News
Extradition request for Gülen aims at manipulating public perception
The Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) — whose honorary chairman is Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen — has stated that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been trying to create the perception that the Hizmet movement is being backed by the US with his recent request for Gülen’s extradition though there is no legal basis for one.
Court accepts indictment against 9 officers in case seen as political witch hunt
The investigation into the nine police officers is being carried out by Adana Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor Ali Doğan. The investigation drew strong criticism, as they were based on claims made in government media outlets’ news reports. This raised suspicions as to whether the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) had kicked off a witch hunt against the Hizmet movement, which the prime minister recently threatened to “punish with a large-scale operation.
No measures taken against ‘parallel structure’ at top security meeting: General Staff
The Turkish General Staff has dismissed reports that measures against the “parallel structure” – the government’s code word for the movement of erstwhile ally Fethullah Gülen – in the army have been taken during a National Security Council (MGK) meeting on April 30.
Hospitality conference draws strong participation in Bangkok
Speaking at the conference, Professor Sophia Pandya from California University said that Anatolians provide the best example of hospitality toward all comers irrespective of race, religion or language. Pandya added that the Hizmet movement, which originated in Anatolia and is inspired by well-respected Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, tries to find solutions to many problems in the world with a similar approach.
Bangladesh’s Turkish school student becomes first in world math exam
Mostafa, who was up against nine million students from 110 nations, became first in Edexcel IGCSE exam. Mostafa is a 10th grade student from Bangladesh’s International Hope Turkish School and he received his award from Bangladesh’s London ambassador.
Central West Africa shows up for TUSKON event
In the event, titled the Turkey-Central West Africa Trade Bridge, which was hosted by the Association of Aegean and Mediterranean Industrialists and Businesspeople (ESİDEF), a member of TUSKON, 250 businesspeople from Niger, Nigeria, Ghana and Burkina Faso — representing 100 firms — had the opportunity to meet with 300 Turkish businesspeople from the Aegean region.
Academic freedom at universities under growing threat
Süleyman Yaşar, a former columnist at the Sabah daily who has a broad vision regarding the economic policy of the current government, was fired from the outlet for not criticizing the Hizmet movement [the faith-based organization inspired by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen]
Once lauded as model, Turkey’s Africa initiative loses momentum
One of the main reasons behind the loss of momentum in Turkey’s once-intense efforts to boost relations with African states is the Turkish government’s effort to win domestic battles at any cost. In one such attempt, the Turkish government started to work on a plan to get states to close down Turkish schools abroad that are affiliated with the Hizmet movement, which is inspired by the teachings of Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen and known as one of Turkey’s most important soft-power instruments.
New York Times urges Obama not to deport Gulen
In an editorial titled ‘Let Mr. Erdogan Fight His Own Battles’ published on May 2, the New York Times said ‘The American government is obliged to examine the request if Mr. Erdogan follows through and formally files one. But right now the threat seems to be nothing more than a crass and cynical attempt to exploit the law, and Turkey’s alliance with the United States, for political payback.’
Man behind Gülen probe also filed complaints about PM Erdoğan
An investigation into Gülen was launched by an Ankara prosecutor’s office earlier this week following a complaint filed by C.O. The former noncommissioned officer told the media that his complaint against the scholar was based on a number of reports that had appeared in government newspapers. “I am basing my complaint on newspaper reports and my thoughts. I am unhappy. I do not want to be promoted in the media or become popular. I do not like things like this. I have also filed many criminal complaints against the prime minister,” he said.
Desmond Tutu commends Gulen inspired organization
The Turquoise Harmony Institute, an organization inspired by the philosophies and teachings of Fethullah Gulen that promotes peace, dialogue and tolerance hosted its 7th annual Ubuntu Lecture and Peace and Dialogue Awards Ceremony on the 30th of April in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Kimse Yok Mu and Tuna Foundation lifting up Romanian orphans’ spirit
Kimse Yok Mu Foundation in cooperation with the local Tuna Foundation gave away donations of clothing and food to the children of an orphanage in the Romanian capital Bucharest. The two foundations joined together to reach out to a total of 270 orphans including those with mental disorders.
