The Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA) released a statement on Saturday defending Zaman University against calls for its closure over alleged links to a group blamed for the failed coup in Turkey last month.
The statement dismissed Turkish Ambassador Ilhan Kemal Tug’s claims that the university—along with Zaman’s primary school and high school—was affiliated with a “terrorist organization,” as well as his request that it be shuttered.
“The request for the closure of private Zaman institutes proposed by a Turkish high-ranking diplomat had no clear evidence and has not proven legitimate yet, and causes concern over the future of Cambodian students who are studying now,” it said.
“Under any circumstance,” the group said, it would “continue to support Zaman institute.”
Last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it was considering the ambassador’s diplomatic request to close Zaman’s schools.
Zaman had condemned the coup in Turkey and denied any formal connection to cleric Fethullah Gulen.
A Different Kind of Coup? Why You Should Care About A “Reclusive” Turkish Imam in Pennsylvania
We should consider not only what people say about Fethullah Gülen, but what he says himself. Decades of speeches and publications make this possible and reveal certain attributes. For example, Gülen advocates a form of Sufi humanism. He seeks collaborative relationships across religious, cultural, and national borders. He is concerned about the poor and marginalized around the world.
Yamanlar Koleji crowns Turkey with second gold medal
Furkan Bahar, a student from Yamanlar Koleji, a private high school in İzmir, has won a gold medal at the 46th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Hanoi, Vietnam between July 20 and 28. IChO welcomed representatives from 77 countries. Bahar, a member of the national chemistry team appointed by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), became the winner of Turkey’s only gold medal in the competition.
Pakistan – Staff expelled from Turkish-backed schools on Erdogan’s demand
Amnesty South Asia Director Champa Patel: “With 24 million Pakistani children out of school, Pakistan’s decision to expel teachers from the Pak-Turk International Schools and Colleges will only hurt Pakistan’s children. What the country needs is more classrooms and more teachers, not a politically-motivated decision to purge educators at the behest of the Turkish government.”
Nigerian Turkish schools denies links to Turkey coup
The management of the Nigerian-Turkish International Colleges (NTIC) says the government of Turkey is insulting Nigeria by requesting the closure of its schools in the country.
Kanter: I was excluded from Turkey squad due to my beliefs
Turkish basketball player Enes Kanter, who has made no secret of his links to the Gülen movement — a civil society group also known as the Hizmet movement that is inspired by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen — has stated that he has been excluded from Turkey’s basketball team for the 2015 European Basketball Championship due to his beliefs.
MHP: Gov’t should not harass its citizens who open Turkish schools abroad
Vural said that if the government does not protect its citizens who are involved in the Turkish schools — which are affiliated with the Hizmet movement, inspired by the teachings of US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen — but instead complains about them to international governments, questions need to be asked.
Latest News
Sacramento leaders gather for Iftar dinner in celebration of Ramadan
SEO Skill Suite: Tools for Keyword Research, Technical & Backlink Analysis
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
In Case You Missed It
Hizmet Movement discussed at Mexico’s UNAM
Escape from Turkey’s parallel reality
US says Turkey favors Sunni Islam over other creeds
Turkey’s president orders closure of 1,000 private schools linked to Gülen
Wife of ‘Gülen school manager’ detained in Tbilisi asks for protection
Powerful but reclusive Turkish cleric – BBC’s interview with Fethullah Gulen