Whistleblower says gov’t preparing to close down Gülen-inspired schools


Date posted: April 21, 2015

A government whistleblower has claimed the government is preparing to shut down schools believed to be close to the Gülen movement, a faith-based grassroots social initiative inspired by Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, in Turkey on the pretext that the schools are not being properly administered.

Government whistleblower Fuat Avni claimed on his Twitter account on Sunday night that a file containing instructions on the process of closing down schools close to the Gülen movement, also known as the Hizmet movement and inspired by Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, had reached him at the presidential palace.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan claims the Hizmet movement tried — and failed — to carry out a coup attempt against himself and the government in the form of a graft investigation that went public on Dec. 17 and 25, 2013, implicating former Cabinet ministers, prominent businessmen close to the administration and even members of Erdoğan’s family. The president has since waged a self-declared war against the movement, even going so far as to say, “If reassigning individuals who betray this country is called a witch hunt, then yes, we will carry out this witch hunt,” during a speech at the 22nd Consultation and Assessment Meeting of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in 2014.

According to Avni, a meeting was convened by Ministry of Education Undersecretary Yusuf Tekin at İstanbul’s Zübeyde Hanım teachers’ residence during which Atıf Ala, the younger brother of former Interior Minister Efkan Ala, was also present. Avni claims the provincial heads of Turkey’s educational inspectors were instructed during the meeting to close down educational facilities deemed to be close to the Gülen movement. The schools to be shut down are to be determined by May 15.

Erdoğan has also been campaigning for the closure of Turkish schools abroad that are inspired by the Gülen movement during his visits to countries around the world. During a visit to Ethiopia in January, he was quoted by the state Anadolu news agency as saying, “In the countries we visit we have been talking about the status of these schools and saying they should be closed down.” Erdoğan also said he has been telling African authorities the Turkish Ministry of Education is ready to offer the same services provided by these schools. “The ministry is close to finishing its preparations to that effect,” he said.

Numerous foreign countries, including Cameroon, that host Turkish schools inspired by the movement have rejected Erdoğan’s message and affirmed that they benefit from the schools. Fresh criticism has arisen in Cameroon, which has been host to Turkish schools for the past 12 years. A story by John Dauda in the country’s esteemed newspaper Le Messager strongly condemned the Turkish president, accusing Erdoğan of intervening in the domestic affairs of African countries and calling it a move that will damage bilateral ties with Turkey.

In addition to taking steps to close down schools in Turkey and abroad, the ruling AK Party decided in November of 2013 to shut down prep schools — primarily attended by students for supplementary tutoring for university entrance exams — by passing a bill into law in March 2014. According to the law, prep schools will no longer be able to operate as such after Sept. 1, 2015 and must convert to standard high schools if they wish to remain in operation.

Source: Today's Zaman , April 20, 2015


Related News

‘Erdoğan to take action against Hizmet after restructuring judiciary’

Despite Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s continual accusations that the faith-based Hizmet movement is plotting against him through recordings that have implicated Erdoğan and his son Bilal in bribery and corruption, the prime minister has refrained from filing any lawsuits against members of the Hizmet movement, which has raised questions from analysts.

Erdogan Budgets $150m To Displace Hizmet Schools In Africa

The motive behind Maarif Foundation is to use it as a tool to pressurize African countries to transfer ownership of Hizmet movement linked schools to the Maarif Foundation since the request for the closure of these schools were turned down for lacking in merit.

The Gulen Movement is not a cult or terrorist group

The Gulen movement doesn’t support or engage in any terrorist activities. Although an Islamic movement, it is a social movement rather than a political one that focuses on the growth and change of education as a way to empower the Muslims for the future. They are open to dialogue, tolerant, moderate and non-violent. So for anyone to say that the Gulen movement is a cult, doesn’t know that they emphasize on dialogue and peace.

Students of Turkish schools in Romania impress in science competition

A total of 329 have competed in the competition, presenting 245 projects in the categories of energy, environment, design and interactive learning.

Ministry allegedly profiled students of dershanes close to Hizmet

The petitions filed with the Ministry of Education and provincial educational branches in May 2012 by parents have revealed that the Education Ministry profiled students of dershanes — private institutes that offer examination prep classes — and schools close to the Hizmet movement.

Turkish govt begins massive deportation of Nigerian students

The Turkish government is in a drive to deport all Nigerian students at universities linked to Fethullah Gulen’s Hizmet movement. Gulen is an Islamic cleric whom President Erdogan of Turkey considers as his strongest rival. After the botched July 15 coup, Erdogan launched a massive crackdown on the investments of Gulen’s followers. He blamed Gulen for the coup, but he has denied the allegation.

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

Turkish Cultural Center Vermont gives awards at Friendship Dinner

After The Coup Attempt, A Crackdown In Turkey

Turks Seen as Sympathetic to US-Based Muslim Cleric Say They Face Threats

Karınca Yuvası (Ant Nest) from Turkish designers to Bangladeshi orphans

Alevi leader Kenanoğlu: Discrimination against Alevis increased in 2013

Zaman reporter says won’t leave her job on PM’s orders

Portrait of an Anatolian Muslim with no schooling*

Copyright 2024 Hizmet News