Social and Philosophical Aspects of Fethullah Gulen's Teachings

Social and Philosophical Aspects of Fethullah Gulen’s Teachings

Date posted: May 10, 2012

Dialogue Eurasia Platform organized one more event in order to establish understanding between peoples, to eliminate mutual prejudices, to help people to get to know each other better and to establish bridges of dialogue. More than 200 academicians, journalists, writers gathered in Crowne Plaza hotel in order to take part in the presentation of a book, published by “Belorusskaya nauka,” the publishing house of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

On April 9, 2012, the enlightened people of Minsk had a chance to see the presentation of a book, which gathered a great number of participants. The program started with the film, dedicated to the ideas and works of Fethullah Gulen, continued with the speeches of four authors of the book, and ended with a rich feast, consisting of dishes from Turkish and Belarusian cuisine.

The academic work called “Social and Philosophical Aspects of the Teaching of Fethullah Gulen: the Look of Belarusian intellectuals,” which lasted about a year, gave birth to an interesting book. The book brought together 22 writers who are, each in his/her own field, important Belarusian academicians, experts in the field of philosophy, sociology, political science, philology.

Excerpts from speeches:

Read Gulen: “Tolerance: the foundation of interreligious, intercultural and interpersonal dialogue.”

(Yevgeniy Babosov – the member of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, professor of sociology)

I can say that the basis of the ideas of dear Gulen is represented by two words: heart and humanity. And only those, who can provide in their hearts the room for all humanity, are people who deserve respect in the 21st century.

Social and moral ideas of F. Gulen

(Anatoliy Rubanov – the dean of the faculty of philosophy of the Belarusian State University, professor of sociology)

In my opinion, two aspects of the ideas of Fethullah Gülen are very important to us, first, he helps us to learn more about Islam and the Muslim world, which we know little about, and for that reason display fear and distrust toward them. He shows us that there is no reason for fear. Second, he takes tolerance as the basis for all his ideas.

Tolerance in Gülen’s writings: the basis and the future of moral values

(Marina Maleyko – assistant to the rector of the Belarusian University of Culture, professor of philosophy)

It is necessary to emphasize the following, this (Gulen) movement, which is inspired by Fethullah Gulen, which was born in Turkey and spread across the whole world, is a phenomenon that must be examined from the scientific point of view. The educational aspect of this movement is very important. These schools and universities opened in many parts of the world raise a new generation having good education and brought up on human values.

The historical background of Gülen’s educational ideas: searching the spiritual freedom

(Svetlana Vinokurova – assistant to the rector of the Belarusian Academy of Arts, professor of philosophy)

Karl Marks says: “If the masses will control ideas, the ideas will have power and influence. I see in the ideas of Fethullah Gülen this power and ability to control.