Hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes … More and more, humans are being affected by natural disasters. But life’s challenges do not come only in the form of natural disasters – individuals have to face all sorts of disasters in their personal lives. Sometimes it’s the loss of a loved one or a job, or even a loss of faith; it could be having to abandon one’s home due to war or persecution at the hands of a tyrant. Some disasters may seem smaller at first glance, but can feel just as consequential – a first gray hair, a failed class, getting passed over for a promotion … the list goes on and on.
A life with no disasters is a fantasy. All of us face them – both personally and globally – sooner or later. Then, how should we face a disaster? Just as we take measures while constructing buildings on a fault line, can we be always prepared? How do we defend our inner peace when facing danger?
Tell us how you survive difficult times. Give us your best advice. Share your greatest life lesson.
Deadline for submissions: January 31, 2018
Contest open to all writers worldwide
Essay word count must be between 1,500 and 2,500
Essays must be submitted as Word document only through the essay contest page at www.fountainmagazine.com/essaycontest
Diverse community enjoys feast at Turkic American Alliance iftar
The Turkic American Alliance in Washington, D.C. hosted a traditional iftar dinner, inviting the community to break the day’s fast together. Rep. Keith Ellison, (D) Minnesota: “Ramadan represents an opportunity for us to come together. And everyone is welcome to the iftar. People of all faith traditions. And it’s a chance for us to get to know each other a little bit better.”
Turkey After the July Coup Attempt – Alan Makovsky’s testimony before Committee on Foreign Affairs
The vastness and persistence of the purge of the civil service, arrests of journalists, and closure of media outlets—many seemingly having nothing whatsoever to do with the exiled Turkish preacher Fethullah Gülen or his Gülenist movement that the Turkish government blames for the coup attempt.
Lawyers for Gulen Call Flynn’s Comments ‘Troubling’
Gulen has never been charged with a crime in the U.S., and he has consistently denounced terrorism as well as the failed coup in Turkey. One of Gulen’s lawyers, Jason Weinstein, called Flynn’s comments about Gulen “troubling” but said the extradition process is a legal matter in the hands of the Department of Justice.
Funeral prayer held for Turkish volunteer Zengindemir in Oklahoma City
During the memorial ceremony, a message sent by Oklahoma State Governor Mary Fallin was read. “I am so saddened to learn of the passing of Murat. Although his time on Earth was short, he leaves a lasting impact upon the state of Oklahoma with his cheerful and kind heart. He worked tirelessly to foster a better understanding of different cultures and the importance of building relationships. I always enjoyed seeing him and appreciated his support.
10 unanswered questions about the Dec. 17 operation
Would we have learned about the endemic corruption if there was no conflict between the government and the Hizmet movement?
Henri Barkey: Why Is Turkey Accusing Me of Plotting a Coup?
Soon after the coup was defeated, my colleagues and I became the targets of sensationalist conspiracy theories promulgated by Turkey’s pro-government press. The accusations ranged from organizing the coup on behalf of the C.I.A. to setting up communication links for the plotters and, most implausibly, bringing a convicted murderer from California into Turkey to engage in evil deeds.
Latest News
Turkish inmate jailed over alleged Gülen links dies of heart attack in prison
Message of Condemnation and Condolences for Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney
Media executive Hidayet Karaca marks 11th year in prison over alleged links to Gülen movement
ECtHR faults Turkey for convictions of 2,420 applicants over Gülen links in follow-up to 2023 judgment
New Book Exposes Erdoğan’s “Civil Death Project” Targeting the Hizmet Movement
European Human Rights Treaty Faces Legal And Political Tests
ECtHR rejects Turkey’s appeal, clearing path for retrials in Gülen-linked cases
Erdoğan’s Civil Death Project’ : The ‘politicide’ spanning more than a decade
Fethullah Gülen’s Vision and the Purpose of Hizmet
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Turkey Should Protect All Prisoners from Pandemic
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U.S. State Department, Citing Security, Suspends [Fulbright] Teaching Program in Turkey
Zephyrs from the Presence, the latest book by Ahmet Kurucan…