Politurco

03/11/2024

In New Jersey, a heartfelt event took place to honor M. Fethullah Gülen, a visionary leader known for his dedication to peace, education, and interfaith dialogue. With over 200 attendees from diverse backgrounds, the gathering served as a powerful tribute to Gülen’s lasting impact on communities worldwide.

New Jersey State Assemblywoman Shama Haidar and Senator Gordon M. Johnson were among the notable speakers. They reflected on Gülen’s significant influence and his unwavering commitment to fostering unity and understanding among people of different faiths. Their speeches emphasized Gülen’s dedication to bridging divides and encouraging a harmonious society.

In Atlanta, the Atlantic Institute, an organization committed to interfaith dialogue, hosted a similar program in memory of Gülen, drawing representatives from various communities. Dr. Scott Alexander, who has known Gülen for many years, opened the program by highlighting his steadfast commitment to promoting understanding and unity among different faiths.

Reverend Raphael Warnock, an American Baptist pastor and Georgia State Senator, offered his reflections on Gülen, saying, “Fethullah Gülen has been cherished by many for his faithfulness, dedication to civic engagement, and passion for education, leaving a global impact that will resonate for generations. His story is an example of how we all have the power to bring hope to the world, lighting even its darkest corners across religious and cultural boundaries.”

Gareth Young inspired the audience by discussing Gülen’s contributions to peace and dialogue, while Bill Bolling, a prominent founder of numerous institutions, encouraged the younger generation to take on more responsibilities: “As generational change continues, a natural process, I am confident that young and sincere individuals will increasingly step up.” His words carried a hopeful message for the future.

Attorney Wendi See, a respected figure in the Evangelical Christian community, shared how knowing Gülen became a transformative point in her own life.



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03/11/2024

YUKSEL DURGUT

In the heart of New York, at the CBS studios, it seemed like just another routine book promotion interview. No one imagined that on that day, one of the Middle East’s deepest wounds would be reopened.

When Ta-Nehisi Coates stepped into the studio to promote his new book, The Message, there was a look of determination in his eyes. The scene reminded people of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous interview on NBC in 1967, where he publicly opposed the Vietnam War. That day, King said, “Conscience is the most powerful weapon against injustice.” His words divided America and triggered a wave of backlash against him.

Ta-Nehisi Coates was born in 1975 in Baltimore. His father was a Vietnam War veteran. He gained recognition for his articles in The Atlantic, particularly his analyses on white supremacy. In 2015, he won the National Book Award for his book Between the World and Me.

When host Tony Dokoupil asked Coates his first question, the atmosphere in the studio suddenly changed: “Do you not believe in Israel’s right to exist?”

This question didn’t just probe a book promotion but challenged the essence of a decades-long conflict.

Coates’ response came with unexpected calm: “I am against the concept of any state based on ethnicity.”

These words had the effect of a bomb in the studio. For many, it brought to mind Nelson Mandela’s defense speech in court in 1964, where he said, “I am prepared to live for and, if need be, to die for a non-racist democratic society.” Mandela’s words sent him behind bars for 27 years but also made him a global symbol of freedom.

As the interview progressed, Coates spoke about what he had seen in the West Bank. His account reminded listeners of Edward Said’s words in his 1978 book Orientalism: “Palestinians are a people made invisible in their own land.



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31/10/2024

M.NEDIM HAZAR

Bright, singular, and unapproachable, they are distanced from those they try to illuminate. The fate of Fethullah Gülen, whom we mourn today, was no different. Though once respected for many years, he was later exiled from the land he tried to uplift, forced to leave this life as an “outsider,” a distant soul like so many others before him.

In the tumultuous course of human history, only rarely does a figure emerge with a vision so grand that it transcends the narrow confines of their own era, even casting aside the intellectual, cultural, and social frame of the land they were born in. Such figures—prophets, scholars, sages, philosophers, commanders, and visionaries—try to illuminate paths that far exceed the imagination of their contemporaries. Tragically, however, many become lonely stars in the heavens, exiled to distant orbits, away from the people they strive to enlighten.

One can’t help but wonder what compels society to turn its back on those who labor for its universal wealth. Nearly all prophets, as well as an innumerable list of religious scholars (including the four imams of Islamic jurisprudence: Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Abu Hanifa, Malik ibn Anas, and Al-Shafi‘i; from Rumi to Said Nursi, and from Shams to Khalid al-Baghdadi) and, in addition, Western thinkers and philosophers like Plato, Galileo, Hypatia, and Nietzsche, have been misunderstood, demonized, and entrapped by political schemes. Their vision and grasp of reality, far surpassing those around them, became uncomfortable, even dangerous, to a society more content with its settled certainties than with the unsettling truths they revealed. So, what is scholarship and wisdom, if not the art of seeing what is discomforting?



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31/10/2024

The principle that justice must be blind to family affiliations has been a cornerstone of fair societies, safeguarding individuals from persecution based on mere association. Yet, this principle was shockingly dismissed by Rusen Çakır, -a Turkish journalist affiliated with clandestine organizations in Turkey and the founder of the Medyascope YouTube channel, in a recent inflammatory post on X (formerly Twitter). In his post, Çakır sought to associate Zeliha Akpinar—a young, respected doctor in the UK—with the legal and political challenges faced by her father, Dr. Mahmut Akpinar, a distinguished academic known for his dedication to free thought and democratic values. This is not just an attack on Zeliha, but part of a broader, authoritarian-led witch hunt targeting families connected to the Gülen Movement, a civil society movement rooted in values of education, tolerance, and peaceful engagement worldwide.

Background on the Gülen Movement and Dr. Mahmut Akpinar

The Gulen Movement, inspired by the teachings of Fethullah Gülen, has garnered international respect for its commitment to education, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian work. Unfortunately, within Turkey, this movement has been the target of repressive policies under President Erdogan’s administration, which has often criminalized association with the movement to stifle dissent. Dr. Mahmut Akpinar, an accomplished academic and vocal advocate for democracy, has become one of many intellectuals targeted simply for his independent views and association with ideals promoted by the Gülen Movement.



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31/10/2024

Rusen Çakır’s Role in Perpetuating Injustice: Targeting Families for Personal Gain

The principle that justice must be blind to family affiliations has been a cornerstone of fair societies, safeguarding individuals from persecution based on mere association. Yet, this principle was shockingly dismissed by Rusen Çakır, -a Turkish journalist affiliated with clandestine organizations in Turkey and the founder of the Medyascope YouTube channel, in a recent inflammatory post on X (formerly Twitter). In his post, Çakır sought to associate Zeliha Akpinar—a young, respected doctor in the UK—with the legal and political challenges faced by her father, Dr. Mahmut Akpinar, a distinguished academic known for his dedication to free thought and democratic values. This is not just an attack on Zeliha, but part of a broader, authoritarian-led witch hunt targeting families connected to the Gülen Movement, a civil society movement rooted in values of education, tolerance, and peaceful engagement worldwide.

https://politurco.com/rusen-cakirs-role-in-perpetuating-injustice-targeting-families-for-personal-gain.html

31/10/2024

A Voice Against Silence: Ta-Nehisi Coates and the Power of Conscience

In the heart of New York, at the CBS studios, it seemed like just another routine book promotion interview. No one imagined that on that day, one of the Middle East’s deepest wounds would be reopened.

When Ta-Nehisi Coates stepped into the studio to promote his new book, The Message, there was a look of determination in his eyes. The scene reminded people of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous interview on NBC in 1967, where he publicly opposed the Vietnam War. That day, King said, “Conscience is the most powerful weapon against injustice.” His words divided America and triggered a wave of backlash against him.

Ta-Nehisi Coates was born in 1975 in Baltimore. His father was a Vietnam War veteran. He gained recognition for his articles in The Atlantic, particularly his analyses on white supremacy. In 2015, he won the National Book Award for his book Between the World and Me.
https://politurco.com/a-voice-against-silence-ta-nehisi-coates-and-the-power-of-conscience.html

31/10/2024

A Star All Alone!

M. NEDIM HAZAR | COMMENTARY
Writing is as strange as it is the outcome of a certain mathematics. Those of us who have spent a great part of our lives with pen and paper often think that writing has become a habit, yet we rarely notice how, over the years, a certain logic and structure have emerged.

One of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance, Michelangelo (full name: Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni), who contributed masterpieces in sculpture, painting, architecture, and poetry, was known for his genius. When art enthusiasts would ask him how he created his sculptures, he would say, “The sculpture is already inside the stone; my job is merely to remove the excess.”

Writing is somewhat like this. Meaning exists within the boundless ocean of words, and the writer’s role is merely to push the words onto the page!

https://politurco.com/a-star-all-alone.html

29/10/2024

YUKSEL DURGUT

The Middle East’s two powerful players, Iran and Israel, have experienced a turbulent relationship throughout history. Once strategic partners, these two countries are now engaged in a fierce struggle for regional dominance.

Israel made its expected move at dawn on Saturday morning. After a prolonged period of preparation, Tel Aviv initiated air and missile strikes on Iran. However, contrary to expectations, these strikes were relatively limited. Israel announced the completion of its operations and explicitly warned Iran against retaliation.

Iranian officials have openly declared that they will retaliate and have previously warned that U.S. allies in the region could also be targeted.

So, what will happen next? This question is on the minds of millions across the region.

The friendship era, which began in the 1950s, coincided with the reign of the Shah in Iran. During this period, Israel played an active role in Iran’s armament program. The joint project codenamed “Flower” was the most concrete example of their defense cooperation.

The 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution changed this relationship from the ground up. The new Iranian regime refused to recognize Israel, severing all diplomatic and trade ties between the two countries.

Since the 1990s, tensions between the two countries have gradually escalated. While Israel views Iran’s nuclear program as a threat to its national security, Iran strongly criticizes Israel’s policies on Palestine.



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29/10/2024

M.NEDIM HAZAR

Silence is always mesmerizing. And to be silent is a feat of giants.

The poet realizes this during his conversation with the sea:

“I went, I went, to the boundary of the sea. ‘Let your state pass on to me!’ I begged it.

In a maddening whisper, Even as my insides were torn, Had I such a frame, I would be silent like it…”

There is, essentially, a sense of envy: Had I such a frame, I would be silent like it… The Sultan of Poets wrote these lines at only 24 years old.

Another poet…

French… Alfred de Vigny… the 19th century; one of the greats of the Romantic era. From a noble family with a military background. Slightly pessimistic, yet his works possess profound philosophical depth. His poetry frequently extols solitude. Vigny lingers on the edge of an incredible depth relating to the outcast and the other.

His work, La Mort du Loup (The Death of the Wolf), a pinnacle of lyricism, is magnificent.

The poem, which consists of three parts, narrates an intriguing event. As you might guess, it also has a story. It is a tribute to the noble silence of a wolf cornered during a hunt.

The first part describes the chase. The second part paints the moment of the hunt.

In the third part, he exalts the wolf’s dignified silence. He says: “Only silence is great; all else is weakness.”

In a translation I once read, it said: “Silence is sublime; all else is weakness!”

Seneca also speaks of small pains being talkative and great pains being silent.

Returning to the theme of silence crystallized in Alfred de Vigny’s The Death of the Wolf, it stands as one of the deepest philosophical inheritances in human history. Vigny’s wolf is a noble creature that, even while suffering, dies without uttering a single moan—embodying stoic philosophy. However, this silence is not a sign of weakness; on the contrary, it is a display of spiritual strength.



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28/10/2024

Reflections of a Great Civilization and Culture in Hizmet Movement

For over half a century, Gulen and the Hizmet Movement have aimed to create islands of peace for the benefit of all humanity, embodying a mosaic of culture and civilization. Gulen, with his teachings of charity, education, and dialogue, has touched millions around the world, gaining the attention of many nations at the United Nations and beyond. Russia, too, has shown interest, despite occasional fluctuations.
In recent years, the perception of Hizmet in Russia has shifted, especially after attempts by Erdogan and the AKP government to tarnish the movement’s image with lies and accusations. Following significant events such as the corruption scandals of December 17/25, 2013, the downing of a Russian plane, the assassination of Ambassador Karlov, and the staged coup attempt of July 15, 2016, Russia reevaluated its stance on Hizmet, refusing to believe the slander. Russia observed the responses of Gulen and other prominent Hizmet figures, as well as the movement’s initiatives, and formed a clearer understanding.

https://politurco.com/reflections-of-a-great-civilization-and-culture-in-hizmet-movement.html

28/10/2024

Gulen is no more, but…(1)

Photo credit/Selahattin Sevi

It was a Sunday, late afternoon, October 20, 2024. I got a WhatsApp notification on my mobile screen. I tapped on the icon and entered my password to view. “Fethullah Gulen passed today,” read a message from a Turkish friend. My head went wandering in the clouds. The point at issue was not that he was dead. Far from it. He was a sick man for a long time. As a Muslim cleric, he knew this. He was mortal. He had to ‘taste’ death. But he was lucky. He even had already crossed the age mentioned in the holy books (70 years). He was 83. What a blessing!

What troubled my mind was that, after Gülen’s death, there are those who would celebrate. Who could these be and why? There are those who would be simply mourning. This is natural. There are those who, despite the mourning, would celebrate his life—the lucky ones. Lastly, what does his death mean for the country of his birth, Turkey, its people, and the rest of the world? Was this the beginning of an end to the Hizmet (Service) Movement?

https://politurco.com/gulen-is-no-more-but1.html

28/10/2024

Fethullah Gulen Hodjaefendi as a Pioneer in Education

Fethullah Gulen Hodjaefendi was born in a village in eastern Turkey, where he completed only three years of formal schooling at the local primary school, marking his only experience with institutional education. Later, he pursued knowledge within the circles of Respectful Alvarlı Efe and the madrassas of Erzurum, shaping his own education there.

Despite this brief period of “modern education,” he was deeply curious, always open to learning. During his years in Erzurum, he read novels; later, during his military service in Mamak and subsequently in Iskenderun, he expanded his reading list to include both Eastern and Western classics. He reportedly read Voltaire, Rousseau’s The Social Contract, Letters Written from the Mountain, and Emile, Rousseau’s work on education.

One particularly intriguing work he read was The Problem of Man in Kant and Scheler by Takiyettin Mengüşoğlu. This book, which left a significant mark on Turkish thought, examines the concept of humanity through the lenses of Kant and Scheler. Scheler, who introduced the first tenets of philosophical anthropology, addressed humanity as an independent sphere within the cosmos, bringing original perspectives that profoundly influenced the century. Kant had entered this field earlier, albeit indirectly, with his notable analyses.

https://politurco.com/fethullah-gulen-hodjaefendi-as-a-pioneer-in-education.html

24/10/2024

Fethullah Gulen Dies at 83: Speaker Mike Johnson Offers Condolences to Enes Kanter Freedom

On October 20, 2024, Fethullah Gülen, the Turkish Islamic scholar and spiritual leader, passed away at the age of 83. Gülen, known for his teachings on education, peace, and dialogue, had been living in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, USA, since 1999. His passing marks the end of an era for the global Hizmet (Service) movement, which he inspired through his emphasis on service to humanity, interfaith dialogue, and the promotion of educational institutions worldwide.

Gülen’s influence extended globally, with schools and cultural centers affiliated with the movement operating in numerous countries. His movement, however, became a target of the Turkish government, particularly after the failed coup attempt in 2016, which the Turkish authorities blamed on Gülen and his followers, despite his repeated denials. In the years that followed, many associated with the movement faced persecution, with thousands imprisoned or forced into exile.

https://politurco.com/fethullah-gulen-dies-at-83-speaker-mike-johnson-offers-condolences-to-enes-kanter-freedom.html

24/10/2024

Turkey: Editor Arrested Following Condolence Message for Fethullah Gülen

Kazım Güleçyüz, Editor-in-Chief of Yeni Asya newspaper, was arrested after being handcuffed and detained for publishing a condolence message following the death of Fethullah Gülen Hocaefendi. After the post was shared, his social media account was blocked.

This morning, Kazım Güleçyüz and three others were detained in operations at their homes, accused of “propagating a terrorist organization.” After completing procedures at the police station, Güleçyüz was brought before a Criminal Court of Peace and was subsequently arrested and sent to prison.

https://politurco.com/turkey-editor-arrested-following-condolence-message-for-fethullah-gulen.html

24/10/2024

On the Path to Eternity. Live stream.

https://youtube.com/live/hyt_vBszQ8Q?feature=share

24/10/2024

On the path to eternity. Live stream:

22/10/2024

Legacy of Fethullah Gulen
https://youtu.be/nWOuEyXm3Cc?si=GmB4AC2TPanSlQCT

22/10/2024

In Memory of Fethullah Gülen: A Global Figure of Peace and Dialogue Passes Away

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Fethullah Gülen, a globally recognized advocate for interfaith dialogue, peace, and education. Mr. Gülen, who dedicated his life to promoting tolerance and understanding across cultures and religions, passed away peacefully at 86 in PA, U.S.

Born in 1938 in Erzurum, Turkey, Fethullah Gülen emerged as one of the most influential Muslim scholars of our time. His teachings inspired millions to pursue a life of service, compassion, and mutual respect. Known for founding the Hizmet (or Gulen) Movement, he was a firm believer in the power of education, community service, and interfaith communication as essential tools for achieving a peaceful world.

https://politurco.com/in-memory-of-fethullah-gulen-a-global-figure-of-peace-and-dialogue-passes-away.html

21/10/2024

In Memory of Fethullah Gülen: A Global Figure of Peace and Dialogue Passes Away

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Fethullah Gülen, a globally recognized advocate for interfaith dialogue, peace, and education. Mr. Gülen, who dedicated his life to promoting tolerance and understanding across cultures and religions, passed away peacefully at 86 in PA, U.S.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Fethullah Gülen, a globally recognized advocate for interfaith dialogue, peace, and education.

20/10/2024

Concerns Grow as Four Missing Turkish Nationals in Kenya May Face Deportation to Turkey

Reports have surfaced that four Turkish nationals abducted in Nairobi last week may be forcibly deported to Turkey. A team from Turkey reportedly arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on October 20th via Turkish Airlines and was greeted by officials from the Turkish Embassy. According to an anonymous airport contact, there is a possibility that the four missing individuals could be deported on the scheduled Turkish Airlines flight departing at 4:15 AM local time.

https://politurco.com/concerns-grow-as-four-missing-turkish-nationals-in-kenya-may-face-deportation-to-turkey.html

20/10/2024

Texas Farmer vs. New York Professor: Whose Vote Counts More?

The U.S. presidential election, closely followed by billions of people worldwide as if they were casting their own votes, is now in its final stretch. The momentum of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has faded, while Donald Trump is running neck-and-neck, particularly in key battleground states like Pennsylvania. The picture emerging from these critical states seems to favor Trump.

In short, the election is on a knife’s edge, and it could even end up in a contested outcome.

As a result, the U.S. elections are top news everywhere. However, the U.S. election system is unique and requires explanation—whether it’s the process of selecting candidates, the fact that elections are held on a Tuesday, or that winning the most votes doesn’t necessarily make you president. Without understanding these nuances, watching U.S. election coverage is like watching a movie in a foreign language.

https://politurco.com/texas-farmer-vs-new-york-professor-whose-vote-counts-more.html

20/10/2024

Turkish Citizen Kidnapped in Kenya, Wife Pleads for Help on Social Media

Nairobi, Kenya – October 18, 2024

In a harrowing plea on social media, Saadet Tasci, the wife of a Turkish citizen abducted in Kenya, has called on Kenyan authorities and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to take swift action for the safe return of her husband and other kidnapped Turkish nationals.

“I fear for my husband’s life! I call on Kenyan authorities and the to take immediate action for the safe return of my husband and the other abducted Turkish citizens,” Tasci posted on X (formerly Twitter), igniting public concern and calls for intervention.

The abduction reportedly took place in Kenya under unclear circumstances, and the victims are believed to be Turkish nationals linked to the Hizmet movement. Their disappearance has raised concerns about potential political motives behind the abductions, especially considering ongoing tensions between Turkey and members of the movement abroad.

https://politurco.com/turkish-citizen-kidnapped-in-kenya-wife-pleads-for-help-on-social-media.html

20/10/2024

UK Citizen Kidnapped Near Nairobi, Calls for Help to Find Missing Friends

Necdet Seyitoglu, a UK citizen, took to social media to issue an urgent plea for help following a kidnapping incident near Nairobi. Seyitoglu and his friend were abducted by four armed men, but after being held for eight hours, Seyitoglu was released. His friend and four other individuals remain missing.

“On Oct 18th, my friend and I were kidnapped by 4 armed men near Nairobi. After 8 hours, I was released, but my friend and 4 others are still missing. Please help us find them. We need your support!” Seyitoglu posted on X (formerly Twitter), tagging organizations such as the UN Human Rights Council (), the European Court of Human Rights (), and the Kenyan authorities (, ).

https://politurco.com/uk-citizen-kidnapped-near-nairobi-calls-for-help-to-find-missing-friends.html