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{{Infobox Celebrity

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{{Infobox ReligiousBio
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| name = M. Fethullah Gülen | background = #00AA00
| name = M. Fethullah Gülen
| imagesize = 250px
| image = ] <!-- Only freely-licensed images may be used to depict living people. See ]. -->
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| birth_date = 1941 | religion = ]
| alias =
| birth_place = ], ]
| death_date = | location = ]
| death_place = | Title =
| Period =
| occupation = Islamic scholar
| website = http://en.fgulen.com | Predecessor =
| Successor =
| footnotes = who voted the top intellectual in ] online poll.<ref name=autogenerated4/>
| ordination =
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| date of birth = {{birth date|1941|04|27}}
| place of birth = ], ]
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'''Fethullah Gülen''' (born ],]) is a Turkish ],<ref name=autogenerated4></ref><ref name=carroll>{{cite book '''Mehmet Fethullah Gülen''' (born ] ]) is a ]ish preacher, author, and educator living in self-imposed exile in ]. He is the leader of the "Gülen movement," an international network of schools and businesses run by his students.
| author =
| year = 2007
| title = A Dialogue of Civilizations: Gülen's Islamic Ideals and Humanistic Discourse
| publisher = The Light, Inc.
| isbn =
}}</ref><ref name=zaman145137/> modernist Islamic ]<ref name=autogenerated4></ref><ref name=zaman145137/><ref>, Foreign Policy</ref>, writer, and leader of the ''Gülen movement''. He is the author of over 60 books.<ref name=enbooks></ref><ref name=trbooks></ref>


Gülen's theology can be described as a modernized, moderate version of ] / ] ], similar to that of ] (from whose movement he broke away during the 1970's). Gülen condemns ], <ref></ref>, supports ] dialogue, .<ref></ref> and emphasizes the role of science.
Gülen's proclaimed ideal is to promote ], and dialog of civilizations<ref name=zaman144511 >, Zaman</ref> at the international scale,<ref name=zaman144646>, Today's Zaman</ref><ref name=zaman146073></ref><ref name=prospect>, Prospect, Issue 148, July 2008</ref> and to see a renaissance of the modern Muslim world with ] at the forefront in the local scale.<ref name=reuters></ref> Fethullah Gülen has started a movement. In many countries schools are opened according to his philosophy. These schools are intended to promote peace and dialog in general<ref name=munley>Munley, Ann. "Contributions of the Gülen Community to Muslim Dynamism and Education" conference held on March 3rd, 2008 at Marywood University.</ref><ref name=autogenerated2></ref><ref name=forbes0118/> and offer a moderate vision of Islam in Muslim countries.<ref name=nyt080504/><ref name=cuttingedge></ref> He has invested in ] by meeting ] and ] leaders, including the ].<ref name=gulendialog></ref>


In the Turkish context, however, Gülen appears relatively conservative and religiously observant. For example, he supports the right of women to ] themselves <ref> http://www.biu.ac.il/SOC/besa/meria/journal/2000/issue4/jv4n4a4.html </ref>, and his female followers usually do wear headscarves. <ref> http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10808433 </ref> The private, independent nature of his network arouses suspicion among certain ], including many in the army, <ref> ,,</ref> who fear that he is amassing a political base. <ref> http://www.newsweek.com/id/197896 </ref>
Gülen is characterized in the media as one of the world's most important Muslim figures,<ref name=economist10808408></ref> with the Gülen movement as one of the world's leading Muslim movements.<ref name=economist10808408 /><ref name=forbes0118></ref> Gülen has been the subject of several academic studies.<ref></ref><ref name=scholar></ref><ref></ref><ref name=autogenerated3></ref><ref></ref>

Gülen and his movement have been praised by Islamic and non-Muslim organisations.<ref name=zaman145137></ref><ref name=zaman144646 /><ref name=zaman146073/><ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=135316
|accessdate=2008-07-06
|date=2008-03-01
|first=Idris
|last=Gursoy
|title=Feb. 21 declared ‘Gülen Institute Day’ in Houston
|work=Today's Zaman
}}</ref> These supporters tend to view the movement as a modernist and moderate form of the Islam; a potential counterbalance to extremism.<ref name=nyt080504>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/world/asia/04islam.html?ex=1367640000&en=625b88103a702f94&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink| first=Sabrina|last=Tavernise|authorlink=Sabrina Tavernise|title=Turkish Schools Offer Pakistan a Gentler Vision of Islam|date=2008-05-04|work=New York Times}}</ref><ref name=tavernise></ref> His movement has its base in ] and forms a significant factor in Turkish society.<ref name=prospect/><ref></ref><ref></ref> There are also some controversies around Gülen. Some ] claim that his objective is to abolish Turkey's secular state; although court rulings have not supported this.<ref name=autogenerated1></ref> On the other hand, some radical groups criticize his interfaith dialog efforts.


==Biography== ==Biography==
Gülen was born in ], ] in 1941. He started primary education at his home village, but did not continue after his family moved, and instead focused on informal Islamic education.<ref></ref> He gave his first sermon when he was 14.<ref>http://tr.fgulen.com/a.page/hayati/hayat.kronolojisi/a4443.html</ref> In 1959 he was awarded a state preacher's license in ]. In 1966 he was transferred to a post in ]. It was here that Gülen's recurring themes began to crystallize and his audience base began to expand. He also traveled around the provinces in ] and gave sermons in ]s, town meetings and coffee houses among other places. From İzmir on, he placed a special emphasis on promulgating his ideas to high school and college students and recruiting them for his movement.

Gülen retired from formal preaching duties in 1981. From 1988 to 1991 he gave a series of sermons in popular mosques of major cities. His long career had made him a well-known figure in Islamic circles, however, it was the interfaith dialog efforts, Islamic political activism and his courtship with the center-right political parties in the 1990s that made him a public figure. In 1994, he helped found the "" and was given the title "Honorary Leader" by the foundation.<ref></ref>

Through his speeches, he gained a following in society. In particular, by adopting a theme that was previously explored by Said-i Nursi,<ref> See Claim 4.</ref> he envisioned a society of devout Muslims who nevertheless would adopt methods and technical knowledge that led to development in western countries.

Gülen has been living in the US since 1998. Several months after Gülen had moved to the ] to receive better treatment for his health problems (he suffers from diabetes and a range of its side effects) a scandal developed. Gülen was claimed to have urged his followers in the judiciary and public service to "work patiently for the sake of the (Islamic) state in prerecorded video cassettes."<ref></ref> Gülen himself explained that the footage in question was montaged and completely taken out of context (he was giving advice to a group of official employees who felt marginalized by other groups within the state system that wanted them gone), and that he can't be judged for intent, only deeds.<ref></ref> Accordingly, he advised them that they should not relinquish their careers out of religious fervor but that they should remain in order to do good for the people, even if this meant not practicing their religion in the open.

Based on these claims, in 2000 Gülen was prosecuted for inciting his followers to plot the overthrow of Turkey's secular government. After a long trial period, he was cleared of all the accusations by a court decision taken unanimously in 2006.<ref name=autogenerated1 /><ref></ref> The Chief Prosecutor's Office objected to the decision, but The Supreme Court of Appeals has rejected the Chief Prosecutor's Office's objection to the acquittal of Fethullah Gülen.<ref></ref> This is the final decision for his long trial process started in 2000.<ref></ref><ref></ref> It is stated that most of the claims against Gülen and the video cassettes are fabricated<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> by the ] gangs<ref></ref><ref></ref> which has ties to Neo-Nazi organizations<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> and under investigation<ref></ref> recently for a military coup and infiltration to and illegal organization in the military ranks,<ref></ref> and by the media under their control.<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> Ergenekon trial unveiled that the gangs attempted to manipulate Gulen's trial <ref></ref><ref></ref> as well, by buying false witnesses and faking up evidence.

===Top thinker===
Gülen was recently listed among the top hundred public intellectuals by '']'' magazine.<ref></ref> He received a majority of the votes in the online ballot in which more than half a million people participated, and finished in first place in the poll <ref name=autogenerated4 />. (The organizers of the polling did recognize that the votes in the favor of Gülen accelerated after the poll was publicized by Turkey's largest-circulation newspaper, '']'', which is closely aligned with him.)

When Gülen was interviewed by a correspondent from ''Foreign Policy'', he answered the question of how he feels about being named the world’s top public intellectual as follows:<ref name=fppullresult></ref>
<blockquote>I have never imagined being or wished to be chosen as something important in the world. I have always tried to be a humble servant of God and a humble member of humanity. The Koran says that humanity has been created to recognize and worship God and, as a dimension of this worship, to improve the world in strict avoidance of corruption and bloodshed. It requires treating all things and beings with deep compassion. This is my philosophy, which obliges me to remain aloof from all worldly titles and ranks. However, I am not indifferent to the appreciation of kind people. extremely kind in naming me the world’s top public intellectual, a title to which I can never see myself as entitled.</blockquote>

The result of the poll is reported in '']'' along with a news video from Turkey, in an article titled "Islamic scholar voted world's No. 1 thinker" <ref name=autogenerated2 />. Gülen was described as the modern face of the Sufi Ottoman tradition in an article in the center-left British monthly, '']''. ''Prospect'' reported that Gülen insists on friendship among people of all faiths and that "no one should be seen as an outsider." "Millions of people inside and outside Turkey have been inspired by Gülen," the magazine said, citing "a combination of charisma, good organization and an attractive message" as reasons for his overwhelming support worldwide <ref></ref>.

The unexpected result in favor of Gülen raised some controversies. Some commentators complained that "the poll hijacked".<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=10273
|accessdate=2008-07-24
|title=The real Fethullah Gülen
|first=Stephen
|last=Schwartz
|work=Prospect Magazine
|month=July
|year=2008
|volume=148
}}</ref> Bulent Kenes, editor-in-chief of ''Today's Zaman'' newspaper, refused this claim and explained the poll's result by saying that, "There are many people who promote Gülen's ideas, which contribute to world peace by urging international dialog and tolerance."<ref></ref>

===Media Coverage===
The ideas of Fethullah Gülen, and the schools opened by his followers in many countries have recently been the subject of articles by '']'' magazine and the French daily '']''. In the '']'' article entitled "Gülen Inspires Muslims Worldwide", the chief characteristic of the Gülen movement is identified as not seeking to subvert modern secular states but rather encouraging practicing Muslims to use to the fullest the opportunities those countries offer.<ref name=forbes0118/> In an article in '']'', the Gülen movement is reported as a Turkish-based movement, vying to be recognized as the world's leading Muslim network,<ref name=economist10808408 /> and Gülen himself as one of the world's most important Muslim figures. ] also analyzed Gülen and Gülen movement in a recent article <ref name=reuters />: Gülen wants to see a renaissance of the modern Muslim world with ] at the forefront.

Gülen and his movement have won praise from many non-Muslim quarters, with their belief in ], ] and multi-party ]. They are viewed as modernist and all-embracing Muslims, who can counterbalance extremism in the Muslim world. For instance, ] of '']'' has stated that they come from a "moderate blend of Islam that is very inclusive."<ref name=tavernise/><ref name=nyt080504/> In the same newspaper, Turkish schools opened and operated by Gülen movement are accounted in an article titled, "Turkish Schools Offer Pakistan a Gentler Vision of Islam" exclusively based on the Pakistan example.<ref name=nyt080504/> In fact, in a weekly journal of Pakistan, ''Cutting Edge'', Gülen and his movement is analyzed, recently. Gülen is described as "An icon of universal peace" in an article with the same title.<ref name=cuttingedge/>

Less prestigiously, Gulen's schools have been closed in ] and ], being accused of supporting Islamic groups (Tashkent) and diverging from the state curriculum (St. Petersburg).<ref>Rashid, A. (Spring 2001). . ''World Policy Journal'', 18, 1. p.45. Retrieved July 10, 2008</ref><ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=109323
|accessdate=2008-07-10
|author=Cumhuriyet
|title=The Gülen problem in Russia
|date=2008-07-09
|work=Turkish Daily News
}}</ref>
The St. Petersburg school filed an appeal. Consequently, the school's founding rights were restored with a ruling handed down on March 25, 2008. The education committee referred the case to the 13th Appeals Court for a reversal of the lower court’s decision. The appeals court announced its verdict on July 1, upholding the ruling of the administrative court. The 13th Appellate Court also canceled all the bylaws made by the educational committee in the absence of the Turkish entrepreneurs{{Clarifyme|date=August 2008}} and returned the school’s license. International School No. 664, in St. Petersburg, was re-opened in July 2008 after having its license revoked for over a year.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.zaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=146596
|title=St. Petersburg Turkish college wins case, resumes services
|accessdate=2008-07-10
|date=2008-07-04
|work=Zaman
|first=Faruk
|last=Akkan
}}</ref>

===Academic studies about Gülen===
Gülen has been the subject of several academic studies.<ref name=scholar/> In November 2006 conference was held at the ] titled ''The Fethullah Gülen Movement in Thought and Practice'', and in October 2007 a conference was held at the ], under the sponsorship of the ], and the ] to study Gülen and his movement. Yet another conference<ref name=autogenerated3 /> is held in November 2008 at ], which is titled ''Islam in the age of global challenges, Alternative Perspectives of the Gülen Movement''.

Ann Munley, the president of Pennsylvania's Marywood University, has likened Turkish schools to islands of peace.<ref name=munley /><ref name=zaman080314>{{cite news
|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=136369
|accessdate=2008-07-06
|date=2008-03-14
|work=Today's Zaman
|first=Kadir
|last=Bulut
|title=American university president likens Turkish schools to islands of peace
}}</ref>

===Community perception===
Gülen and his movement have won praise from many non-Muslim quarters, with their belief in ], ] and multi-party ]. They are viewed as modernist and all-embracing Muslims, who can counterbalance extremism in the Muslim world. For instance, ] of ] has stated that they come from a 'moderate blend of Islam that is very inclusive.'<ref name=nyt080504/><ref name=tavernise/> In the same newspaper, Turkish schools opened and operated by Gülen movement are accounted in an article titled, 'Turkish Schools Offer Pakistan a Gentler Vision of Islam' exclusively based on the Pakistan example.<ref name=nyt080504/> In fact, in a prestigious weekly journal of Pakistan, Cutting Edge, Gülen and his movement is analyzed, recently. Gülen is described as 'An icon of universal peace' in an article with the same title.<ref name=cuttingedge/>

Gülen gets respect from the ] circles of the international society as well. Center for Interreligious Understanding Director Rabbi Jack Bemporad has said the Gülen movement, led by well-respected Turkish intellectual and scholar Fethullah Gülen, aims to create a more peaceful world and invites all people to unity.<ref name=zaman144646 />

In a recent interview,<ref name=zaman145137/> İzzettin Doğan, a well-known leader of ] circles and President of ], mentioned Gülen as a thinker and a philosopher. He expressed his respect and said that: 'He has made positive contributions to the construction of ''cemevis'' (Alevi places of worship). Years ago, he said, "Cemevis should be constructed next to mosques." This is a considerably important statement. In addition, he is open to discussion. In this regard, I never had any doubts about Gülen's ideas'.<ref name=zaman145137/>
A made by the local government of ], Texas indicates the appearance of Gülen's ideas in the Western world. Feb. 21 is declared Day in ]. It is stated in the decision letter that the organization, whose honorary president is Fethullah Gülen, serves all humanity without discrimination and boosts mutual understanding and respect and cooperation among people from diverse backgrounds. Similarly, Former Norwegian Prime Minister ] has said the ideas of Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish-Muslim scholar, and the activities of his movement are in complete harmony with the approach of The Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, which Bondevik currently heads. He stated that: 'We both believe in dialogue, in respecting and trying to understand each other, in building bridges between main cultures and religions.'<ref name=zaman146073></ref>

The Dutch government in 2008 had started an inquiry to a motion filed by four political parties. The inquiry showed that the Gülen movement and Turkish institutions having close ties to the movement do not obstruct integration in the Netherlands. Integration Minister Eberhard Van der Laan said: “An overall analysis of this movement demonstrates that it is pacifist and prone to dialogue. Obviously the movement also believes that Islam and modernism can coexist. It is active in different fields, but lacks a central unit or hierarchical structure. I may even say that we would do better to talk about an alliance of loosely affiliated independent institutions rather than a movement. Of course, there are criticisms directed at this entity, and some even raise concerns about its activities. Opponents and skeptics argue that members of this movement hide their real agenda; however, when we review their activities in Holland, we see that their work facilitates integration.” Interior Minister Guus Ter Horst stated the the allegations are groundless <ref></ref>.

==Philosophy and activities==
According to Gülen his theological views lie solidly within the Turkish ] mainstream while being more responsive to modern world than other Islamic movements {{Fact|date=January 2007}}. He has also adopted some views of founder of the ] (light) movement, ], among others.<ref name=gulenansw> See Claim 4 and 9.</ref>

Gülen claims the modern world is plagued by individuals' lack of faith, and in particular, the failure to adopt scientific methods while in the same time preserving moral values and belief in God.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} Gülen argues science and faith are two different aspects of the truth, and that science can benefit from or requires a moral foundation from religion.{{Fact|date=January 2007}}

He has guided his supporters to open about 500 educational institutions in more than 90 countries in ], ] and ].<ref></ref><ref>M. Hakan Yavuz and John L. Esposito, eds. ''Turkish Islam and the Secular State: The Gülen Movement'' (Syracuse University Press, 2003) ISBN 0815630409.</ref>

===The Gülen movement===
The Gülen movement consists of volunteer organizations that are ideologically connected under the leadership of Gülen.<ref name=qantara></ref> The predominantly Turkish volunteers, who are educated or have received support from the institutions founded by the movement, run more than a thousand schools all over the world.<ref></ref> It has founded universities of its own, an employers' association,{{Fact|date=February 2007}} unions,{{Fact|date=February 2007}} and hundreds of sub-organizations including charities, real estate trusts, lobby groups, student bodies, radio and television stations, and newspapers. The movement as a whole counts several hundred thousand of members, possibly millions, making it one of the largest Islamic movements in Turkey.<ref name=guardian></ref> According to some estimates, the movement controls about 25 billion dollars. <ref name="NatReview"></ref>


Gülen was born in the village of Korucuk, near ], in 1941 (some sources say 1938). His father, Ramiz Gülen, was an imam. Gülen started primary education at his home village, but did not continue after his family moved, and instead focused on informal Islamic education.<ref></ref> He gave his first sermon when he was 14.<ref>http://tr.fgulen.com/a.page/hayati/hayat.kronolojisi/a4443.html</ref> He became a follower of ] before he was 18.
One of the main characteristic of the movement is that it is ''faith-based'' but not ''faith-limited''. There are many Christians, even at the community leadership level, in several countries feel themselves close to or inspired by the movement.


In 1959 he was awarded a state preacher's license in ]. In 1966 he was transferred to a post in ]. It was here that Gülen's recurring themes--these included ], ], the ] and ]--began to crystallize and his audience base began to expand. He also traveled around the provinces in ] and gave sermons in ]s, town meetings and coffee houses among other places. From İzmir on, he placed a special emphasis on promulgating his ideas to high school and college students and recruiting them for his movement.
In an article in ], the Gülen movement is reported as a Turkish-based movement, which sounds more reasonable than most of its rivals, is vying to be recognized as the world's leading Muslim network.<ref name=economist10808408/> It is also stated that Gülen has also won praise from many non-Muslim quarters, with his stated belief in science, inter-faith dialog and multi-party democracy. He is an intensely emotional preacher, whose tearful sermons seem to strike a deep chord in his listeners; but the movement he heads is remarkably pragmatic and businesslike. As a global force, the Gülenists are especially active in education. They claim to have founded more than 500 places of learning in 90 countries.{{Fact|date=May 2008}} A staged in London, October 2007 was co-hosted by four British universities, plus the ], yielded a slick, 750-page report of the proceedings.<ref name=economist10808408/>


By the end of the 1970s Gülen broke ranks with the mainstream Nurcu movement (or Nur movement, i.e., the group following Said Nursi), which was governed by a council of elders, and created his own institutions in which he was the sole leader. Stressing the fragmented nature of the Nurcu movement, Hakan Yavus offers the following analysis of Gülen and his place within it:
Ann Munley, president of Pennsylvania's ], has stated that "Turkish people establish schools all across the world and show great self-sacrifice in educating people of all races and religions. The Gülen movement considerably contributes to the establishment of these schools."<ref name=zaman080314/> In a recent article titled 'Turkish Schools Offer Pakistan a Gentler Vision of Islam', in ], it is stated that the Turkish schools, which have expanded to seven cities in Pakistan since the first one opened a decade ago, offer an alternative approach that could help reduce the influence of extremism.<ref name=nyt080504/>


:"In terms of nationalism, Gülen is more Turkish nationalist in his thinking. Also, he is somewhat more state-oriented, and is more concerned with market economics and neo-liberal economic policies." <ref> http://religion.info/english/interviews/article_74.shtml </ref>
Professor Thomas Michel from ] expressed belief that the Gülen movement is not political in nature: "This movement has never been engaged in politics. It has reached millions of children all across the world and helped with their education regardless of their races, languages, religions and nationalities. This is a great self-sacrifice and success."<ref name=zaman080314/>


'']'' finds significance in Gülen's residence in Izmir, a newly-liberated (from the Greeks) city lacking the ] networks which inspired the Nurcu movement:
Doctor ] of ] in Houston, has noted in an Interfaith Voices program, an independent public radio show that promotes interfaith understanding through dialog, that the Gülen movement has become a global and transnational one: 'Gülen has greatly impacted three generations in Turkey. He also influences considerable masses all across the world with his speeches and deeds. He leads a very modest life. Thousands of institutions have been established all around the globe by the Gülen movement, but he doesn’t undertake the administration of even one of them. When people see such aspects of this movement, they say ‘these are not Muslims in words, they are real Muslims'.<ref name=zaman144511 >, Zaman</ref> She also praised Turkish schools, established around the globe with Gülen’s pioneering. 'These schools invest in the future and aim at creating a community that offers equal opportunities for everyone.'


:"Gulen put Nursi's ideas into practice when he was transferred to a mosque in Izmir in 1966. Izmir is a city where political Islam never took root. However, the business and professional middle class came to resent the constraints of a state bureaucracy under whose wings it had grown, and supported market-friendly policies, while preserving at least some elements of a conservative lifestyle. Such businessmen were largely pro-Western, because it was Western (mainly U.S.) influence, which had persuaded the government to allow free elections for the first time in 1950 and U.S. aid, which had primed the pump of economic growth." <ref> http://www.forbes.com/2008/01/18/turkey-islam-gulen-cx_0121oxford.html </ref>
Turkish sociologist Nilüfer Göle, known for her studies on modernization and conservatism, classified the Gülen movement and the schools governed by the movement as the world's most global movement. She stated that Turkish schools bring people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds together in peace.<ref></ref>


His pro-business stance has led some outsiders to dub his theology an Islamic version of ], or more specifically, ]. <ref> http://en.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-478/_nr-907/i.html </ref>
A recent article titled 'A modern Ottoman' says: 'Fethullah Gülen leads a global movement inspired by Sufi ideas. He promotes an open brand of Islamic thought and he is preoccupied with modern science.' It also states, 'He and his movement are at home with technology, markets and multinational business and especially with modern communications and public relations.'<ref name=prospect/>


Gülen retired from formal preaching duties in 1981. From 1988 to 1991 he gave a series of sermons in popular mosques of major cities, and during the 1990's cultivated ties with moderate-religious political parties such as ] and the ]. These activities elevated him to a public figure. In 1994, he participated in the founding of "Journalists and Writers Foundation".<ref>http://www.gyv.org.tr/changelang.asp?lang=2&page2go=http://www.gyv.org.tr/</ref> and was given the title "Honorary Leader" by the foundation.<ref></ref>
===Interfaith Dialog===
Gülen's published works in the 1990s advocated dialog among communities and faiths, tolerance, and acceptance of others.<ref>''Toward a Global Civilization of Love and Tolerance'', ISBN 1932099689</ref> He personally met with religious leaders, including ], the Greek Orthodox ], and Israeli Sephardic Head Rabbi ].<ref>''Advocate of Dialogue: Fethullah Gülen'', ISBN 0970437013</ref> Some pictures of these dialog meeting are documented in Gülen's website.<ref name=gulendialog />


Though linked with the moderate-religious party Refah, in 1997 Gülen declined to protest the closure of that party. <ref> http://www.biu.ac.il/SOC/besa/meria/journal/2000/issue4/jv4n4a4.html </ref>
===Gülen Thoughts on Terrorism===
''''A Real Muslim cannot be a Terrorist''''


In 1998 Gülen emigrated to the ], ostensibly for health problems (he suffers from ]) but arguably in anticipation of being tried over remarks which seemed to favor an Islamic state.<ref></ref> He was filmed as urging followers to "work patiently and to creep silently into the institutions in order to seize power in the state." <ref> http://en.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-478/_nr-907/i.html </ref> Gülen complained that the remarks were taken out of context, <ref></ref> and questions were raised about the authenticity of the tape, which he accused of having been "manipulated." Gülen was tried ''in absentia'' in 2000, and acquited in 2006. <ref></ref> The Supreme Court of Appeals later rejected an appeal by the Chief Prosecutor's Office. <ref> . </ref>
Gülen does not approve use of Islam and terrorism together <ref></ref>. That is, he agrees that such terrorism exists but argues that it is not Islamic or Muslim. He has written an article in response to the September 11 attacks saying:<ref></ref><ref></ref>


==Theology==
<blockquote>We condemn in the strongest of terms the latest terrorist attack on the United States of America, and feel the pain of the American people at the bottom of our hearts.</blockquote>


Gülen has authored over 60 books <ref>http://tr.fgulen.com/content/section/30/3/</ref> and many articles on a variety of topics: social, political and religious issues, art, science and sports, and recorded thousands of audio and video cassettes. He contributes to a number of journals and magazines owned by his followers. He writes the lead article for the '''', '''', '''', and '''', Islamic and philosophical magazines in ].
A question asked by Nuriye Akman of ]: '' It appears that al-Qaeda network has a cell in Turkey. You explained about the religious side of the matter. Does it have different meanings as well?'' Gülen's response was:<ref>http://www.fethullahgulen.org/content/view/1727/24/</ref>
<blockquote>
One of the people in the world I hate the most is Bin Laden, because he spoiled the bright appearance of Islam. He created a dirty image. Even if we try to fix that terrible damage with all our best, it would take years. We will tell about it everywhere in different platforms. We will write books about it. We will say, 'this is not Islam.' Bin Laden replaced Islamic logic with his feelings and desires. He is a monster, as are the men around him. If there is any one similar to them, they too are nothing more than monsters.</blockquote>


===Interfaith dialogue, terrorism===
==Works==
Gülen has authored over 60 books<ref name=enbooks/><ref name=trbooks/> and many articles on a variety of topics: social, political and religious issues, art, science and sports, and recorded thousands of audio and video cassettes. He contributes to a number of journals and magazines owned by his followers. He writes the lead article for the '''', '''', '''', and '''', Islamic and philosophical magazines in ]. Some of his books are available in ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].


Gülen's published works in the 1990's advocate interreligious tolerance and dialogue.<ref></ref> He personally met with leaders of other religions, including ], the Greek Orthodox ], and Israeli Sephardic Head Rabbi ].<ref></ref> A number of non-Muslims even participate in the Gülen movement, which describes itself as "faith-based" but not "faith-limited."
===Bibliography in Turkish===
Some of his Turkish books<ref name=trbooks/> are as listed below:


In 2004 debate arose over comments by Gülen to the effect that terrorism was as despicable as atheism.<ref></ref> In a follow-up interview he explained he did not intend to equate atheists and murderers; rather, he wanted to highlight the fact that according to Islam both were destined to suffer eternal punishment.<ref> </ref> On another occasion he said:
'''Philosophy of religion:'''
Asrın Getirdiği Tereddütler, Fikir Atlası, Kitap ve Sünnet Perspektifinde Kader, Kavramlar, Varlığın Metafizik Boyutu, Zihin Harmanı


:"One of the people in the world I hate the most is Osama Bin Laden, because he has spoiled the bright appearance of Islam. He has created a dirty image. Even if we try to fix that terrible damage with all our best, it would take years. We will tell about it everywhere in different platforms. We will write books about it. We will say, 'this is not Islam.' Bin Laden replaced Islamic logic with his feelings and desires. He is a monster, as are the men around him. If there is any one similar to them, they too are nothing more than monsters."<ref></ref>
'''Religion:'''
Dua Ufku, Fatiha Üzerine Mülâhazalar, İ‘lâ-yı Kelimetullah veya Cihad, İnancın Gölgesinde, İrşad Ekseni, Kitap ve Sünnet Perspektifinde Kader, Kur‘ân‘dan İdrake Yansıyanlar, Ölüm Ötesi Hayat, Sonsuz Nur


===Feminism===
'''Education:'''
Ölçü veya Yoldaki Işıklar, Çocuk Terbiyesi, Prizma


Gülen's views toward women, which his own press describes as "progressive," <ref> http://en.fgulen.com/conference-papers/gulen-conference-in-washington-dc/3091-the-gulen-movement-gender-and-practice.html </ref> have been criticized as reactionary. <ref> http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10808433 </ref> The coming of Islam, he claims, "saved" women, who "were absolutely not confined to their home and...never oppressed." Western-style feminism, however, is "doomed to imbalance like all other reactionary movements...being full of hatred towards men..." <ref> http://en.fgulen.com/recent-articles/2897-women-confined-and-mistreated.html </ref>
'''Science:'''
Yaratılış Gerçeği ve Evrim


==Books==
'''Art:'''
Beyan, Hüzmeler ve İktibaslar, Kalbin Zümrüt Tepeleri, Kırık Mızrap, Yeşeren Düşünceler


Pearls of Wisdom, Emerald Hills of the Heart, Prophet Muhammed as Commander, Questions and Answers, Essentials of the Islamic Faith, The Infinite Light vol 1–2, Towards the Lost Paradise, Truth Through Colors, Muhammad: The Messenger of God, Questions and Answers about Faith, Towarda Global Civilization of Love and Tolerance, Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism (3 vols), The Statues of Our Souls, etc.
'''Social issues:'''
Buhranlar Anaforunda İnsan, Çağ ve Nesil, Çekirdekten Çınara, Fasıldan Fasıla 1-4, Günümüzde Gençliğin Problemlerine Doğru, Günler Baharı Soluklarken, Işığın Göründüğü Ufuk, Kendi Dünyamıza Doğru, Kırık Testi, Örnekleri Kendinden Bir Hareket, Ruhumuzun Heykelini Dikerken, Yitirilmiş Cennete Doğru, Zamanın Altın Dilimi


==The Gülen movement==
'''Interviews:'''
Amerika'da Bir Ay


The Gülen movement recruits students through schools, study groups, and camps, and organizes them into a cohort-based brotherhood. Its schools and businesses are organized locally, and linked into a network on an informal rather than legal basis. Speaking of its Central Asian schools, Kevin Miller, Jr. writes that
===Bibliography in English===
Some of his English books<ref name=enbooks/> are as listed below:


:"...the Kyrgyz-Turkish Lyceums and other Turkish Lyceums throughout Central Asia and the world are not connected with each other. They are each, in themselves, different entities funded by various Nurcu business groups across Turkey." <ref> http://www.amerasianworld.com/islam_in_kazakhstan.php </ref>
'''Philosophy of religion:'''
Questions and Answers, Essentials of the Islamic Faith, Questions and Answers about Faith, Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism (3 vols)


While schools, of necessity, follow locally-mandated curricula, their teachers are drawn from members of the Gülen network, who often encourage students in the direction of greater piety. "Teachers are religious people who don't smoke or drink and act as an example to their students," explains one teacher from Istanbul. <ref> http://uk.reuters.com/article/featuresNews/idUKL0939033920080514?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0</ref> '']'' observes that in Pakistan that "they encourage Islam in their dormitories, where teachers set examples in lifestyle and prayer." <ref> http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/world/asia/04islam.html?ei=5124&en=625b88103a702f94&ex=1367640000&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink&pagewanted=all </ref>
'''Religion:'''
Muhammad: The Messenger of God, Prophet Muhammed as Commander, The Infinite Light vol 1–2


According to researchers Bulent Aras and Omer Caha,
'''Education:'''
Pearls of Wisdom


:"No one knows the actual size of Gulen's large group of sympathizers (known as ''Fethullahcilar'' or 'the followers of Fethullah,' a name Gulen strongly opposes) but guesses range from between 200,000 supporters and 4 million people influenced by his ideas. It draws much of its support from young urban men, with a special appeal to doctors, academics, and other professionals. It has grown in part by establishing student dormitories, summer camps, high schools, universities, educational and cultural centers, and publications. Although Gulen is its sole leader, a number of his long-time devotees run the community.
'''Art:'''
Truth Through Colors, Emerald Hills of the Heart


:" Gulen is the sole leader of the movement and the hierarchical order extends from the top to the bottom through an increasing number of abiler (elder brothers). The ranking is very strict and each rank's abi (elder brother) obtains only a certain amount of knowledge of the activities occurring or under discussion while agreeing to refrain from asking questions or seeking more knowledge about the higher ranks." <ref> http://www.biu.ac.il/SOC/besa/meria/journal/2000/issue4/jv4n4a4.html </ref>
'''Social issues:'''
Towards the Lost Paradise, Towards Global Civilization of Love and Tolerance, The Statues of Our Souls


Hakan Yavuz attempts to describe the organization structure:
==Controversies==
Gülen is a controversial figure for some secularists in Turkey. While his followers and a significant part of Turkish society respects him as a humanistic figure at the service of Islam, a large fraction of society perceives him as a significant threat who aims to transform the country's secular system.<ref></ref> On the other hand, some radical groups severely criticize his interfaith dialog efforts. Controversies over Gülen are even enhanced after his meeting with the ].


:"The Gülen movement consists of a number of networks, organized horizontally. These networks are not necessarily organized in hierarchical terms. But we see three circles. The first is the core circle around Gülen. The second circle consists of those who give their time and labour in order to achieve the collective goals of the movement. The third circle consists of those who are sympathizers: sometimes they support the movement by writing an article in the media, or they give money, or they support the movement in other ways.
Gülen states that there have not been any court rulings against him in spite of various accusations, and that the conviction decision by the lower court in 1971 was abrogated by the higher court, and the case, which was being heard again, was dropped in view of a general amnesty that was given at that time.<ref name=gulenansw /> Some sources claim that Gülen was convicted, likely referring to the lower court decision abrogated by the higher court.<ref name="NatReview" />


:"So you have a number of circles, but each circle includes a number of networks. When we examine these networks, there is a sense of solidarity and of the Islamic ethos of brotherhood. This is the glue that joins these networks together." <ref> http://religion.info/english/interviews/article_74.shtml </ref>
Gülen's appeal to various ideological strands in Turkey differs. His supporters probably constitute the most influential Islamic and political movements in Turkey both for its human and financial capital. Various other shades of the Islamic movement and conservative segments of society are generally sympathetic to him. His detractors are mostly in the nationalistic wing of the secularists, critical of his alleged affinity for a theocratic society and his strategic support from the US. For the elites, the ranks are broken by certain liberals, who point out that Gülen's group, at least in its public representation, has proven to be most willing to evolve and most open to international influence.


Soner Cagaptay adds:
Due to its spearheading westernization and secularization since the late ] era, and later founding the secular republic under the leadership of ], the military has always viewed Islamic movements with suspicion and since the 1980s has identified Gülen's group as a threat to the republic. In 1986, a military court has determined the existence of Gülen's supporters in the military academy and the group was purged. From then on, the Turkish military has repeatedly alleged that Gülen tries to infiltrate its ranks and pressured politicians to take action against Gülen.<ref>http://www.belgenet.com/mgk/mgk101999.html,<br/> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/904576.stm,<br/>, BBC News</ref>


:"Thanks to missionary and volunteer work, the Gülen tarikat obtained social and political power globally over the decades. It has business lobbying groups and think tanks in Washington and Brussels, owns universities, banks, TV networks and newspapers around the world, and operates schools in which more than 2 million students receive education, many with full scholarships." <ref>http://www.newsweek.com/id/197896</ref>
Gülen was widely criticized in 2004 when he, in contrast with his public calls for tolerance, commented that he considered terrorism to be equally despicable as atheism.<ref>, Today's Zaman</ref> In a follow-up interview he declared he did not intent to equate atheists and murderers; rather, he wanted to highlight the fact that according to Islam both were destined to suffer eternal punishment.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://arama.hurriyet.com.tr/arsivnews.aspx?id=219352
|accessdate=2008-07-06
|work=Hürriyet
|date=2004-04-21
|title=Ateist terörist değildir
|first=Sefa
|last=Kaplan
|language=Turkish
}}</ref>


:] is controversial, in that it conflates the Gülen movement with ] orders which have been banned in Turkey since the Republican period. Gülen followers prefer to speak of themselves as a ''cemaat'' or "community."]
In June 2008, Gülen's application for a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, widely known as the green card,has been refused by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS. The U.S. Attorney defending USCIS said Gülen was a religious and political figure and that, aiming to promote himself and his movement by paying academics to write about him. On the other hand, it is responded that 'honorarium' which is defined as a payment for conference talks, is a standard application in all academic conference organizations. 'It is suspicious that the news and distortions about Gülen's visa application case is followed immediately by his acquittal from the ongoing trial from 2000, and aims to veil this outcome', his lawyer claimed.<ref></ref><ref></ref> The U.S. Attorney added, none of Gülen's books are about education or educational models; they are entirely religious works. Moreover, the statement that an educational model has been created by blending traditional secular educational system and tolerance toward faiths is not convincing.


Institutions with ties to the Gülen movement include ], the Turkish newspaper '']'', the TV station ], the bank ], the ], and about 300 schools in Turkey <ref> http://uk.reuters.com/article/featuresNews/idUKL0939033920080514?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0 </ref>. While avowedly apolitical, the Gülen movement has enjoyed warm ties with the moderate-religious ], and through them has acquired strong influence over the education ministry and the police. Overseas, the Gülen movement supports several hundred schools ("Turkish Lyceums") in more than 90 countries, especially ] <ref> http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/world/asia/04islam.html?ei=5124&en=625b88103a702f94&ex=1367640000&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink&pagewanted=all </ref> and the ] of ]. These follow secular curricula, and have been accused of following admissions policies which favor the wealthy and well-connected. <ref> http://www.amerasianworld.com/islam_in_kazakhstan.php </ref> Aras and Caha again note that
Gülen filed lawsuit for the reconsideration of the verdict. According to press reports 27 people submitted letters of reference to support his case in U.S. federal court.<ref></ref> Among the names are a Graham Fuller - former CIA agent and deputy chair of National Intelligence Council.<ref></ref> On July 16, 2008, the ] for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania found that Fethullah Gülen has extraordinary ability in education, and that the ] (USCIS) denial of Gülen's petition was contrary to law. The court has ruled that Gülen's visa application is improperly rejected and ordered the government to reverse the decision.<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> The court ordered that USCIS shall approve Gülen's petition for alien worker as an alien of extraordinary ability by August 1, 2008.<ref>{{cite court |litigants = Fethullah Gülen v. Michael Chertoff, et al |vol = 2008 |reporter = U.S. Dist. LEXIS 54607 |opinion = Civil Action No. 07-2148 |court = United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania |date = July 16, 2008 |url= http://www.bibdaily.com/pdfs/Gulen%207-16-08.pdf}}</ref> The judiciary process about his application is completed and Gulen won the case. He obtained the right to stay in US with the permanent residency status, which is different from citizenship.


:"Followers of Gulen have also founded more than 200 schools around the world from Tanzania to China, but mostly in the Turkic republics. The schools in the Turkic republics support a philosophy based on Turkish nationalism rather than on Islam. In Gulen's view, Turkey's virtues include its Ottoman heritage, secularism, market economy, and democracy. These schools also admit non-Muslim students, and because of their high quality, and perhaps use of English as the primary language of instruction, they attract children of the elites and government officials in various countries. <ref> http://www.biu.ac.il/SOC/besa/meria/journal/2000/issue4/jv4n4a4.html </ref>
], a scholar from ], criticized movements political aspirations by drawing parallels between Khomeini's return to Iran in 1979 and Gülen's possible return to Istanbul in 2008.<ref name="NatReview" /> Gülen responded to such claims by saying that, 'People claiming that I will return like Khomeini will get embarrassed.' 'If I return, I will do it like myself, and continue being as I have always been. I have always refrained others who shows respect to me from doing that', he added. Gülen argued the analogy which is tried to be established by further explaining that, he is not from Iran, has never had any intentions and ideas in parallel with what Khomeini did or had.<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> Ziya Meral of ] classified this analogy as a 'faulty comparison' from historical and sociological points of view.<ref></ref>


===Controversy===
In a recent interview, professor and a leader of ] circles, expressed his respect and stated that he has never doubt about Gülen's openness and ideas, although he is not always agree with him. He commented further that Gülen aims to Islamise Turkey by democratic means using education.<ref></ref> Professor from ], a long time ] contributor and author of ''Turkish Islam and the Secular State: The Gülen Movement'' published by ], also stated in an interview that the movement has always been political, is powerful in the media, the education ministry and the police force.<ref name=reuters /> Cemal Usak, a member of Journalist and Writer's foundation is stated in response that 'Our main problem is working with secular fundamentalists... They don't know us and they don't want to know us. They have great prejudice...They are suspicious of everything". ] also claimed that many of Turkey's police are believed to be Gülen sympathizers—an interior minister once gave a figure of 70%. However, that the movement is 'apolitical' but has links with almost all Turkish political parties, save the main secular opposition.<ref> A “prophet” who finds honour, and some suspicion, in his own country</ref> Professor Thomas Michel from ] is also expressed belief that the Gülen movement is not political in nature.<ref name=zaman080314/>


The Gülen movement has inspired controversy in Turkey,
==See also==
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==References == ==References ==
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M. Fethullah Gülen
Religious life
ReligionIslam
Muslim leader
Based inTurkey

Mehmet Fethullah Gülen (born 27 April 1941) is a Turkish preacher, author, and educator living in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania. He is the leader of the "Gülen movement," an international network of schools and businesses run by his students.

Gülen's theology can be described as a modernized, moderate version of Sunni / Hanafi Islam, similar to that of Said Nursi (from whose movement he broke away during the 1970's). Gülen condemns terrorism, , supports interfaith dialogue, . and emphasizes the role of science.

In the Turkish context, however, Gülen appears relatively conservative and religiously observant. For example, he supports the right of women to veil themselves , and his female followers usually do wear headscarves. The private, independent nature of his network arouses suspicion among certain Turkish secularists, including many in the army, who fear that he is amassing a political base.

Biography

Gülen was born in the village of Korucuk, near Erzurum, in 1941 (some sources say 1938). His father, Ramiz Gülen, was an imam. Gülen started primary education at his home village, but did not continue after his family moved, and instead focused on informal Islamic education. He gave his first sermon when he was 14. He became a follower of Said Nursi before he was 18.

In 1959 he was awarded a state preacher's license in Edirne. In 1966 he was transferred to a post in İzmir. It was here that Gülen's recurring themes--these included education, science, the economy and social justice--began to crystallize and his audience base began to expand. He also traveled around the provinces in Anatolia and gave sermons in mosques, town meetings and coffee houses among other places. From İzmir on, he placed a special emphasis on promulgating his ideas to high school and college students and recruiting them for his movement.

By the end of the 1970s Gülen broke ranks with the mainstream Nurcu movement (or Nur movement, i.e., the group following Said Nursi), which was governed by a council of elders, and created his own institutions in which he was the sole leader. Stressing the fragmented nature of the Nurcu movement, Hakan Yavus offers the following analysis of Gülen and his place within it:

"In terms of nationalism, Gülen is more Turkish nationalist in his thinking. Also, he is somewhat more state-oriented, and is more concerned with market economics and neo-liberal economic policies."

Forbes finds significance in Gülen's residence in Izmir, a newly-liberated (from the Greeks) city lacking the Naqshbandi networks which inspired the Nurcu movement:

"Gulen put Nursi's ideas into practice when he was transferred to a mosque in Izmir in 1966. Izmir is a city where political Islam never took root. However, the business and professional middle class came to resent the constraints of a state bureaucracy under whose wings it had grown, and supported market-friendly policies, while preserving at least some elements of a conservative lifestyle. Such businessmen were largely pro-Western, because it was Western (mainly U.S.) influence, which had persuaded the government to allow free elections for the first time in 1950 and U.S. aid, which had primed the pump of economic growth."

His pro-business stance has led some outsiders to dub his theology an Islamic version of Protestantism, or more specifically, Calvinism.

Gülen retired from formal preaching duties in 1981. From 1988 to 1991 he gave a series of sermons in popular mosques of major cities, and during the 1990's cultivated ties with moderate-religious political parties such as Refah and the AK Party. These activities elevated him to a public figure. In 1994, he participated in the founding of "Journalists and Writers Foundation". and was given the title "Honorary Leader" by the foundation.

Though linked with the moderate-religious party Refah, in 1997 Gülen declined to protest the closure of that party.

In 1998 Gülen emigrated to the United States, ostensibly for health problems (he suffers from diabetes) but arguably in anticipation of being tried over remarks which seemed to favor an Islamic state. He was filmed as urging followers to "work patiently and to creep silently into the institutions in order to seize power in the state." Gülen complained that the remarks were taken out of context, and questions were raised about the authenticity of the tape, which he accused of having been "manipulated." Gülen was tried in absentia in 2000, and acquited in 2006. The Supreme Court of Appeals later rejected an appeal by the Chief Prosecutor's Office.

Theology

Gülen has authored over 60 books and many articles on a variety of topics: social, political and religious issues, art, science and sports, and recorded thousands of audio and video cassettes. He contributes to a number of journals and magazines owned by his followers. He writes the lead article for the Fountain, Yeni Ümit, Sızıntı, and Yağmur, Islamic and philosophical magazines in Turkey.

Interfaith dialogue, terrorism

Gülen's published works in the 1990's advocate interreligious tolerance and dialogue. He personally met with leaders of other religions, including Pope John Paul II, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeos, and Israeli Sephardic Head Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron. A number of non-Muslims even participate in the Gülen movement, which describes itself as "faith-based" but not "faith-limited."

In 2004 debate arose over comments by Gülen to the effect that terrorism was as despicable as atheism. In a follow-up interview he explained he did not intend to equate atheists and murderers; rather, he wanted to highlight the fact that according to Islam both were destined to suffer eternal punishment. On another occasion he said:

"One of the people in the world I hate the most is Osama Bin Laden, because he has spoiled the bright appearance of Islam. He has created a dirty image. Even if we try to fix that terrible damage with all our best, it would take years. We will tell about it everywhere in different platforms. We will write books about it. We will say, 'this is not Islam.' Bin Laden replaced Islamic logic with his feelings and desires. He is a monster, as are the men around him. If there is any one similar to them, they too are nothing more than monsters."

Feminism

Gülen's views toward women, which his own press describes as "progressive," have been criticized as reactionary. The coming of Islam, he claims, "saved" women, who "were absolutely not confined to their home and...never oppressed." Western-style feminism, however, is "doomed to imbalance like all other reactionary movements...being full of hatred towards men..."

Books

Pearls of Wisdom, Emerald Hills of the Heart, Prophet Muhammed as Commander, Questions and Answers, Essentials of the Islamic Faith, The Infinite Light vol 1–2, Towards the Lost Paradise, Truth Through Colors, Muhammad: The Messenger of God, Questions and Answers about Faith, Towarda Global Civilization of Love and Tolerance, Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism (3 vols), The Statues of Our Souls, etc. His Books

The Gülen movement

The Gülen movement recruits students through schools, study groups, and camps, and organizes them into a cohort-based brotherhood. Its schools and businesses are organized locally, and linked into a network on an informal rather than legal basis. Speaking of its Central Asian schools, Kevin Miller, Jr. writes that

"...the Kyrgyz-Turkish Lyceums and other Turkish Lyceums throughout Central Asia and the world are not connected with each other. They are each, in themselves, different entities funded by various Nurcu business groups across Turkey."

While schools, of necessity, follow locally-mandated curricula, their teachers are drawn from members of the Gülen network, who often encourage students in the direction of greater piety. "Teachers are religious people who don't smoke or drink and act as an example to their students," explains one teacher from Istanbul. The Economist observes that in Pakistan that "they encourage Islam in their dormitories, where teachers set examples in lifestyle and prayer."

According to researchers Bulent Aras and Omer Caha,

"No one knows the actual size of Gulen's large group of sympathizers (known as Fethullahcilar or 'the followers of Fethullah,' a name Gulen strongly opposes) but guesses range from between 200,000 supporters and 4 million people influenced by his ideas. It draws much of its support from young urban men, with a special appeal to doctors, academics, and other professionals. It has grown in part by establishing student dormitories, summer camps, high schools, universities, educational and cultural centers, and publications. Although Gulen is its sole leader, a number of his long-time devotees run the community.
" Gulen is the sole leader of the movement and the hierarchical order extends from the top to the bottom through an increasing number of abiler (elder brothers). The ranking is very strict and each rank's abi (elder brother) obtains only a certain amount of knowledge of the activities occurring or under discussion while agreeing to refrain from asking questions or seeking more knowledge about the higher ranks."

Hakan Yavuz attempts to describe the organization structure:

"The Gülen movement consists of a number of networks, organized horizontally. These networks are not necessarily organized in hierarchical terms. But we see three circles. The first is the core circle around Gülen. The second circle consists of those who give their time and labour in order to achieve the collective goals of the movement. The third circle consists of those who are sympathizers: sometimes they support the movement by writing an article in the media, or they give money, or they support the movement in other ways.
"So you have a number of circles, but each circle includes a number of networks. When we examine these networks, there is a sense of solidarity and of the Islamic ethos of brotherhood. This is the glue that joins these networks together."

Soner Cagaptay adds:

"Thanks to missionary and volunteer work, the Gülen tarikat obtained social and political power globally over the decades. It has business lobbying groups and think tanks in Washington and Brussels, owns universities, banks, TV networks and newspapers around the world, and operates schools in which more than 2 million students receive education, many with full scholarships."

Institutions with ties to the Gülen movement include Fatih University, the Turkish newspaper Zaman, the TV station Samanyolu, the bank Asya Finans, the Turkish Teachers' Foundation, and about 300 schools in Turkey . While avowedly apolitical, the Gülen movement has enjoyed warm ties with the moderate-religious AK Party, and through them has acquired strong influence over the education ministry and the police. Overseas, the Gülen movement supports several hundred schools ("Turkish Lyceums") in more than 90 countries, especially Pakistan and the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. These follow secular curricula, and have been accused of following admissions policies which favor the wealthy and well-connected. Aras and Caha again note that

"Followers of Gulen have also founded more than 200 schools around the world from Tanzania to China, but mostly in the Turkic republics. The schools in the Turkic republics support a philosophy based on Turkish nationalism rather than on Islam. In Gulen's view, Turkey's virtues include its Ottoman heritage, secularism, market economy, and democracy. These schools also admit non-Muslim students, and because of their high quality, and perhaps use of English as the primary language of instruction, they attract children of the elites and government officials in various countries.

Controversy

The Gülen movement has inspired controversy in Turkey,

References

  1. Fethullah Gülen: A life dedicated to peace and humanity - True Muslims Cannot Be Terrorists
  2. Toward a Global Civilization of Love and Tolerance
  3. http://www.biu.ac.il/SOC/besa/meria/journal/2000/issue4/jv4n4a4.html
  4. http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10808433
  5. ,,BBC News: Army chief demands Islamist purge
  6. http://www.newsweek.com/id/197896
  7. An interview with Fethullah Gülen's primary school teacher
  8. http://tr.fgulen.com/a.page/hayati/hayat.kronolojisi/a4443.html
  9. http://religion.info/english/interviews/article_74.shtml
  10. http://www.forbes.com/2008/01/18/turkey-islam-gulen-cx_0121oxford.html
  11. http://en.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-478/_nr-907/i.html
  12. http://www.gyv.org.tr/changelang.asp?lang=2&page2go=http://www.gyv.org.tr/
  13. The Journalists and Writers Foundation Official Web Site
  14. http://www.biu.ac.il/SOC/besa/meria/journal/2000/issue4/jv4n4a4.html
  15. BBC News | Europe | Turkish investigation into Islamic sect expanded
  16. http://en.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-478/_nr-907/i.html
  17. Gülen's answers to claims made based on the video tapes taken from some of his recorded speeches
  18. WorldWide Religious News-Gulen acquitted of trying to overthrow secular government
  19. .
  20. http://tr.fgulen.com/content/section/30/3/
  21. Toward a Global Civilization of Love and Tolerance
  22. Advocate of Dialogue: Fethullah Gülen
  23. Fethullah Gülen and Atheist-Terrorist Comparison
  25. Fethullah Gülen: A life dedicated to peace and humanity - Muslims Should Say, "In True Islam, Terror does not Exist."
  26. http://en.fgulen.com/conference-papers/gulen-conference-in-washington-dc/3091-the-gulen-movement-gender-and-practice.html
  27. http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10808433
  28. http://en.fgulen.com/recent-articles/2897-women-confined-and-mistreated.html
  29. http://www.amerasianworld.com/islam_in_kazakhstan.php
  30. http://uk.reuters.com/article/featuresNews/idUKL0939033920080514?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
  31. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/world/asia/04islam.html?ei=5124&en=625b88103a702f94&ex=1367640000&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink&pagewanted=all
  32. http://www.biu.ac.il/SOC/besa/meria/journal/2000/issue4/jv4n4a4.html
  33. http://religion.info/english/interviews/article_74.shtml
  34. http://www.newsweek.com/id/197896
  35. http://uk.reuters.com/article/featuresNews/idUKL0939033920080514?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0
  36. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/world/asia/04islam.html?ei=5124&en=625b88103a702f94&ex=1367640000&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink&pagewanted=all
  37. http://www.amerasianworld.com/islam_in_kazakhstan.php
  38. http://www.biu.ac.il/SOC/besa/meria/journal/2000/issue4/jv4n4a4.html

External links

The Gülen movement

Other sources

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