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Fethullah Gülen

155 quotes

“Second, a school curriculum that emphasizes democratic and pluralistic values and encourages critical thinking must be developed. Every student must learn the importance of balancing state powers with individual rights, the separation of powers, judicial independence and press freedom, and the dangers of extreme nationalism, politicization of religion and veneration of the state or any leader.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Before either of those things can happen, however, the Turkish government must stop the repression of its people and redress the rights of individuals who have been wronged by Erdogan without due process.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I probably will not live to see Turkey become an exemplary democracy, but I pray that the downward authoritarian drift can be stopped before it is too late.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Next Saturday will be remembered as a sad day in Turkey's history, as it marks the anniversary of the heinous coup attempt in which hundreds of our citizens lost their lives and thousands were injured. On this day, I once again condemn this heinous attempt and its perpetrators, and send my condolences to those who lost their relatives and friends in this tragic incident.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Unfortunately, after this disgusting incident, the lives of tens of thousands of innocent people in the country were ruined. By the instructions of the government, they were unlawfully fired from their jobs, detained, arrested and even tortured. The government continues to deprive its own citizens of their means of earning a living, their reputation in society, and their basic human rights in the witch hunt it has undertaken to eliminate anyone it deems disloyal to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his regime.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Instead of explaining why they could not convince world leaders about the accusations they made against me, the government deceives citizens with conspiracy theories through the media they have turned into propaganda tools. Unfortunately, the Turkish people, who cannot hear the different arguments about this terrible event, are mobilized en masse around hate messages. Until now, few people have realized how similar the scapegoating of Hizmet volunteers was to the scapegoating of certain groups by fascist and communist totalitarian regimes in the 20th century.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“My hope is that Turkish intellectuals will raise their voices and stand in solidarity with all the victims of oppression, and that people of law will not compromise on the principles of universal law by ignoring political pressures. May God Almighty take us out of this dark period as soon as possible and lead this blessed homeland to days of peace and safety.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Those in political power continue the witch hunt they started in Turkey in the world. As their first duty, diplomats are trying to have the educational institutions of the Service transferred to the Maarif Foundation or closed down. They are trying to put our friends who work here on planes and send them to Turkey, disregarding international law.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“However, all these oppressions led to something they had never considered. The world got to know the service much better. He saw that we were not in the same line with those who used Islam for politics, and a curiosity and sometimes favor arose. Although this has a heavy price, it is a blessing from God Almighty.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Cruelty only lasts up to a certain point. Politicians have limited time. One day they will leave by democratic means. However, this movement, which is based on love and volunteerism, will continue, with God's permission, in hearts where resources are not sufficient, and in institutions where resources allow.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Serving humanity for the sake of justice is a duty from both religious and human perspectives. The basic principles are clear and unchanging. It is necessary to make efforts in various sectors, especially education, for a world where people live in peace and harmony with each other, hold every human being dear, approach everyone with tolerance and respect, and embrace each other. However, depending on time and ground conditions, the form and format of these services may change.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Media and international observers have stated that recently, many expert police officers and terrorism experts have been dismissed due to political considerations and some have been imprisoned. World media also wrote that Erdogan supported some armed radical organizations in the region in various ways and that he wanted to become a regional power through these. For these reasons, it can be said that terrorist organizations such as ISIS and their sympathizers have found a much more comfortable environment in Turkey in the recent period.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Those who know me and the movement closely know that Erdogan has never been my student. We have fundamental differences of opinion in many areas, especially the use of religion in politics.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Aside from being students, we have never been close to Erdogan. We've only met a few times. Our friends' support to his party as citizens was based on their promises of democracy, human rights and freedoms. As a matter of fact, members of this community supported parties that called for democracy, defended European Union membership, and emphasized fundamental rights and freedoms in previous periods. But when Erdogan himself and his party turned 180 degrees from these values and promises, our support could no longer be an issue, and that's what happened.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“One of the important reasons for the conflict is that the Hizmet Movement, which carries out successful educational activities around the world, did not embrace the "leadership of the world's Muslims" discourse claimed by Erdogan and did not support it in the international arena. For this reason, they are now trying to use state resources and mobilize all diplomats and intelligence agencies to close down Hizmet training institutions around the world or have them transferred to the Maarif Foundation, and to extradite the Hizmet participants there to Turkey and imprison them.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Neither I nor those who devoted themselves to service set out on the basis of Western-origin ideologies. Our reference has always been the Islamic values that were represented in the life of our Prophet (pbuh) and which we also believe are universal values. Holding every human being dear, equality before the law, giving women the opportunity to take part in social life, the rule of law in government and an administration with the participation of citizens... these are Islamic and universal values. Some may make some analogies to this stance, but our source is clear.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We can say that Erdogan sees himself as the leader of the world's Muslims, and that he has become an embarrassment both with his words and actions, and with the use of the resources of the Turkish state to collect credit for himself in the world. In fact, those around him were not satisfied with this and called him a world leader.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“However, it is not right to associate members of various Islamic movements in different countries around the world, who sincerely serve the religion without engaging in any form of violence, with terrorism in a wholesale approach. Otherwise, injustice would be done to those who are against terrorism, and therefore some people would be pushed into the arms of radical movements through such an unfair and unlawful practice.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He needed an enemy to justify all of this: When the service movement did not become a tool for his own political ambitions, he declared Hizmet as an enemy and started to motivate his base with this. In order to maintain this motivation, they are now trying to blame every problem on the Hizmet movement. It can also be said that he made the right choice for himself. Because he knew very well that no matter how much he slandered and oppressed, there would be no retaliation against him and that the people he served would not even raise their hands to shake a fist.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I cursed the incident while it was happening and denied the accusations made against me. I invited Erdogan to establish an international commission of inquiry and promised to buy my own ticket and return if they agreed to their verdict and found me guilty. They didn't even respond to my offer. This shows that they have a lot to hide. As a matter of fact, they could not convince the world of their slander. I think July 15 is a scenario in which Erdogan is also involved. The truth will emerge over time, with God's permission.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Why do Western countries and America not speak out against Erdogan's human rights violations and the imprisonment of thousands of people?”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I would like to return if Turkey becomes a democratic and law-abiding state again, but it is not possible to say when this will happen. There is no sign of hope in the short term. But blasphemy continues, oppression does not continue. If God Almighty desires something, He creates its causes. A believer never gives up hope. We have not given up hope, and we will not give up.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“On the other hand, many countries did not succumb to Erdogan's blackmail, using bilateral relations as a bargaining chip. They did not touch the service volunteers and institutions in their country. They opened their doors and arms to refugees fleeing persecution in Turkey. Egypt, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Germany, America, Canada, Australia and many other countries. I would like to remember this with gratitude.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There are different administrative systems in the world. These may vary from country to country. However, the main thing is to comply with universal principles such as separation of powers, rule of law and guaranteeing fundamental human rights and freedoms. I do not think that these principles are or will be respected in the system that is intended to be implemented in Turkey.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It can be said that behind every political step taken in recent years is Erdogan's desire to remain the sole power holder in the administration.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I have previously expressed my opinions on the Syrian issue. A government in which the Sunni Arab population, Nusayri population, Kurds and non-Muslim elements all see themselves and are represented is a healthy solution for Syria. For this, if necessary, giving the government the opportunity for a democratic and gradual transition should be considered.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“My friends who follow the media state that the opposition does not accept any formula adopted by the current administration. However, in order to avoid more loss of life and victimization, I believe that it would be more appropriate to act on this issue with the principle of "if the best cannot be achieved, agree on what is good.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Turkish voters can of course change their stance. However, elections are not held fairly at the moment. The media is under tutelage, the judiciary is under tutelage, the capital is under tutelage. Under these conditions, it is very difficult to accurately determine what Turkish voters really think.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He sees himself as the leader of the entire Islamic world and tries to present himself as such. It is trying to bring Muslim countries under its influence through different methods. This is why he takes a stand against countries and leaders who do not consent to this and do not intervene in their internal affairs.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Egypt has an exceptional place in the Islamic world. This geography, which has been the cradle of civilizations in history, has also raised important people in Islamic history and hosted centers of science. Egypt maintains its special position and importance for the future of the Middle East. Egypt's internal peace and stability are of critical importance for this geography.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“NATO played a critical role in ensuring Turkey's security during the cold war years. At the same time, the steps taken for NATO membership contributed to Turkey's democratization. While this membership continued, Turkey took as an example the members of NATO, which are democratic and law-abiding states. Erdogan's initiative is a move that harms this alliance. However, it is very difficult to know their sincerity on this issue. Because they lied so much that we don't know whether they are sincere or whether they are doing it to get some concessions from America and Europe.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“My first Quran teacher was my mother. He made me memorize the Quran at a young age. At that time, despite the pressure from the state, he also taught the Quran to village children. Since it was forbidden to teach the Quran, he used to teach it in a barn next to our house, with a hidden entrance. His sacrifice impressed me greatly. From my father, I learned love for the companions and respect for Islamic scholars.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“These days, I write articles for Çağlayan magazine. Also, our friends transcribe some of our conversations and turn them into a book, and I proofread them.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In the early 2000s, Turkey was hailed as a Muslim-majority country making strides toward improving its democracy. The ruling party, which took office in 2002, implemented reforms that aligned with European Union democratic standards, and the country's human rights record began to improve.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Unfortunately, these democratic reforms were short-lived. Within a few years, reforms stalled, and after his third election victory in 2011, then-Prime Minister and now-President Erdoğan made a complete U-turn. Since then, the increasingly intense authoritarianism has made Turkey no longer a model for other Muslim-majority countries to follow. Some may see Turkey's recent negative example as evidence of the incompatibility between democratic and Islamic values. However, this would be a misdiagnosis/conclusion.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“As witnessed throughout history in Turkey and elsewhere, one method used by despotic leaders to maintain their dominance is to exploit differences within society and pit different groups against each other. Regardless of their religious beliefs or outlook on life, citizens must be able to unite around their universal rights and freedoms and to oppose those who violate these rights through democratic means.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Democracy has been implemented in many different ways around the world. The democratic ideal underlying these diverse practices—that is, the non-oppression of one group by another—is also an Islamic ideal. The basis of the concept of equal citizenship in law is to cherish every human being as a generous being created by God and to respect them as a work of art. Considering all of this, participatory democracy or a republican form of government is more compatible with the spirit of Islam than monarchy or oligarchy.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Turkey's current government resembles more of an oligarchy than a democracy. How did it become this way?”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“By seizing control of the state, placing capitalists under tutelage, and rewarding his inner circle, President Erdoğan has led Turkey, once a promising democracy, down the wrong path. To manipulate public opinion to consolidate power, he has declared me and the Hizmet movement enemies of the state and blamed me for all the evils that have befallen the country in recent history. This is a typical example of scapegoating an individual or group.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The witch hunt targeted all forms of dissent, especially members of the Hizmet movement, a movement dedicated to peace and tolerance. Environmental protesters, journalists, academics, Kurds, Alevis, non-Muslims, and some devout Muslim groups critical of Erdoğan's actions also suffered from this policy. People's lives were devastated by unjust dismissals, arrests, imprisonment, torture, property theft, and numerous other atrocities.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Fleeing ongoing persecution, thousands of Hizmet volunteers have sought refuge in various countries around the world, including France. Wherever they go, their role is to integrate into society and live lawfully, contribute to solving social problems, and actively fight against the spread of radical interpretations of Islam in Europe.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A campaign of judicial persecution continues in Turkey, based on criminalizing people for sympathizing with a person or group. The number of victims of this campaign is increasing daily. More than 150,000 citizens have been unjustly dismissed from their jobs, more than 200,000 arrested, and more than 80,000 imprisoned. Those targeted in this politically motivated persecution who attempt to leave the country are even denied this fundamental human right, recognized by the United Nations, because their passports have been revoked.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In Turkey, it has recently been observed that citizens have been very passive in conveying their democratic demands to their leaders. Concerns about economic stability may be cited as an underlying reason for this. However, if we look back from the current situation, we can see that there is also a historical reason for this.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“While democratic governance is an ideal of the Turkish Republic, no systematic effort has been made to instill democratic values among the Turkish public. "Obedience to a strong leader," "obedience to the state," has always been a crucial element in the educational curriculum. Military coups, occurring almost every decade, have denied democracy the opportunity to develop and take root. Citizens have forgotten, or have been made to forget, that the state exists for the people, not the other way around. It's safe to say that President Erdoğan has capitalized on this social psychology.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Turkey's democracy may be in a coma due to the current regime, but I remain hopeful. Oppression has never been long-lasting. I believe Turkey will one day return to the path of democracy. However, certain measures must be taken to ensure democracy takes root and endures.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Democracy and human rights are currently suspended in Turkey. As a predominantly Muslim country, it appears to have missed a historic opportunity to achieve democracy at European Union standards.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A society's leaders are like cream on a liquid. The essence of liquid is the essence of cream. The cream of milk comes from milk, the cream of yogurt from yogurt, and the cream of alum from alum. The leaders of a society, while perhaps not always with 100% accuracy, reflect the beliefs and values of that society as a whole. I hope and pray that the recent tragic events in Muslim-majority countries will lead to a collective awakening and lead to democratically minded leaders and governments that defend both free and fair elections and all fundamental human rights and freedoms.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I learned with deep sorrow of the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which resulted in the deaths of 49 people and the injuries of 20. I strongly condemn this heinous attack and pray that God Almighty has mercy on the innocent victims, grants patience to their families, and grants a speedy recovery to the injured.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The most important pillar of any effort to address a solution is to remember and internalize our shared identity as humans. The cure for the disease of people driven by fear and hatred, who attack those they perceive as different, lies in establishing a global understanding of the value of all people through dialogue and education.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“On this tragic occasion, I offer my condolences to all Muslims worldwide and to the people of New Zealand who lost their citizens. May God help and assist all those who sincerely fight terrorism, including government officials and civil society organizations, and all those who strive to spread love and brotherhood among people.”
Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source