The Hizmet (Gulen) Movement

An attempt at the description

A transnational, faith based, civil society movement.

Muhammad Fethullah Gulen (1941-)

Scholar, preacher, activist.

Historical Overview

Late 60s, educational initiatives within Turkey

Late 80s, the dissolution of the communist blockexpansion to the Central Asia.

Last two decades a truly transnational phenomenon.

Ideals and Values

Problems: Poverty, ignorance, rivalry Cures: Education and dialogue In search of a synthesis Serving creation

is serving God

The Dimensions of the Hizmet Movement Education Interfaith-Intercultural Dialogue Media Business Associations Humanitarian Aid Healthcare

Education (Schools)

Non-denominational Non-religious Academic success “Peace Islands”

Interfaith-Intrafaith Dialogue Activities

Conferences Trips Dinners Platforms Institutes Magazines

Organizational Structure

Highly de-centralized Loosely organized No membership

Berrin

Fundraising

Solely relying on donations. Local fundraisings Principle of giving

Outreach and Social Network

Discussion Groups Magazines, Books, Newspapers Audio/Video Recordings TVs, Radios

Terrorism-9/11

Gulen: “Taking an innocent life, for any purpose whatsoever, is incompatible with Islam.”

Politics

No partisanship.Gulen: “There is no return from

democracy which is, although not perfect, the best form of governance we have.”

Sufism Not a Sufi order Spiritual depth in practicing religion F. Gulen, Emerald Hills of the Heart

Some Recent Studies

Helen R. Ebaugh, A Sociological Analysis of the Gulen Movement

J. Esposito, I. Yilmaz, Islam and Peacebuilding