Hizmet contribution to global peace discussed in Addis Ababa

The event, titled the “Africa Dialogue Forum,” was attended by many high-ranking representatives from more than 40 countries. (Photo: Today's Zaman)
The event, titled the “Africa Dialogue Forum,” was attended by many high-ranking representatives from more than 40 countries. (Photo: Today's Zaman)


Date posted: May 16, 2013

Participants at a forum organized by the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, have discussed the contribution of the Hizmet movement, inspired by well-respected Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, to global peace.The event, titled “Africa Dialogue Forum,” was attended by many high-ranking representatives from more than 40 countries.

Gülen sent a message to the event saying he appreciates the efforts of the participants to achieve global peace.

Speaking at the symposium, Ethiopia Interreligious Council Secretary-General Pastor Zerihun Degu said it is a privilege and an honor to attend the forum, which was being held for the second time in Addis Ababa.

“The attendance of a crowded delegation, including international observers and press members, is proof that this forum is of the utmost importance for all of us. It is also very meaningful for this event to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the African Union,” he said.

Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) Secretary-General Hüseyin Hurmalı described Hizmet as a movement of benevolence, education and dialogue, the fundamental principles and values of which were taught by Gülen and adopted by a large group of people who then came to be known as the Hizmet movement.

Professor Marcia Hermansen of Loyola University Chicago also delivered a speech at the event in which she gave modern examples of dialogue and foundations of mutual understanding. Hermansen said the Hizmet movement provides a perfect example of a culture of coexistence and dialogue.

Abdullah T. Antepli of Duke University said that there is a need to make significant investments to support social harmony and peace in the world, adding that the Hizmet movement is one of the best examples of a group that supports these values.

Highlighting the religious and cultural diversity of the Africa continent, Ethiopian Minister of Federal Affairs Shiferaw Tekelemariam said he found it very meaningful for representatives from the various religions and cultures of Africa to come together on the occasion of the event, adding that it marked the beginning of a new period for Ethiopia.

Tekelemariam also said he had visited the Turkish schools opened by the followers of Hizmet in his country and found the education they offer to be of a high standard.

“At these schools, where there is a multicultural structure, the understanding of living together is promoted despite differences. The biggest problems of today, such as discrimination, conflicts and radicalism, are discussed at these schools,” he said.

The forum participants also decided to hold a meeting in the coming months in Abant, in the Turkish province of Bolu, that will be titled “Africa with Its Experiences and Inspirations.”

Source: TodaysZaman, May 15, 2013


Related News

GYV says arrest warrant for Gülen motivated by upcoming election

The Journalists and Writers Foundation’s (GYV), of which Fethullah Gülen is the honorary president, issued a statement on Wednesday slamming the government-orchestrated arrest warrant for Gülen as a government election tactic.

Turkey: ‘Exclusion for all’ state

Indeed, just last week a columnist in a pro-government daily argued that officials in certain government institutions have been expelled over their alleged ties to the Hizmet movement. This is no different from a witch hunt. In a civilized society, expelling qualified professionals because of their sympathy for a religious and social movement can only be described as discrimination.

If you do not stand against injustice

The July 22 operation has shown the meaning and characteristics of the ongoing process that we are experiencing right now. The allegations that serve as the pretext for the July 22 operation will have a boomerang effect, because what we understand from the initial findings of the investigation is that the arguments of the government have been proven to be ungrounded.

A legal guidebook for ‘perception engineers’

The campaign to manipulate public perceptions of Fethullah Gülen and the Hizmet movement which is inspired by Gülen’s ideas is stepping up pace once again. The “wag-the-dog” strategy is wielded once again in an effort to distract public attention.

We’ll kiss the hands of those who tell us our shortcomings

HÜSEYİN GÜLERCE I have been a guest of the esteemed Fethullah Gülen for one week. I am visiting not just as a friend, but as a journalist as well. Being here in this place as a writer is very exciting. You are in the same place, breathing the same air as this person who has […]

When Iconic Islamic scholar wins prestigious peace award

The Gulen movement has spread to over 160 countries across the globe and has a vast network of schools, charity organisations, health institutions and cultural dialogue centres.

Latest News

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

University refuses admission to woman jailed over Gülen links

In Case You Missed It

Islamic Scholar Fethullah Gulen Condemns Brussels Terrorist Attacks

Turkish medical group goes to Tanzania with largest medical personnel team

Lord Mitchell pays a visit to Turkish School

Gülen-linked journalists organization voices concern over profiling claims

Gülen Institute awards essay winner students on Capitol Hill

Pak-Turk schools replace Turkish principals with Pakistanis

US Rep. Scott: Gülen movement cannot be designated as “terrorist organization”

Copyright 2023 Hizmet News