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.
Reach of Turkey’s Erdoğan spreading like fungus across U.S. – analysis
“Erdoğan’s regime is increasingly using connections with domestic-based U.S. Islamist groups, like Muslim American Society (MAS), Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) to exert political influence in the United States,” Anne-Christine Hoff, Dallas associate of the activist group Counter Islamist Grid, said in American Thinker on Sunday.
Fethullah Gulen on a Global Scale
James C. Harrington, founder [director] of the Texas Civil Rights Project and professor at the University of Texas at Austin Law School, spoke to a crowd of students, lawyers, judges, and local business people about his new book: Wrestling with Free Speech, Religious Freedom, and Democracy in Turkey: The Political Trials and Times of Fethullah Gulen. Harrington discussed recent changes in Turkey’s legal structure as part of the Gulen Institute’s ongoing lecture series, pointing to the result of the Fethullah Gulen trial as a pivotal victory in the nation’s struggle for civil liberties.
Mosaic Foundation brings together Denver’s prominent people over a friendship dinner
Multicultural Mosaic Foundation in Denver, Colorado, recently held its traditional Dialogue and Friendship Dinner at one of the city’s prestigious venues, Cable Center. Having the author-journalist Mustafa Akyol, on his “Islam without Extremes” promotion tour, as its keynote speaker, the event saw the attendance of several assembly members and senators of the states Colorado and Wyoming.
Amir Hussain on Fethullah Gulen and Hizmet Movement
Dr. Amir Hussain is a professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. He has written numerous scholarly articles, and his area of research is on the study of Islam, specifically contemporary Muslim societies in North America.
Erdoğanist Turks Target Inter-Cultural Dialogue Activities Of Gülen Followers In Germany
A group of pro-Erdoğan Turkish Islamists came together in the city of Duisburg, Germany, and protested the schools operated and inter-cultural dialogue activities which have been carried out by the Turkish people who are affiliated with the Gülen movement.
Turkish American Society Builds Bridges
The Turkish American Society of Chicago inaugurated its brand new culture center. The event was attended by prominent politicians, artists and businessmen from the windy city. The TASC supports multiculturalism and is dedicated to establishing good relations between the American -Turkish diaspora. Fatih Yildiz, the Turkish Consul General in Chicago, encompassed the philosophy of the […]
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
Millions of people have asked for interview with Gülen
Should We Send A Man We Know Is Innocent To His Death Abroad?
3 detained Turkish educators and their families handed over to Turkey by Gabon
Terrorism charges against Karaca do not make sense, CHP leader says
Kimse Yok Mu lends helping hand to 3,000 orphans in 4 countries
Women gather for UN development agenda in İstanbul
UN Peace Conference renews commitment against extremism of all kinds