Gülen: Associating Hizmet with violent Kobani protests great slander

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has said the attempts to depict the Hizmet movement as being linked to the recent violent protests across Turkey, triggered by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) siege of the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani, is a great slander, emphasizing that the movement has never been involved in any form of violence.

How Christians conspired Christian murders in Turkey

Orhan Kemal Cengiz

Last Wednesday, my Twitter followers attracted my attention to a “news piece.” The “news” was in Aksam daily, one of the semi-official newspapers of the Justice and Development Party (AKP). When I looked at it, I immediately saw my name and other words, such as “Zirve murder,” “parallel structure” and so on in its headline at the top of the paper.

Gaza group: Oppression targeting Kimse Yok Mu harms needy the most

Gaza Peace Volunteers Association Chairman Dr. Nasser al-Sadi has expressed his frustration at a recent government decision to cancel the Turkish charity Kimse Yok Mu's (Is Anybody There?) permission to collect donations for the rest of the year, saying that the charity's ongoing flow of aid to many regions in Turkey and abroad, including Gaza, has now come to a halt.

Turkish aid organization becomes direct target of AK Party

Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There?), a UN-affiliated aid organization based in Turkey and the only Turkish organization that has a large outreach presence in 113 countries, continues to be a direct target of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government due to the latter's hatred of the faith-based Hizmet movement, which inspired the work of the organization.

Mali Minister pledges to maintain good relations with Kimse Yok Mu

High state officials of Mali praised Kimse Yok Mu's aid campaigns in the wake of a September 22 decision from the Turkish Cabinet to revoke the nonprofit organization's license to collect donations without government permission.

Turkey's greatest service to the Muslim world

Abdülhamit Bilici

Turkey was a shining star during the years that it implemented democratic reforms internally and improved relations with other countries, particularly its neighbors. Both the West and the Muslim world were watching Turkey's progress intently and its economic success and democratic transformation would be referred to as exemplary.

Gov't cancels Kimse Yok Mu’s previously obtained permissions

Following an abrupt Cabinet decision to remove the status of public interest of Kimse Yok Mu, the largest volunteer and global aid organization based in Turkey, the government has also cancelled the charity’s previously obtained permissions to collect donation until the end of this year.

Experts speak on role of digital media in society in İstanbul

The Medialog Platform brought together academics and communication experts from different parts of the region surrounding Turkey in İstanbul on Friday for their second International Communication Conference, to discuss the impact of social media on politics and social movements.

GYV warns on provocative remarks, urges respect for peaceful protests

The Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) on Friday called for the government to refrain from provocative statements that may undermine peace in the society and to respect the right of freedom of assembly, while denouncing the violence displayed in mass protests across Turkey that was triggered by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) attacks on the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani.

Eid joy fills Kimse Yok Mu’s Ikbaliye town

Kimse Yok Mu Foundation (KYM) carries on with its efforts in Pakistan, which welcome the Eid al-Adha two days late. Love and joy prevail in the Ikbaliye town, built by KYM following the most devastating flood of the century in 2010.

Kimse Yok Mu distributes aid to Mongolian orphans

Kimse Yok Mu Foundation (KYM), which has a well record of aid efforts for needy Mongolians, remembered the orphan as well. The foundation gave away donations at the orphanage in the capital Ulan Bator. 97 children in total received their aid packages from the KYM volunteers in Mongolia. Among the orphan, rejoiced at the gifts, a girl recited a poem in honor of KYM.

Executives of TUSKON call on Ghana GCCI

Turkey is to strengthen her business relationship with Ghana and considers the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the conduit. This was disclosed by the Executives of the key Turkish business group, the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) when they paid a courtesy call on the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on 10th September, 2014.

Gülen's message on ISIL in UK-based Guardian newspaper

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen's message on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) appeared on Wednesday in the UK-based Guardian newspaper.

Turkish charity delivers sacrificial meat to 30,000 families in Philippines

Turkish aid organization of Kimse Yok Mu volunteers distributed sacrificial meat to 30,000 Filipino families during Eid al-Adha holiday.

Kimse Yok Mu gives away meat aid to six thousand Afghan families

Kimse Yok Mu Foundation helped 6 thousand families in need enjoy the Eid al-Adha by slaughtering 550 head of cattle in six different provinces across Afghanistan.

Kimse Yok Mu provides eid meat for needy Thais

Teachers of the Turkish schools in Thailand handed the eid meat packages provided by Kimse Yok Mu Foundation and Marmara Solidarity Foundation. Joined by the volunteers from Turkey and other European countries, they worked day and night over the eid.

Kimse Yok Mu gives away Eid al-Adha meat in Mali

Eid al-Adha started one day late in Mali while the majority Muslims around the world celebrated it from Saturday on. Kimse Yok Mu Foundation slaughtered and gave away the 826 sacrifice shares from Turkey to the needy in Mali.

Kimse Yok Mu did not forget Bangladeshis in Eid al-Adha

Kimse Yok Mu Foundation remembered the needy Bangladeshi in this Eid al-Adha, like it has always done. Those in need received beef donations on the first day of the eid across the nation. Local officials in the city Chadpur, including the governor İsmail Hossain and chair of Dakka Chamber of Commerce, too joined the distributions in person, besides giving away their own donations. The governor Hossain said, “Kimse Yok Mu has been very well-received here. Many thanks for the donations. We’re looking forward to further assistance.” Likewise, Khan said, “Bangladesh has a very large needy population. So many people will benefit from further aid efforts. We are so grateful.”

Kimse Yok Mu offers vocational training for Kyrgyz orphans

Kimse Yok Mu Foundation (KYM) has launched workshops for vocational training next to the orphanage home to 570 children in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek. A total of 80 students will receive vocational training on green housing, culinary, sewing and hairdressing. The students showed a high interest in the greenhouse built for them.

Gülen warns against adventurism, using force against Kurds

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has warned against adventurism as well as using force to respond to demonstrations that have turned violent since reports that the terrorist Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has captured the strategic city of Kobani (or Ayn-al Arab) over the weekend.

'A movement like the Hizmet Movement is very important for correcting misconceptions of Islam'

Fikir Atlasi*, Episode 10 (Full text)

My name is Larry Geraty**, and I’m the President Emeritus of La Sierra University in Riverside, California.

Gülen warns against Turkey's unilateral war

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has warned against the dire consequences of Turkey's unilateral involvement in a mission in Syria or Iraq that goes against the mission of the international community. The Turkish authorities should avoid any action that may cause the Turkish people to experience sorrows similar to those of World War I.

Kimse Yok Mu presenting a role model for Brazilian disaster management

Brazilian officials who were introduced to Kimse Yok Mu (KYM) through the recently held International Disaster Management Fair noted the foundation as a good role model being a potent NGO engaged in charity.

Parents protest demolition of Fatih College wall

Parents from Merter Fatih College gathered in front of the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality building on Wednesday to protest the demolition the wall of the school as well as a security cabin in the school's courtyard by municipal teams in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Pro-government paper brings back deep state arguments to target Hizmet

The government controlled Akşam daily ran a fabricated article as its lead story on Wednesday concerning a murder case involving Christian missionaries in Turkey to create the impression that the religious and social Hizmet movement acts in collaboration with Christian missionaries operating in Turkey.

EU report criticizes Turkey over judicial independence and press freedoms

The European Union has strongly criticized the way the Turkish government handled allegations of corruption in December 2013, expressing concerns about the independence of the judiciary and increased pressure on the media.

Gülen says Turkey's involvement in a war would bring mass destruction

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has warned against the dire consequences of Turkey's possible involvement in a war in Syria or Iraq, saying Turkish authorities should avoid any action that may cause the Turkish people to experience sorrows similar to those of World War I.

Kimse Yok Mu reached out to 1 million people in Eid al-Adha

The Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) aid organization handed out more than 40,000 sacrificial animals in 73 countries including Turkey in woke of government’s hate campaign against the organization.

Kimse Yok Mu distributes meat with foreign volunteers in Indonesia

Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There), one of the largest charity organizations in Turkey, distributed the meat of sacrificed animals to needy families in Aceh with the participation of Korean and Malay volunteers on Monday.

A nation fast asleep amid war cries

Bülent Keneş

The war is right next door to our country, and we can clearly hear the war cries. One would need to be totally blind and deaf in order not to hear the war cries and alarm bells and not to be horrified by the potential disasters. I don't know if this is attributable to the fact that wisdom or foresight has completely abandoned this country or because of the enchantment or illusion created by the black propaganda and lies being generously poured down on the nation by dozens of embedded media organs, but it seems that these war cries and alarm bells sound like a lullaby to the ears of the nation.

Gülen: I hope they avoid the adventures of the Union and Progress Party

In his speech commemorating the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, the influential Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen spoke on the topics of the ongoing persecution of the Hizmet Movement, and major developments in Turkey’s agenda.

Kimse Yok Mu delivers aid in Palestine during Eid al-Adha

The Turkish aid organization Kimse Yok Mu, which has become the latest target of the Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) witch hunt, delivered aid in Palestine, including in Gaza, with approximately 100 volunteers from Turkey over the weekend.

Somali students condemn plot against Kimse Yok Mu

The sinister plot to block the aid efforts of Kimse Yok Mu by revoking its permit to collect donations has received widespread condemnation; especially from international students who are pursuing their education in Turkey through the nonprofit's sponsorship. Students from Somalia, Pakistan and the Congo are in fear of being left stranded.

African students sad over govt’s move to wipe out Kimse Yok Mu

African students who have been sponsored by Kimse Yok Mu in their studies in Turkey are worried about the recent government action. The Somali and Congolese students studying in the Kayseri province of Turkey said, “We would not be able to study at high schools and universities in Turkey without Kimse Yok Mu’s assistance. It’s been covering our school, clothing, food, shelter and medical expenses since the beginning.”

HRW criticizes Cabinet ruling on Kimse Yok Mu

Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized the cabinet ruling that cut the Kimse Yok Mu aid organization's ability to collect donation without state approval.

Gov't verdict to block Kimse Yok Mu disrupts ongoing projects

The chairman of the nonprofit aid organization Kimse Yok Mu İsmail Cingöz spoke of his concerns that the Cabinet's recent ruling, which revoked the license of the charity to receive donations without government approval, will have a negative impact on all current projects. Cingöz fears that dozens of ongoing construction projects for hospitals, orphanages, and schools will not be completed due to the government's verdict.

Kimse Yok Mu launches legal case against cabinet ruling

Kimse Yok Mu filed three separate lawsuits after the cabinet ruling revoking its license to collect donations without government approval.

Would Arınç read a decision for war?

Erhan Başyurt, Bugün

Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç, who had earlier ruled out the Cabinet revoking the right of the Kimse Yok Mu charity organization to collect charitable donations, which turned out to have happened, made a scandalous statement about his earlier remarks.

Arınç signs 'Kimse Yok Mu' verdict without reading it

After the recent Cabinet ruling against nonprofit aid organization Kimse Yok Mu, Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç claimed that he signed the verdict without reading it. Arınç's apparently false statement on Kimse Yok Mu he made two weeks ago has drawn the ire of the politicians.

Does Islam promote violence?

Aydoğan Vatandaş

If you are supposed to follow the news as an obligation of your profession, it is almost impossible not to watch CNN. And if you are watching CNN, it is sometimes also impossible not see the simplifications and mischaracterizations of Islam.

İstanbul municipality tears down part of school in midnight operation

The İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality sent teams in the early hours of Tuesday morning to the private Fatih College in the Merter neighborhood to demolish the wall of the school as well as a security cabin in the school's courtyard.

Gülen Movement: Financing the Service Projects in the Spirit of Giving and Service

Helen Rose Ebaugh

To accomplish the educational projects that Mr. Fethullah Gülen envisioned required human and financial resources. Teachers and principals were needed who were dedicated and committed to quality education and who were willing to make sacrifices to enhance the education of their students. Parents had to be willing to work with teachers and school administrators for common educational goals. And to achieve these goals philanthropic giving through the establishment of charitable trusts was necessary. Mr. Gülen, therefore, in the early days of the movement began to talk to people from all strata of society in Turkey. He visited groups anywhere he could find them, in cafes, in mosques, in homes throughout small villages, towns and cities throughout Turkey. Regardless of who he was addressing, his message was the same: sound education in top quality schools and to achieve this, the necessity of altruistic service and financial contributions.

Gov't's hate campaign against Kimse Yok Mu draws condemnations

Various segments of the society, including politicians, volunteers and legal experts, continue to express frustration at a recent government decision to remove the status of public interest of Kimse Yok Mu, the largest volunteer and global aid organization based in Turkey.

Loyal depositors shoulder Turkey's Bank Asya while political war rages

(Reuters) Selling everything from their sofas to their wedding rings, Bank Asya clients are battling to shore up the Turkish lender against what they say is a government-orchestrated bid to scuttle it.

Order came straight from the top: Sink the parallels!

Zafer Özcan, a former correspondent for the Zaman daily and current economy news manager for the Bugün daily, recently released a book titled “Paraleli Batırın” (Sink the Parallels), which unfolds the government's attempts to take over Bank Asya and the smear campaign led by pro-government media outlets, aimed at institutions allegedly affiliated with the Hizmet movement, comparing them to the aggressive attacks on Islamic capital in the Feb. 28, 1997 coup era.

The flaying of civil society in Turkey

Mümtazer Türköne

One of the most chronically over-discussed topics at Bayram time in Turkey is that of what gets done with the hides of sacrificed animals. Since actually putting certain parts of the animals -- like their hides and their intestines -- to good use is so difficult, these parts often get donated to charitable organizations.

Opposition deputy seeks answers on gov’t ban on charity

A lawmaker from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has directed questions at Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu on why the government banned charity group Kimse Yok Mu from collecting donations.

Clash of two Islams in Turkey

Zeki Saritoprak*

Turkey, an ally of the United States and member of NATO where 99 percent of the population is Muslim, is often hailed as an example of the compatibility of Islam and democracy. Recent events have tarnished Turkey’s democratic credentials.

Irregularities mark so-called Cabinet decision on Kimse Yok Mu

After the recent controversial Cabinet decision to rescind the Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) charity organization's right to collect charitable donations, some irregularity claims have been raised by observers who say this decision was taken arbitrarily with no basis.

Delegitimizing ISIL

Abdullah Bozkurt

The long-term challenge in the battle against terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which exploit Islam for misdirected political purposes, is how best to counter the ideological diatribe that was used to recruit militants or raise funding in the name of religion. Turkey, a predominantly Sunni nation that boasts a long Sufi tradition and moderation, is certainly well placed to play a key role in promoting a strong narrative that will counteract, neutralize and eventually defeat the radical ideology that the militants employ to expand their constituency.

Kimse Yok Mu extends helping hand to Kyrgyz orphans

The Kimse Yok Mu association, renowned as a global charity that manages to reach the most remote corners of the world, has inaugurated a new boarding school in Kyrgyzstan for children without parents.

Kimse Yok Mu reaches out to 12,000 families in Palestine

Despite the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government's removal of Turkish aid organization Kimse Yok Mu's right to raise money without permission from the Ministry of Interior Affairs, the UN-affiliated aid association is getting ready to deliver meat to 12,000 poor households in Palestine.

Is there anybody there for Kimse Yok Mu?

Begüm Burak

Pink Floyd says the following in their song Comfortably Numb: “There is no pain you are receding. A distant ship, smoke on the horizon. You are only coming through in waves.” I think these words reveal what is going on in the “new Turkey” under the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government.

Ethiopia: Ethiopian and Turkish Business Tycoons Met

Ethiopian and Turkish business tycoons met here in Ethiopia at the Ethiopian Chambers of Commerce and Sectoral Associations’ office for the purpose of surfing business opportunities in the two countries.

Abrupt gov't decision to revoke status of Kimse Yok Mu draws criticism

Turkey's leading charity, Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There), had its right to collect charitable donations abruptly rescinded on Tuesday, in what seems to be an arbitrary decision made during a Cabinet meeting, prompting harsh reactions from volunteers, lawmakers of the opposition parties and representatives of other civil society groups.