Quality of Gulen Movement Schools - Ruth Woodhall

(Video Duration: 4 mins 20 secs)

“This study is based on my own experience of working within the movement in a number of different locations and roles over a period of almost eight years, I offer for consideration the view that it is only the remarkable harmony between Gülen’s philosophy of education and the cultural practice of his followers which can explain adequately the continuing growth and success of the movement. It is my contention that Gülen is the unusual individual who is able to work with multiple paradigms simultaneously and this is one of the reasons that he has such extraordinary influence and leadership capacity.”

Read more & watch the video »

Gulen Movement: A Movement of Volunteers - S. A. Tekalan

(Video Duration: 3 mins 49 secs)

“The volunteers involved in this movement conduct activities geared toward promoting dialogue that bring all social sections closer together, with a particular emphasis on education; today such activities are extensively organized in various parts of the world. To this end, educational institutions have been established world-wide, offering new opportunities for different nations, with no political motives whatsoever being involved. This movement rejects the idea of the clash of civilizations, and aims to live in a peaceful world; departing from the principle of simply accepting everyone as they are, national and international meetings have been organized to discuss the issues and problems that present, or likely to present obstacles to an atmosphere of peaceful cohabitation and coexistence from developing.”

Read more & watch the video »

Educational Philosophy of Gulen Movement - Asma Afsaruddin

(Video Duration: 6 mins 19 secs)

"The spread and success of the Gulen schools within and outside Turkey testifies to the efficacy of his educational philosophy which lays equal stress on the inculcation of Islamic ethical values and a sound training in the secular sciences. Gulen’s emphasis on reason wedded to faith is perfectly in accord with the spirit of the golden age of Islamic civilization with its flourishing culture and learning as well as with the spirit of our own age, as we have established. Madrasa reform in the wake of September 11 in particular is currently receiving serious attention in a number of Muslim countries and its implementation has begun in earnest in several of them. 51 In this context, the Gulen schools and their philosophy of education deserve closer attention since they are worthy of emulation in the contemporary period."

Read more & watch the video »

Why Gulen Movement Schools are Successful - Charles Nelson

(Video Duration: 2 mins 49 secs)

"Many have been inspired by Fethullah Gülen to spend their time and wealth to establish schools of excellence. Why? It is not that he teaches something new or different. Rather, in part, it is likely due to a unique confluence of time, place, and context. In part, it is due to Fethullah Gülen himself. His stories, his moral example, and his teachings inspire others to take action, to sacrifice, and to serve humanity rather than themselves."

Read more & watch the video »

Discoursive and Organizational Strategies of Gulen Movement - Bekim Agai

(Video Duration: 5 mins 9 secs)

“… The success of the Gülen movement in the field of education has multiple dimensions. The Gülen movement as we see it today has a history which is rooted in that of the Turkish Republic. Organizational structures and the content of discourse developed in close relationship with the political history of Turkey and were shaped by the events in world history after 1990. Fethullah Gülen has managed to lead his followers into the modern world but within their religious framework. This framework has a discoursive and organizational side. He was able to lead the much closed cemaat to new horizons.”

Read more & watch the video »

Fethullah Gulen and Arnold J. Toynbee - by Paul Weller

(Video Duration: 1 min 32 secs)

"Though coming from different civilisational backgrounds and having different personal biographies, in their thinking both Toynbee and Gülen stand against ways of thinking and acting that promote what can all too easily become the illusion that the uncomfortable plurality of the contemporary world can be abolished. Against such illusions Gülen warns that: “…different beliefs, races, customs and traditions will continue to cohabit in this village. Each individual is like a unique realm unto themselves; therefore the desire for all humanity to be similar to one another is nothing more than wishing for the impossible. For this reason, the peace of this (global) village lies in respecting all these differences, considering these differences to be part of our nature and in ensuring that people appreciate these differences. Otherwise, it is unavoidable that the world will devour itself in a web of conflicts, disputes, fights, and the bloodiest of wars, thus preparing the way for its own end.”

Read more & watch the video »

Gulen Movement - An Analysis by Professor Helen Rose Ebaugh

(Video Duration: 28 mins. 12 secs.)

Helen Rose Ebaugh, Professor at the Department of Sociology at University of Houston, who primarily teaches sociology of world religions, discusses the concept of organizational culture by telling about a study that she reported in her recent book: The Gulen Movement – A Sociological Analysis of a Civic Movement Rooted in Moderate Islam.

Read more & watch the video »

CBS 60 minutes: Fethullah Gulen advocates education

Alp Aslandogan, Ph.D.

(Video Duration: 2 mins. 6 secs.)

CBS 60 minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl (LS) is interviewing Alp Aslandogan (AA), President of Institute of Interfaith Dialogue in Houston, Texas regarding the ideas of Fethullah Gulen on education:

Read more & watch the video »

Gulen gave us the roadmap for dialogue with different faiths, says Congresswoman Lee

(Video Duration: 3 mins. 11 secs.)

Texas State Rep. Alma Allen (L),
Alp Aslandogan of IID (C),
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

The Institute of Interfaith Dialogue (IID) held its 7th Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner in Houston, Texas on November 24th, 2009.

Guests, which included Houston Police Department, several leading universities, the FBI, and Texas Turkish American Chamber of Commerce among dozens of other groups, tasted the possibility of peaceful existence between people of different faiths.

Read more & watch the video »

Fethullah Gulen & Gulen Institute praised by panelists

(Video Duration: 3 mins. 54 secs.)

The Gulen Institute at Houston University which has been bringing preeminent figures of the US together for various conferences held its latest panel this week. The subject of the panel was "The Role of Common Values in Mitigating Global and Local Issues". Panelists addressed the current challenges of the US in particular and the world in general, and discussed how all agents in a society offer solutions to these problems using common shared values.

Read more & watch the video »

Gulen Movement & Gulen Institute - Remarks by Kofi Annan

(Video Duration: 31 secs.)

Gulen Movement and Gulen Institute's activities were praised by Kofi Annan, Former Secretary General of the United Nations between 1997 and 2006. On April 12 2010, Annan addressed to a distinguished audience at Gulen Institute's Luncheon Forum.

Read more & watch the video »

Fethullah Gulen commended by Texas Senate

(Video Duration: 1 min 10 secs.)

The Senate of the State of Texas passed a resolution on January 25, 2011 commending respected Turkish scholar Fethullah Gülen for his contributions to the promotion of global peace and understanding.

Senate Resolution No. 85, which was approved during the session chaired by Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, said, “The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Fethullah Gülen for his ongoing and inspirational contributions to the promotion of global peace and understanding.” The resolution said Turkish scholar, author, poet, preacher and educational activist Fethullah Gülen has inspired a worldwide social movement that promotes humanistic values and service, known as the Hizmet movement, or the Gülen movement."

Read more & watch the video »

Gulen Movement & Gulen Institute - Remarks by Madeleine Albright

(Video Duration: 39 secs.)

Madeleine Albright

Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was the keynote speaker for The Gülen Institute Luncheon Series in Houston, Texas on December 2, 2008.

"In a world that lacks direction, there can be no doubt that a pathfinder is needed. It is much more likely to be found in the values that reside at the heart of the Gülen Institute and this luncheon series.

Read more & watch the video »

Fethullah Gulen - Remarks by President Fox

(Video Duration: 1 min 07 secs.)

Vicente Fox

Gulen Institute welcomed Hon. Vicente Fox [55th President of Mexico - from 2000 to 2006] at the luncheon forum organized by the Gulen Institute in Hilton Americas on May 3, 2011.

He shared that education is the key to success and the face of a nation can change from one generation to the next through its education system. He shares view of education with Saint Ignatius De Loyola and Fethullah Gulen. However, education alone cannot be the sole solution.

Read more & watch the video »

Gulen Movement & Gulen Institute - Remarks by James Baker

(Video Duration: 1 min 40 secs.)

James Baker

Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, who served under Presidents Reagan and Bush Senior...was the keynote speaker for The Gülen Institute Luncheon Series in Houston, Texas on May 20, 2008. Mr. Baker began his speech by expressing his gratitude for the Gülen Institute's efforts to promote cooperation and respect amongst people from diverse background without discrimination:

Read more & watch the video »

Fethullah Gulen & Gulen Movement - Remarks by James Baker

(Video Duration: 17 secs.)

James Baker

Fethullah Gulen, the Gulen Movement, and their efforts for interfaith dialogue are recognized by Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker:

"I think this [Gulen] institute serves all humanity based on the perspectives inspired by the life and works of Fethullah Gulen who tirelessly works to foster mutual understanding among civilizations, among cultures and among faiths."

Read more & watch the video »