dominated by the countrywide landslide victory of the progressive liberals or the historic defeat of the Social Democrats in Amsterdam and other big cities. The talk of the town are the racist chants against Moroccans by Geert Wilders, the populist leader of the extreme-right Freedom Party. Over the years, Wilders has gained himself a reputation as a committed Islamophobe who takes pleasure in trying to find out how far he can go in stretching the limits of free speech. According to many politicians and commentators, he crossed the line on election night when he spoke to a crowd of supporters at The Hague and asked them, "Do you want more or fewer Moroccans in this city?" They chanted "Fewer! Fewer! Fewer!" Wilders smiled and responded "I will take care of that."
A few days after the local elections in the Netherlands that were held last Wednesday, the debate is not dominated by the countrywide landslide victory of the progressive liberals or the historic defeat of the Social Democrats in Amsterdam and other big cities. The talk of the town are the racist chants against Moroccans by Geert Wilders, the populist leader of the extreme-right Freedom Party. Over the years, Wilders has gained himself a reputation as a committed Islamophobe who takes pleasure in trying to find out how far he can go in stretching the limits of free speech. According to many politicians and commentators, he crossed the line on election night when he spoke to a crowd of supporters at The Hague and asked them, "Do you want more or fewer Moroccans in this city?" They chanted "Fewer! Fewer! Fewer!" Wilders smiled and responded "I will take care of that."
Erdoğan vows to ban this year's Turkish Olympiads
A day after he moved to ban popular social media network Twitter, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said his government will not grant the organizers of the Turkish Olympiads permission to use any stadium or sports hall this year.
March 21, 2014
‘Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons'
Aydoğan Vatandaş*
After hinting that he may shut down Facebook and YouTube after the March 30 local elections, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has banned social media website Twitter in Turkey.
After hinting that he may shut down Facebook and YouTube after the March 30 local elections, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has banned social media website Twitter in Turkey.
Gülen says ballot box is not everything in a democracy
Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who has inspired the popular civic and social movement called Hizmet, said the ballot box is not everything, urging his followers to not stick to only one but to cast their votes freely based on their personal conviction.
Erdoğan and Gül's futile fight against freedoms
İhsan Yılmaz
By using the recent Internet law signed by President Abdullah Gül, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has tried to silence Twitter.
By using the recent Internet law signed by President Abdullah Gül, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has tried to silence Twitter.
Erdogan’s fight for control is bringing down democracy in Turkey
Gülçin Özkan*
In an extraordinary move Turkey has banned Twitter, blocking access to the social networking site that has more than 10m users in the country. The ban has come just hours after the prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing an election rally in the western city of Bursa, stated: “We shall root out Twitter, I don’t care what the international community says, everyone will witness the power of the Turkish Republic”.
In an extraordinary move Turkey has banned Twitter, blocking access to the social networking site that has more than 10m users in the country. The ban has come just hours after the prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing an election rally in the western city of Bursa, stated: “We shall root out Twitter, I don’t care what the international community says, everyone will witness the power of the Turkish Republic”.
Former minister disputes existence of 'parallel state'
Ertuğrul Günay, former Justice and Development Party (AK Party) minister of culture and tourism, said on Thursday that there is no “parallel state” trying to destabilize Turkey, only an illegal structure that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his inner circle have created to block corruption investigations.
Turkey's Erdogan Blocks Access to Twitter Accusing Gülen of Social Media Attacks
Divya Avasthy
Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to "wipe out" Twitter from his country and imposed stiff curbs on the social media site.
Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to "wipe out" Twitter from his country and imposed stiff curbs on the social media site.
German government says Gülen movement not involved in any illegal acts
The German government, led by Chancellor Angela Merkel, has said an extensive assessment of the organizations and foundations of Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen’s movement in Germany failed to identify any evidence of illegal activity, daily Zaman reported.
German gov't dismisses parliamentary question on Hizmet
The German federal government dismissed a parliamentary question about the faith-based Hizmet movement, underlining that the movement hasn't been involved in any illegal acts that threaten the foundations of the democratic and constitutional order in the EU country.
March 20, 2014
Gülen calls for respect of diversity in Turkey to end polarization
Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who has inspired the popular civic and social movement called Hizmet, called for the respect of diversity in Turkey, expressing his concern over growing polarization in society.
Islamic scholar Gülen criticizes Turkish gov’t response to Gezi protests
Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has criticized the Turkish government for a police crackdown on protesters during last year’s Gezi Park demonstrations in which a number of people were killed.
'Latest developments increased recognition of Hizmet Movement globally'
Madiambal Diagne who is the editor-in-chief of a leading newspaper, Le Quotidien, in Senegal, stated that conflict between Hizmet Movement and Turkish government has paved way for Hizmet Movement to gain recognition worldwide extensively.
Turkey’s graft investigation and PM Erdoğan’s response
Kerim Balcı
Turkey is passing through interesting times. Very recently the country has been shaken by two corruption investigations involving ministers from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party). The related investigations heralded the final parting of the ways between two strong players in Turkey: the AK Party and the Hizmet movement (a faith-inspired community affiliated with the now US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen). Once allies against military tutelage and staunch secularist elite control of power centers in the country, recent events and the Turkish prime minister’s response demonstrate the differing views and positions of both sides.
Turkey is passing through interesting times. Very recently the country has been shaken by two corruption investigations involving ministers from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party). The related investigations heralded the final parting of the ways between two strong players in Turkey: the AK Party and the Hizmet movement (a faith-inspired community affiliated with the now US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen). Once allies against military tutelage and staunch secularist elite control of power centers in the country, recent events and the Turkish prime minister’s response demonstrate the differing views and positions of both sides.
Individuals can force change
Lale Kemal
Nelson Mandela has shown that individuals can enact change if their cause is noble and if it is for the good of society. Mandela, who passed away last year, sacrificed his life to end the state-sponsored apartheid policy in his country, South Africa.
Nelson Mandela has shown that individuals can enact change if their cause is noble and if it is for the good of society. Mandela, who passed away last year, sacrificed his life to end the state-sponsored apartheid policy in his country, South Africa.
What else should Gülen say?
Adem Yavuz Arslan, Bugün
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and many Justice and Development Party (AK Party) members are talking about an operation to be launched against the Hizmet community after March 30.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and many Justice and Development Party (AK Party) members are talking about an operation to be launched against the Hizmet community after March 30.
AKP Faces crucial test in local elections
Dr. Marwan Kabalan*
The March 30 local elections in Turkey are dealt with by most of the competing political parties as a make-or-break battle. Opposition forces, secular and religious, seem keen on ending almost 12 years of the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) monopoly of power. While 25 political parties will be eligible to compete, according to the High Election Commission, “the big four” in the current parliament will run the show. They are: The ruling liberal Islamist AKP, with 320 seats out of a total of 550; the Republican People’s Party (CHP), representing the Kemalist-nationalist forces in the country, with 134 seats; the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), with a right-wing nationalist stance and 52 seats; and the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), supportive of Kurdish rights, with 26 seats.
The March 30 local elections in Turkey are dealt with by most of the competing political parties as a make-or-break battle. Opposition forces, secular and religious, seem keen on ending almost 12 years of the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) monopoly of power. While 25 political parties will be eligible to compete, according to the High Election Commission, “the big four” in the current parliament will run the show. They are: The ruling liberal Islamist AKP, with 320 seats out of a total of 550; the Republican People’s Party (CHP), representing the Kemalist-nationalist forces in the country, with 134 seats; the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), with a right-wing nationalist stance and 52 seats; and the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), supportive of Kurdish rights, with 26 seats.
Electoral fraud?
İhsan Yılmaz
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has turned the 30 March local elections into a sort of referendum.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has turned the 30 March local elections into a sort of referendum.
March 19, 2014
Gülen says gov't cut back on rights and freedoms in Turkey
Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who has inspired the popular civic and social movement called Hizmet, has said he is concerned with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government's moves seen over the last couple of years to cut back on fundamental rights and freedoms in Turkey.
Islamic scholar Gülen rejects involvement with graft probe and wiretappings
Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has dismissed government accusations that he has orchestrated a graft probe while rejecting any involvement with recent online wiretapping leaks in the second part of an extensive interview with Today’s Zaman.
'Erdoğan to take action against Hizmet after restructuring judiciary'
Despite Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's continual accusations that the faith-based Hizmet movement is plotting against him through recordings that have implicated Erdoğan and his son Bilal in bribery and corruption, the prime minister has refrained from filing any lawsuits against members of the Hizmet movement, which has raised questions from analysts.
Danish PM startled over question on Erdoğan's hate speech against Hizmet
Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt seemed to be startled when a journalist asked the Turkish president whether Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's hate speech against the Hizmet movement conflicts with Turkish authorities' fight against Islamophobia in Europe.
Parallel state created by PM himself, says former CHP leader
Former Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal, assessing a large-scale corruption investigation that went public on Dec. 17, said the "parallel state" that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has accused the Hizmet movement of creating is in fact Erdoğan's own illegal organization.
Turkish Schools In Somalia
The Bedir Turkish High School in Mogadishu, Kıblenuma Elementary School, Kıblenuma Girl’s School and Somaliland Vifak Turkish School in the country offer modern vocational training for Somali children as well as winning medals in international contests, leading to increased hopes for a better future in the country.
AK Party gov't behind anti-Hizmet declaration, leaked recordings allege
A joint declaration by a number of civil society organizations to proclaim open support for the government during debates over the closure of dershanes (prep schools) was concocted by the advisers of the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and some associations were forced to lend their support, according to a number of new leaked recordings.
Disloyalty: I swear it has no worth
Hüseyin Gülerce
The inner world of religious people has never before been so distressing. We are in utter amazement. People keep asking me what is going on. I say: "We are going through a test. I believe that we are going through a test that is much tougher than other tests we previously passed." Then they ask what we should do. I say: "We should maintain our positions as Muslims. It is important to be patient and calm; to preserve our goodwill, keep our style under check and not be easily provoked." A friend of mine, who is a doctor, reacted by saying: "Aren't you exaggerating the notion of preserving our goodwill. Is it wrong that we are getting angry because of these insults?" I told him that it is our duty to preserve our goodwill. And I recalled a Turkish proverb, "He who stands up in anger, sits down with a loss." We should not resort any other means other than the rule of law and a functional, fair justice system.
The inner world of religious people has never before been so distressing. We are in utter amazement. People keep asking me what is going on. I say: "We are going through a test. I believe that we are going through a test that is much tougher than other tests we previously passed." Then they ask what we should do. I say: "We should maintain our positions as Muslims. It is important to be patient and calm; to preserve our goodwill, keep our style under check and not be easily provoked." A friend of mine, who is a doctor, reacted by saying: "Aren't you exaggerating the notion of preserving our goodwill. Is it wrong that we are getting angry because of these insults?" I told him that it is our duty to preserve our goodwill. And I recalled a Turkish proverb, "He who stands up in anger, sits down with a loss." We should not resort any other means other than the rule of law and a functional, fair justice system.
March 18, 2014
Hizmet Movement's stance on recent issues in Turkey
Islamic scholar Gülen says he cannot remain silent on corruption
Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen says his deep conviction in Islam will not allow him to turn a blind eye to allegations of corruption, lamenting the fact that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government has failed to take measures to tackle these allegations despite early warnings from state agencies.
Turkish graft investigation for dummies
Sadık Çınar*
Turkey is currently experiencing enormous political turmoil -- maybe the greatest it has ever felt.
Turkey is currently experiencing enormous political turmoil -- maybe the greatest it has ever felt.
Will a diplomat who is ashamed of Erdoğan praise Gül?
Selçuk Gültaşlı
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been ignoring the most basic values and principles in an effort to cover up corruption allegations that have come about since Dec. 17, wanted to use ambassadors to undermine the image of the Hizmet movement abroad. The sacred mission of the envoys in this "new war of liberation," as defined by Erdoğan, was to prove that the so-called parallel state was the main source of all "the evils."
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been ignoring the most basic values and principles in an effort to cover up corruption allegations that have come about since Dec. 17, wanted to use ambassadors to undermine the image of the Hizmet movement abroad. The sacred mission of the envoys in this "new war of liberation," as defined by Erdoğan, was to prove that the so-called parallel state was the main source of all "the evils."
MHP's Türkeş: PM has smear campaign, but no evidence against Hizmet
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been attacking the Hizmet movement, a faith-based organization, for almost three months, but has failed to produce any evidence to support his allegations, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Deputy Chairman Tuğrul Türkeş said on Sunday.
Turkey's business world weary of gov't pressure, says Kalkavan
Representatives of Turkey's business sector say they are “tired of” increased government pressure and interventions following the Dec. 17 corruption probe, prominent businessman İhsan Kalkavan told Today's Zaman on Sunday.
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