Dialogue and Friendship Dinner in Portland, Oregon


Date posted: November 20, 2013

On November 13th, 2013, Pacifica Institute’s Portland chapter held its 5th Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner having the author-journalist Mustafa Akyol, accompanied by his wife Ryada Akyol, as its keynote speaker. The dinner was attended by Turkish and American academics and businessmen.

I.U., a Pacifica Institute volunteer, kicked off the night with his opening address. Next were testimonials by Michael Marshman and Lisa Naito, who had been on a Turkey trip organized by Pacifica Institute. Marshman said Turkey is the most beautiful country he has ever been to and recommended that every able person go there. Sufi music was performed along as the attendees enjoyed a warm and friendly conversation.

In his keynote speech centered on his book “Islam without Extremes,” Mustafa Akyol pointed out the fact that Islam is misrepresented. Akyol further argued we need to make a clear distinction between culture and religion when defining the reasons behind particular practices. He instanced his personal experiences to clarify his point.

Published [in Turkish] on Zaman Amerika, November 14, 2013.

Source: HizmetMovement.Com , November 19, 2013

Tags: | | |


Related News

US calls Turkey to uphold fundamental freedoms after Zeynalov’s deportation

When asked about Zeynalov being deported by the Turkish government, US State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said, “We are looking into these unsettling reports. As we have said, we have been and continue to be strong advocates for freedom of expression around the world, and we believe that democracies are strengthened by the diverse voices of their people. We look to Turkey as a democracy and ally to uphold the fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.”

Gulen Movement’s Global Appeal: Reflections from Chicago

Kadri Gürsel Yesterday, in the column I talked about the 12.000 “ashuras” in Chicago by the supporters of the Gulen Movement. Ashura, called Noah’s Pudding in English, is said to represent “living together in peace”. Chickpeas, bean, wheat, and some dried fruits are among the ingredients of Ashura that creates a mixed taste. But while […]

“Hizmet Movement making tremendous contributions to Muslim culture”

The Hizmet Movement, as an organization, with Fethullah Gulen’s inspiration for the movement, is a bright light for the Muslim-American community because of the focus of the organization in doing community service through relief work, and in focusing on education, in scientific education in particular, and also, with regards to interfaith and intercultural exchange.

International Conference on Hizmet Movement in Taiwan

Formosa Institute and Taiwan Association of Islamic Studies (TAIS) are organizing a conference titled “Hizmet Movement and the Thought and Teachings of Fethullah Gülen: Contributions to Multiculturalism and Global Peace” to be held on December 8-9 2012 and calling for papers. Objective The need for peaceful coexistence among the people of various cultures has long been […]

Indialogue’s Iftar Dinner: Role of Religions in Empowering Women

In collaboration with Sarva Dharma Samvaad (SDS) and Interfaith Foundation, Indialogue Foundation organised the Annual Interfaith Iftar Dinner. The success of this event left us with enormous motivation to continue this tradition of bringing people together.

Targeted by dictator, Turkish family seeks refuge in Albany

Three generations of a Turkish family were stripped of their livelihoods, life savings, friends and culture in a sweeping purge by the authoritarian regime of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They languish as political refugees in a cramped apartment along a busy commercial stretch of Delaware Avenue.

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

In Case You Missed It

Decision to build road on school grounds nonsensical, say parents

Math Brings the Gold to Macedonian Turkish College

Police officers become victims of torture in Turkey

Turkish Islam and Fethullah Gulen

An instructive crisis

Fethullah Gulen and February 28th Military Coup

American students volunteer for Kimse Yok Mu aid campaign

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News