Prof. Weller: Hizmet [movement] accomplished bringing together oppositions in society


Date posted: December 21, 2013

LONDON

The scholarly interest towards the Hizmet Movement has been growingly increasing. On December 4th, the London-based Dialogue Society hosted a book launch of a yet another publication on the movement.

The book is titled “The Muslim World and Politics in Transition: Creative Contributions of the Gulen Movement.” Prof. Paul Weller of University of Derby; Dr. Ihsan Yilmaz of Fatih University, Turkey; Dr. Carool Kersten of King’s College, London; and Dr. Amina Yaqin of SOAS University were present at the event.

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing and consisting of 13 academic articles, the book is edited by the academics Greg Barton, Paul Weller and Ihsan Yilmaz. The first part of the book examines the Hizmet Movement’s contributions as a civil society body. The part two titled “Muslim Politics beyond Post-Islamism” deals with the movement’s contributions to democracy while the part three is dedicated to its initiatives in Muslim world.

Prof. Weller spoke to Cihan News Agency. “Based on my observations, engagement with the affiliated people, and readings and research on the movement, I have arrived at the conclusion that Hizmet plays a crucial role in bringing together opposing groups and enabling them to reach a common ground for society’s good,” Weller said. Noting that it also provides inspiration for those engaging in education, “Education has always contributed positively to civil society. Through education, people can be equipped to better understand each other, their society and the world at large,” he added.

Dr. Kersten, in his statements, said the movement is very clear in its stance against political Islam. Hizmet maintains that transformation in Muslim societies come about among civil societies and an Islamic state model is no longer needed in today’s world, Kersten argued. “Hizmet hold that change along with harmony in Muslim world is possible through education and supporting initiatives,” he added. Regardless of individuals’ religious views and cultural background, Hizmet strongly believes the universal human right parameters and democratic principles suffice to handle people, as Kersten concluded.

Published [in Turkish] on Cihan, 18 December 2013, Wednesday

Source: Hizmet Movement , December 21, 2013


Related News

Fethullah Gülen in Indonesia

Gülen is a unique scholar whose knowledge, thought and actions inspire many intellectuals, scholars and academics around the globe. Yet some unfortunate people in Turkey are trying desperately to defame him. By doing so, they put themselves into an absurd position.

Graft probe in Turkey: Path and passengers

The problem is not to side with the Hizmet movement or the AK Party. No one objects to the fight against corruption. But it is not possible to argue that what has been happening is all about corruption right now. Tensions should not be escalated or provoked further. I believe that promoting reconciliation is the best option. If you ask whether or not it possible, I would say, “Yes, it is still possible.”

Police chiefs removed in four provinces across Turkey

The purges are thought to be an attempt to remove those the government believes are members of the Hizmet movement from public sector jobs.

3 taken into custody for asking Minister Ala questions

Three people were taken into custody by security forces on Monday for asking Interior Minister Efkan Ala questions about Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen and the settlement process to end the Kurdish issue.

You Cannot Understand the Servants!

What will you say about the reaction of Mr. Akin Ipek after his enterprise has been shut down as an intimidation? If you forget, let me remind you what he said: “I would sacrifice my whole fortune for a smile of Hocaefendi (Fethullah Gulen).” Can you understand this soul?

Alliance for Shared Values Statement on Detention of Turkish Nationals in Kosovo and Their Imminent Transfer to Turkey

The Alliance for Shared Values denounces the detention of six Turkish nationals in Kosovo on Thursday morning as a result of demands from the Turkish government. This is the latest incident in which the Recep Tayyip Erdogan regime has targeted innocent individuals solely based on affiliation with the Hizmet movement.

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

In controversial move Parliament votes to shut down prep schools

Did Erdogan STAGE the coup?

Aid organization head blasts terror probe

Gülen’s lawyer denies allegation of plot against Erdoğan’s daughter, calls it ’immoral slander’

US Professor Carter: Gülen struggles for peace against poverty and terrorism

‘Gulen Movement is a civil society movement, rather than a religious one’

KYM Ramadan Aid for Ugandan Police Department

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News