Fethullah Gülen extends condolences over death of Turkish literary giant

Turkish writer Yaşar Kemal waves during a ceremony in İstanbul in this file photo. (Photo: AP, Emrah Gürel)
Turkish writer Yaşar Kemal waves during a ceremony in İstanbul in this file photo. (Photo: AP, Emrah Gürel)


Date posted: March 6, 2015

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has extended his condolences to the family and fans of Yaşar Kemal, one of Turkey’s greatest writers, whose works were translated into 40 languages.

Gülen said in a written statement on Tuesday that Kemal built his life and works based on a “love of the homeland” and lived a life longing for a country where all religious and ethnic groups — Turks, Kurds, Alevis, Sunnis — could coexist in peace. The Islamic scholar recognized the Turkish literary giant as someone who made important contributions to the country’s democratic culture in difficult times with his stance and speeches.

Kemal had been hospitalized in İstanbul since mid-January with respiratory and cardiac issues. His death on Feb. 28 was due to organ failure.

Kemal, who helped develop the “village novel,” was a champion for the Anatolian heartland and those who lived there, recounting the many struggles of rural villagers. He is known for his lyrical approach and focus on social justice.

Gülen expressed his condolences to Kemal’s wife, Ayşe Semiha Baban; his son, Raşit Gökçeli and other relatives, as well as to his many friends and fans.

Source: Today's Zaman , March 03, 2015


Related News

I Weep For Turkey

It has been the same topic of discourse everywhere. And it won’t stop anytime soon because of the atrocities that have followed, all in the name of sanitising the country and arresting masterminds of the phantom coup. The news coming out of Turkey has been really disturbing to many, and equally baffling to the world.

Gülen among TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people

Turkish scholar Fethullah Gülen has made it onto Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. This is the 10th year the magazine has listed its 100 most influential people shaping the world. This year, the magazine put seven cover portraits of “TIME 100” honorees who it said reflect the “breadth […]

Fethullah Gülen’s Message for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Throughout his life, Dr. King spoke out against oppression, and he expressed discontent with people who remained silent. Indifference has led to the demise of many communities throughout history. Every believer’s attitude should be: No matter where injustice and oppression occurs, it concerns me and I have a responsibility to do something about it.

Obama Adviser Praises Fethullah Gulen and Gulen Movement

Gulen movement is an inspiration for all, says Obama’s Muslim adviser Mogahed. Appointed by US President Barack Obama and the first Muslim woman to be a member of the White House Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Dalia Mogahed has said the Gülen movement, a faith-based social movement named after Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, is a model and inspiration for all those working for the good of the society.

Is man living in Pennsylvania responsible for Turkey coup attempt?

Low-flying military jets buzzed over Turkey’s capital of Ankara. Soldiers blocked major bridges in Istanbul. State-run television announced that the military had imposed martial law.

Gülen says talk of raid against Zaman aims to intimidate

Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who lives in self-exile in Pennsylvania, said on Thursday that the rumors of a crackdown against Hizmet movement-affiliated media is a “perception operation and aims to intimidate and oppress people.”

Latest News

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

In Case You Missed It

Dedicated couples teaching Turkish to the world

Former Filipino deputy: Great that we have Kimse Yok Mu

Religious communities and ISIL

Diverging points between AKP and Hizmet movement: Kurdish question

German Lawmakers Call for Probe on Imams Suspected of Spying for Turkey

EU stresses right to freedom of expression in wake of media investigations [in Turkey]

[Hizmet’s] Prep schools and civilized debate

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News