Interview by Michele Brignone Born in Turkey and for some time resident in the United States of America, Fethullah Gülen is seen by the American pres as one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the planet. A philosopher, theologian and preacher, he is one of the founders of a movement which is widespread in [...]
Dr. Saribay: Fethullah Gulen clearly shows that Islam can have different interpretations. In the coming days, there is going to be a settling of accounts between populist and radical Islam. I believe that the first group’s victory will enable democracy to develop more evenly. Cerrahoglu: Is the Refah Party (RP) using politics as a tool? [...]
Below is an interview by Nuriye Akman with sociologist Elisabeth Ozdalga about Fethullah Gulen and religion/secularism issues in Turkey. Akman interviewed Ozdalga in June 2003. Akman: Why are you more interested in sociology of religion? Ozdalga*: During the first half of the 1970s, there were important developments for the left in Turkey, and people had [...]
Under normal conditions, for a movement of these proportions it would be impossible to stay independent, outside the politics, or free from other influences. How do you explain the fact that this movement has not gone down this road? Our biggest capital in the sight of God is the consciousness of our weakness, our poverty, our [...]
Legally there is nothing preventing you from returning to Turkey. Why do you prefer to stay here? I am seized with anxiety. Regardless of when, or if, I return to Turkey, those who have created controversy, made allegations, signed the execution of my death sentence [so to speak], will do so again the very same day [...]
If you were to write a letter or send a message to the Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, what would you tell him? Instead of what I would say, let me use a saying of our Prophet: “If God has blessed a state president, a sovereign, a ruler with mercy, He provides him with qualified viziers [...]
In Turkey, this movement is perceived in two ways: a blessing to be proud of and something that is dangerous in every aspect. Those who believe the second view say that “everything is alright, modern, and appears to be within the confines of democracy, but in the final analysis it reveals an Islamic Republic.” The [...]
Have you written a will? As for the movement; neither now, nor in the future should our friends have any ambition for government, they should not be engaged in politics, even if all the power and pomp of the world is laid at their feet; my friends who love me and heed my advice should [...]
From Hizmet News