I was first introduced to the Fethullah Gülen-inspired schools when I visited them as a journalist while following trips abroad by former President Süleyman Demirel.
Since then I have been wondering why the Turkish state is reluctant to make use of such a great opportunity. By “state” I do not intend merely the government. The judiciary and the military organs of the state have biases against Gülen and his “movement” — a description now acceptable to the followers of this movement. In politics, perceptions may play more vital roles than realities. The secularist perception of Gülen has been heavily influenced by such biases. Here is one example: After his appointment as the new chief of general staff, Gen. İlker Başbuğ launched a new media policy and removed some accreditation restrictions. However, the Zaman daily, the Gülen movement’s flagship media organ, was still not accredited. For the military, this group was trying to show itself as more powerful than it really is.
Kazakh students win medals at international science fair
HÜSEYİN GÜNGÖR Students from Kazakh-Turkish high schools founded by Turkish entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan won 12 medals in the Second Annual International Sustainable World (Energy, Engineering & Environment) Project Olympiad (I-SWEEEP 2009) held in Houston on April 15-20. This year, 600 students from 60 countries participated in the competition, where Kazakh high school students were especially […]
Prep school transformation plan violates Constitution, experts say
DERVİŞ GENÇ, İSTANBUL A government plan to shut down Turkey’s prep schools — or “transform” them, as the government argues — violates the Turkish Constitution and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), according to experts. “Parliament can neither close the prep schools with a law nor force them to transform. […]
Turkish Olympiad held in Philippines enchants audience
During the event, Maria Rowena Sanchez who is Philippian ambassador to Turkey, made a speech. “This program, held by the people from different language, religion and culture, shows us what is important is love in heart not the differences among us,” said Sanchez adding that he extended his thanks to devoted teachers in Turkish schools.
Report claims government categorized schools linked to Hizmet
The Turkish government classified, categorized and monitored a number of educational institutions in some way linked to Hizmet, a faith-based movement inspired by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, until 2010, a Turkish daily reported on Sunday. “After statements confirmed the document, not only did I feel shattered, I am left speechless,” Gülen said.
Turkey Has Stolen The Future Of A Medical Student From Uganda
I’m going to devote my column today to, Ibrahim Seruwagi, a young exchange student from Uganda who was robbed off his years of university education in Turkey when he got caught up in the persecution by the Erdoğan government. He was only a month away from graduating from medical school.
Japanese students assist Syrian refugees in Turkey
A group of Japanese university students and professors recently came to Turkey to provide educational assistance to Syrian refugees, according to Turkish news sources on Tuesday. The volunteer group, which came to Turkey through the agency of charity Kimse Yok Mu, consisted of 15 students and professors from Meiji Gakuin University.
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