The Gulen Chair holder at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, Prof. Johan Leman presents his analysis of the Gulen Movement, based on his studies and observations in his native country Belgium.In the final part of his presentation which mainly focuses on the movement’s organizational structure, Prof. Leman arrives at the conclusion that the movement is network that is far too “loosely knit” to be referred to as “movement.” He draws the line between the term movement and its supposedly Arabic counterpart “harakat”. Offering the Arabic word’s definition, which has Aristotelian connotations as well, Leman argues that harakat (meaning, as he puts it, moving identities putting other things in movement and thus leading to a series of movement) corresponds better to the structure and operation of the Gulen Movement.
The one-day international conference reflects different dimensions of the Gülen Movement, which originated in Turkey and then expanded throughout the world. International experts discuss the movement from the following viewpoints: theological, intellectual, financial, structural, political, gender, and sociocultural. This multidimensional approach provides useful pointers about this transnational movement. The Gülen Movement, also called the Volunteers Movement, is rooted in the teachings of Muslim scholar Fethullah Gülen. The movement's messages and praxis are discussed and reflected on, and its organization and accomplishments, including its resonance thoroughly analyzed. By focusing on its seven dimensions, this interdisciplinary conference contributes to a comprehensive view of one of the most widely discussed societal programs in the contemporary world.
Read more by Prof. Leman at Hizmet Movement
