Special series of posts commemorating the 1st anniversary of Fethullah Gulen’s death
We kindly invite you to watch this special video we prepared in Slovene language, honoring the 1 year anniversary of death of the leader of Hizmet movemet, Fethullah Gulen. He passed away on October 20th 2024.
In this week, we are sharing more posts from different authors, who wrote about Hizmet and Fethullah Gulen after his passing. Stay tuned and follow our other social media channels as well. Other posts are available HERE.
Series of articles in honor of F. Gulen: The Nature of Fethullah Gulen’s legacy
By Arhan Kardaş – November 15, 2024 | Translated from German
Muhammed Fethullah Gülen leaves behind a legacy that transcends his person: a unique synthesis of education, dialogue, and social responsibility that sets new standards in the history of Islam.
Fethullah Gülen—a prominent Islamic scholar, public intellectual, educator, and spiritual guide; a dedicated advocate of interfaith and intercultural dialogue—passed away on October 20 at the age of 86. Every human dies, but not every human truly lives.
His multifaceted life will no doubt continue to be studied by future generations. In this humble contribution, I will attempt to objectively reflect on his legacy, despite being personally shaken by his passing.
A Modest Material Legacy
A few days ago, Gülen’s close companions and relatives published details of his material estate on the website herkul.org. Upon his death, a legal document was found transferring the rights to his written works to the “Cascade Trust.” The estate also included 20,020 USD in gold coins from book royalties and 12,640 USD designated as gifts for newborns and newlyweds.
In his pocket were 2,000 USD he had set aside for burial expenses. A modest sum—less than the savings of a guest worker—especially when compared to the private wealth of authoritarian rulers. For some, this would not even cover a day’s worth of expenses.
A Life of Celibacy and Detachment
Gülen lived a celibate life—like John the Baptist or Imam Nawawi. He had no wife or children. His closest relatives live humble lives and suffer the consequences of bearing his surname: some were abducted, dispossessed, or exiled solely for being related to him.
Given these facts, it is unconvincing to claim that Gülen lived his 86 years in pursuit of material gain or power. So what did he live for, and what is the true nature of his legacy? In his final interview, published in 2024, Gülen himself answered this question.
“What I Believe In, and What I Live For”
“My wish, my hope for humanity is this: world peace. I ask this from God. He is the one who will create that peace.”
In that interview, Gülen addressed many questions related to the movement that formed around him. He named world peace as the ultimate goal, with education as the primary tool for achieving it. Fighting poverty and polarization, overcoming hatred and envy, and cultivating virtue were essential elements of his vision. But for any of this to happen, he said, one must first win over those who can influence others.
Peace, Love, and Responsible Participation
Love for God and humanity, the pursuit of peace, and active, responsible participation in society were among Gülen’s core messages.
His intellectual and spiritual legacy includes an immense archive of audiovisual and written materials—perhaps unmatched. Almost all of his sermons and talks were recorded. If transcribed, they would fill over 200 volumes. His authored works alone span dozens of books.
This intellectual wealth will continue to inspire not only his own movement but also others focused on education and dialogue. From a sociological perspective, movements grounded in written legacies often last for centuries, if not millennia.
Heirs of His Work
Gülen mentored hundreds of students who now view themselves as custodians of his legacy. Thousands more were inspired by him, collaborated with him, or contributed to the shared goals of the movement. They are the heirs of his mission.
Much like the disciples of Mawlana Khalid al-Baghdadi (d. 1837) or Bediüzzaman Said Nursi (d. 1960), Gülen’s companions will shape the future of the movement and inspire younger generations through their words and actions.
A Unique Movement in Islamic History
The extraordinary spread of Islam in the 7th century through military expansion was a rare historical event. But the long-term success of early Muslims came not from conquest, but from winning hearts through the message of the Qur’an. No nation ever became animist because of Mongol invasions in the 13th century; brute force cannot change hearts.
In contrast, Hizmet’s accomplishments cannot be classified in terms of conquest or political power. Its focus has always been education, dialogue, humanitarian aid, and human rights.
Even compared to earlier educational movements—like the Nizamiyya institutions of the 12th and 13th centuries—the Hizmet model is unique. It reaches out to all people, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or language.
The movement promotes a civil Islam—rejecting violence and the political instrumentalization of religion. In both classical and modern Islamic history, there is no comparable example. In this regard, Hizmet is a one-of-a-kind phenomenon.
Misinterpretations in the West
Unfortunately, in Germany and elsewhere, Gülen’s name is often tied to Turkish domestic politics. This is somewhat understandable: the movement originated in Turkey and was later exiled from it.
Yet, Gülen’s major works and the foundations of the movement were already established a decade before the AKP came to power. He was a consistent supporter of democracy—without hesitation or conditions. His book “No Return from Democracy” summarizes his stance.
Gülen repeatedly condemned all military coups, including the ones in 1971, 1980, and 1998. In fact, he and his movement have always been victims of such coups. The failed attempt in 2016 only intensified their persecution.
Beyond Turkish Politics
It is a mistake to view Gülen solely through the lens of Turkish politics. Similarly, it is not accurate to define the Hizmet volunteers—who have faced exile and repression—as if the failed coup attempt were the essence of the movement’s story.
Gülen aimed to base his efforts in education and dialogue on the shared, universal values of humanity—not on partisan interests. That is why it is essential to see his legacy in a broader, global context.
I am confident that his intellectual legacy will continue to inspire not only Hizmet, but also many other education- and dialogue-centered initiatives around the world. Whether Turkey will one day re-embrace this vision remains uncertain.
About the Author Dr. Arhan Kardaş studied law, philosophy, and history in Ankara, Gazi, and Bilkent, as well as law in Vienna. He earned his doctorate in 2019 under Prof. Dr. Mathias Rohe with a dissertation on “Gender Equality in Islamic Law?” He currently teaches Jewish Studies and Religious Studies at the University of Potsdam, serves as editor-in-chief of Fontäneand Fontäne Jugend journals, and is the president of the Islamic Academy for Education and Society.
We are sharing several posts in the series of articles commemorating the anniversary of F. Gulen’s departure from this world in November 20th 2024. Follow our page for more interviews, articles and videos speaking about the passed away leader of the Hizmet movement. You are welcome to browse through other related articles HERE.
Series of articles in honor of F. Gulen: Hostility Born of Ignorance: Gülen and the Baseless Accusations
By Nurullah Albayrak – 22 October 2024
One of the clearest proofs of the saying “People are enemies of what they do not know” is undoubtedly the life of Fethullah Gülen and what he has endured. Just as during the February 28 process he was tried with the threat of the death penalty, today too, through negative propaganda, efforts are being made to portray him as an enemy in the eyes of the public.
Those who do not know Gülen closely, who do not understand his ideas, what he is trying to do, or what his purpose and expectations are, have fallen victim to ignorance and the machinery of propaganda. Those who do know him and value his ideas have understood that his goal was to raise good believers and good human beings. Those who saw his sincerity, lack of personal ambition, and desire to serve humanity believed in this noble purpose and followed him.
The Hizmet (Service) Movement, shaped around his belief that “A better world—more peaceful and prosperous—is possible,” has never acted to commit crimes or seize constitutional institutions but has always sought to benefit humanity and continues to do so today.
As a preacher, writer, and founder of the Hizmet Movement, Fethullah Gülen has been in the public eye since the age of 16. Throughout his life, he never encouraged anyone toward extremism, abnormal behavior, violence, suicide, crime, or any form of abuse. Nor did he display attitudes of arbitrariness or irresponsibility in his thoughts, writings, or actions.
For over 50 years, he led the Hizmet Movement intellectually, promoting activities in education and humanitarian aid. To this day, he has not committed a single crime. However, under the pretext of his activities within the framework of freedom of expression, belief, and association, both he and his followers have been suppressed, unlawfully profiled, and deprived of their freedoms by forces misusing the power of the state.
Persecution in Every Era
The periods of March 12, September 12, February 28, and July 15 have been the harshest times of this repression. Without any concrete evidence of a crime, teachers, businesspeople, academics, journalists, and homemakers have been subjected to a witch hunt simply for showing sympathy toward Gülen.
His books and public talks have been used as so-called evidence against him. Selected quotes from these sources have been manipulated to suggest fabricated intentions. This collage-style quoting method, based on bias and misinterpretation, presented fiction instead of fact. It must be admitted that with such a method, it would be possible to extract crime even from legal texts—or even sacred scriptures.
A careful examination of the themes in Fethullah Gülen’s books and speeches clearly shows his real objectives:
To promote the moral values of the Islamic faith he belongs to and ensure their broader acceptance;
To encourage a peaceful, conciliatory approach far removed from conflict or aggression;
To act with respect for and fidelity to scientific truths;
To spread themes of brotherhood, peace, reconciliation, and tolerance for all humanity.
And in doing all of this, he has always considered legality and legitimacy as essential principles. Far from attempting to “seize constitutional institutions,” Gülen’s ideas consistently advocated for embracing the existing democratic system and enhancing it through reform and dialogue.
Of course, no one is obliged to agree with Gülen’s thoughts, and they may certainly be subject to criticism. However, being criminalized and demonized simply for holding these views is unacceptable.
The Truth Will Prevail
Because of ideological divides, group identities, and media manipulation, Gülen continues to be targeted with baseless and false accusations. We will continue to stand for truth and justice by exposing the propaganda behind these slanders.
We will persist in our struggle until the injustices faced by Gülen and his supporters end, and the rule of law is fully restored. Despite all oppression, slander, and distortion, we will never give up on defending the truth.
And when the truth emerges and justice is restored, Gülen’s faith in justice, his service to humanity, and his message of peace will be remembered with even greater reverence.
This is one of several posts in the series of articles commemorating the anniversary of F. Gulen’s departure from this world in November 20th 2024. Follow our page for more interviews, articles and videos speaking about the passed away leader of the Hizmet movement. You are welcome to browse through other related articles HERE.
Series of articles in honor of F. Gulen: The Civil Islam of Fethullah Gülen and Interreligious Dialogue
By Ravindra Chheda; Published on October 23, 2024 | Source: Città Nuova
Fethullah Gülen—imam, educator, and man of dialogue—has passed away. A Turkish national who had been residing in the United States for years, he represented a complex and at times controversial figure in the historical and social landscape of Turkey over the last two decades. However, his contribution—and that of the Hizmet movement he inspired—to society and to a form of Islam lived with a spirit of daily service is undeniably significant.
While the name Fethullah Gülen may not resonate widely in Italy, those who follow international affairs may recall him in relation to the alleged coup attempt in Turkey in July 2016. President Erdoğan accused him of orchestrating that event—if it ever actually happened. Gülen, a spiritual teacher of Turkish Islam, shaped his life around the teachings of great Islamic mystics like Rumi, Yunus Emre, and Said Nursi, whom he considered his spiritual masters.
Over the decades—starting from the 1960s and into the 2010s—Gülen marked a turning point in Turkey’s Muslim faith, founding Hizmet, a movement for spiritual and civic renewal that transformed the lives of thousands upon thousands of people.
Born to an Anatolian imam, and an imam himself, Gülen grew up in the secularist framework imposed by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. But he soon realized that the country’s future was at risk. He foresaw a looming “educational emergency” where future generations would lose their religious and cultural identity.
In response, and as part of his calling, he began meeting young people where they gathered: in cafés, university dormitories, and city neighborhoods. Engaging them in conversation, he addressed their questions and doubts, offering a model of human and spiritual consistency.
Without ever resorting to proselytism or religious imposition, he fostered a deep existential need for faith, laying the groundwork for a healthy re-Islamization of younger generations. His efforts attracted not only educators at various levels but also businesspeople and philanthropists. On one hand, young people needed education; on the other, resources were necessary to establish schools and universities.
Thus emerged Hizmet, meaning “service,” a movement addressing both educational and social emergencies. Spreading quietly and without demanding anything from anyone, Hizmet grew into a global phenomenon entirely oriented toward serving others.
In its schools—where secular subjects are taught, not religion—it is service that shapes both teachers’ and students’ daily lives. Gülen promoted mutual support among students, encouraging older ones to mentor younger peers and avoid paid tutoring.
Over the years, these institutions did not produce religious “fanatics,” but rather men and women who became upright citizens, dedicated to the common good in their professions and life choices. What Gülen created was not a religious or political Islam, but a civil Islam—an Islam lived, studied, and internalized daily, inspiring people to serve society selflessly.
Even as the movement spread to more than a hundred countries, founding high-quality schools and universities, Gülen gradually withdrew from public life due to health issues. He had moved to the U.S. in the late 1990s and later faced serious accusations of opposing the Erdoğan government. Despite this, he continued to inspire his followers through videos and writings, many of which date back to the early years of his mission.
Most of the students who attend Hizmet schools—even in Turkey, where they were all shut down after 2016—do not even know the name of the man who inspired the system. Yet they learn and live his spirit through their everyday experiences.
From the late 1990s onward, Gülen—born into a nationalist context—gradually opened up to other cultures and religions. He met leaders across the world, including Pope John Paul II, and corresponded with Pope Francis. These gestures expanded Hizmet’s horizon into interreligious dialogue, which today remains a central part of its global mission. Local groups in many countries actively engage in authentic conversations with people of different religious and cultural traditions.
Despite the political implications in which he found himself entangled—perhaps against his will—Gülen never responded with bitterness, not even during prison time. The movement he inspired has become part of a broader religious phenomenon that has shaped recent decades. Since the mid-20th century, many world religions have witnessed new inspirations and renewals, generating fresh models of spiritual life rooted in tradition.
Though diverse, these movements reveal surprising commonalities. In this sense, one might speak of a historic phenomenon, whose true significance—for both religion and society—can only be fully appreciated in the future.
We are sharing various published posts in the series of articles commemorating the anniversary of F. Gulen’s departure from this world in November 20th 2024. Follow our page for more interviews, articles and videos speaking about the passed away leader of the Hizmet movement. You are welcome to browse through other related articles HERE.
Series of articles in honor of F. Gulen: Interview with Ercan Karakoyun: “Hizmet Will Remain Strong After Fethullah Gülen”
Published by MKD | Translation from German
Fethullah Gülen’s death will not destabilize the Hizmet movement, according to Ercan Karakoyun. Rather than appointing a new central leader, the movement continues to rely on decentralized responsibility.
Fethullah Gülen, a defining figure of contemporary Islamic thought, has passed away. He was a scholar, author, and spiritual guide who founded the Hizmet movement, which focuses on education, interfaith dialogue, and social service. Despite these values, his political ties—especially the fallout with the Turkish government—drew significant scrutiny. Ercan Karakoyun, head of the Foundation for Dialogue and Education in Germany, remains a key voice of the Hizmet movement in Europe. In this interview, he discusses Gülen’s legacy, challenges faced by the movement, and its outlook for the future.
Who was Fethullah Gülen, and why was he so significant?
Ercan Karakoyun: Fethullah Gülen was an Islamic scholar, author, and spiritual mentor whose ideas have inspired millions over decades. Originally from Turkey, he lived in exile in the U.S. since the late 1990s. His teachings—often summarized under the term “Hizmet” (Turkish for “service”)—encouraged people around the world to commit to education, interfaith dialogue, and social responsibility. His influence was especially strong in education, media, and interreligious cooperation, where he was seen as a bridge-builder and proponent of an open-minded understanding of Islam.
What are Gülen’s core teachings, and why do they resonate so widely?
How is the Hizmet movement active in Germany?
In Germany, Hizmet participants are engaged in educational and social projects, including schools, tutoring centers, cultural associations, and dialogue initiatives. Their goal is to strengthen mutual understanding between ethnic and religious communities and promote civic engagement. Hizmet sees itself as a bridge between Muslim and non-Muslim communities and works to overcome prejudice by highlighting shared human values.
What about accusations of political involvement and the 2016 coup attempt?
These allegations have been repeated often, but no credible evidence has ever been presented. Even Germany’s former intelligence chief Bruno Kahl questioned the Turkish government’s claims and confirmed a lack of convincing proof. Around the world, people are being persecuted merely for being affiliated with Hizmet. This clearly shows that the aim is not about justice for the coup attempt but rather silencing a movement that promotes a different vision of Islam and society than that of Turkey’s current political leadership.
What caused the rift between Gülen and Erdoğan?
In the early years, many in the Hizmet movement supported Erdoğan’s reforms and democratization efforts. There was hope that Turkey would move toward more freedoms and rule of law. But over time, it became clear that Erdoğan was consolidating power and turning away from democracy. Hizmet remained committed to dialogue and democratic values, which clashed with the government’s increasing authoritarianism. This divergence led to the eventual break. The failed coup attempt in 2016 then became a pretext for widespread crackdowns on Hizmet and other dissidents—something that continues today.
Critics in Germany also accuse Hizmet of being secretive or cult-like. What is your response?
Such criticisms often stem from misunderstanding. Hizmet is not a centralized organization with rigid hierarchies; it is a decentralized civil movement. Participation is voluntary and independent. There’s no doctrinal testing or rigid control. Institutions like schools and dialogue centers operate transparently and within civil society. They are open to the public and work to build trust, not suspicion. The comparison to cult-like groups does not hold up to scrutiny.
What happens to Hizmet after Gülen’s death? Can the movement survive?
Hizmet’s future lies in the hands of its participants—those who continue to uphold values of peace, justice, education, and dialogue. Gülen’s legacy lives through their actions. Hizmet is more than one person; it’s a global community dedicated to service and universal values. The movement will remain strong and engaged.
Will Ekrem Dumanlı take over leadership of the movement?
No. Hizmet has never operated under a single leader model. It relies on collective decision-making and decentralized leadership. Ekrem Dumanlı is respected for his past role in media, but there will be no “successor” to Gülen. Leadership will remain distributed among trusted individuals and institutions aligned with Hizmet’s core values.
Was it a mistake for Hizmet to be involved in state institutions in Turkey?
Yes, this is one of the criticisms we take seriously. The movement’s involvement in state institutions was increasingly perceived as a quest for power, and this has hurt Hizmet, especially in Turkey. That’s why we’ve worked hard to revisit our values and emphasize principles such as human rights, the rule of law, gender equality, and a clear separation between religion and state. Our goal is to rebuild trust through transparency and a renewed focus on civil society and education.
Why is Hizmet so unpopular in Turkey today? Is reconciliation possible?
A climate of intense anti-Hizmet propaganda dominates Turkey, even in independent media, due to fear of state repression. The arrest of a newspaper editor simply for offering condolences after Gülen’s death illustrates the hostile environment. Despite this, we believe millions in Turkey still sympathize with Hizmet but are afraid to speak out. Reconciliation can only happen when freedom of expression, judicial independence, and democracy are restored. Only then can Hizmet openly present its values and rebuild its image through transparency.
About the Speaker Ercan Karakoyun is the Chair of the Foundation for Dialogue and Education in Germany. He is actively involved in intercultural dialogue and co-founded the “House of One” in Berlin, a project uniting Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities in a shared space for worship and education.
This is one of several posts in the series of articles commemorating the upcoming anniversary of F. Gulen’s departure from this world in November 20th 2024. Follow our page for more interviews, articles and videos speaking about the passed away leader of the Hizmet movement. You are welcome to browse through other related articles HERE.
Special series of posts commemorating the 1st anniversary of Fethullah Gulen’s death
We kindly invite you to watch the video in Slovene language about the leader of Hizmet movemet, Fethullah Gulen, who past away last year on October 20th.
In the upcoming week, we will be sharing more posts from different authors, who wrote about Hizmet and Fethullah Gulen after his passing. Stay tuned and follow our other social media channels as well.
We commemorate the International day of Peaceful communication on October 7th.
Today reminds us that peace is not self-evident; we co-create it every day – also through the way we speak and listen to one another. Peaceful communication is not merely the absence of conflict, but a conscious practice of respect, understanding, and openness to diversity.
In today’s world, where cultures, languages, and identities intertwine like never before, intercultural dialogue is of crucial importance. It allows us to create spaces in which all voices can be heard.
The Intercultural Dialogue Association puts peaceful communication into practice through a variety of activities and events: intercultural cooking workshops, Slovenian conversation circles for foreigners, Turkish breakfasts, and other events throughout the year, where dialogue is always at the forefront. At these gatherings, participants from different backgrounds exchange experiences, break down stereotypes, and learn to listen with an open heart.
On the International Day of Peaceful Communication, we invite everyone to take a moment for conversations that build, connect, and heal. May our words be bridges, not barriers.
MKD Association observes important international days by posting about them and organizing events on assigned topics. To read more about other international days follow THIS LINK.
Join MKD for a hike. Come with us for a “Walk & Talk.”
Join the MKD Association’s hiking get-togethers! This Saturday, October 11, we’re heading over Golovec to Gostilnica Orle. We’ll start at 13:30 at the Botanical Garden.
The Walk & Talk hikes offer easy and enjoyable nature walks that encourage intercultural connection and an active lifestyle. This season, we will organize hikes 1–2 times per month. During the winter months, activities will be scheduled between 11:00 and 17:00.
Saturday’s hike will not be too demanding, and from start to finish we will spend about 5 hours together. After lunch at Orle, we will return together to the Botanical Garden. Those who would like to join only for part of the route (1 hour and 15 minutes) can head back from Mazovnik (Golovec).
Bring along a snack and a bottle of water. In case of light drizzle, the hike will take place as planned. In case of heavy rain, the event will be canceled.
You can register until Friday, September 10, 2025. Register at: info@mkdia.org
Follow our channels for other MKD Association activities as well. You can find news about all outdoor activities HERE.
October 1st is also the day we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons.
On October 1st, we marked the International Day of Older Persons by once again visiting the Retirement Home in Ljubljana. This year, we decided to prepare a special event, as October 1st is also International Coffee Day. For the residents, we organized a demonstration of the traditional preparation of Turkish coffee in hot sand. Since there was great interest in the event, we visited two units of the Ljubljana Vič–Rudnik Retirement Home: Bokalce and Kolezija.
We brought a special device to the event, in which we prepared coffee in hot sand following the old Turkish tradition.
On October 1st, we visited the Kolezija unit, and on October 2nd, we stopped by the Bokalce unit. We prepared a presentation on coffee brewing and other interesting aspects of Turkish tradition. During the presentation, our volunteers were already making coffee in hot sand.
But we did not bring only sand and coffee with us – we also brought refreshments with our Turkish delicacies. The residents enjoyed them very much, which is always a pleasure to see. We would like to thank the Ljubljana Vič–Rudnik Retirement Home for the renewed collaboration and the warm welcome in both units.
October 1st is the International Coffee Day.
International Coffee Day reminds us each year that this popular beverage connects people all over the world. According to legend, coffee was first discovered by shepherds in Ethiopia, who noticed that their goats became unusually lively after eating the red berries of the coffee plant. From there, coffee spread to the Middle East and then throughout the world.
A specialty of Turkish tradition is the preparation of coffee in hot sand, where a small cezve is heated evenly from all sides. This creates a thick, aromatic drink with a distinctive foam on top.
A cup of fragrant coffee provides space for conversation, connection, and intercultural dialogue. It is a moment when people, despite different languages and backgrounds, share a common experience of warmth and hospitality.
On International Coffee Day, the MKD Association organized a special two-day event. We will share more with you in the coming days. Don’t miss it – keep following our channels.
MKD Association observes important international days by posting about them and organizing events on assigned topics. To read more about other international days follow THIS LINK.
