Turkey's Education Crackdown Is Cause for Concern

By Michael Shank

It appears that Fethullah Gülen, a U.S.-based Islamic preacher from Turkey who promotes peace and tolerance, and the schools associated with his religious Hizmet movement can't get a break.

They were first targeted in America, via discrimination aimed at the Turkish American community centered on his educational efforts, which was initially identified in the Center for American Progress' report "Fear Inc: The Roots of the Islamophobia Network in America." The report found a well-financed, well-organized network of advocates, experts and media partners conducting a strategic campaign throughout America and "spreading hate and misinformation," as CAP put it.

Gulen Charter Schools Myth Flourishes

On the internet, the myth about so-called Gulen Charter Schools considerably flourishes lately. Looks like people are starting to believe in the lie they made up!

Fethullah Gulen-inspired schools are non-religious private institutions sponsored by generous entrepreneurs, altruistic educators, and dedicated parents. Using cutting-edge instructional technology and having already demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, many of these schools rank among the most prestigious educational institutions in their respective countries. Each school follows the curriculum of the host country, with the language of instruction is English. The schools provide scholarships for students who cannot afford the tuition. As many people have observed, Gulen-inspired schools are symbols of peaceful coexistence and dedication to the service of humanity. They also serve as an environment for peaceful coexistence, especially in conflict-ridden regions such as the Philippines, Macedonia, Afghanistan, Northern Iraq, Bosnia, and Kenya. (Quoted from Fethullah Gulen: Biographical Album published by the Gulen Institute).

Gulen Charter Schools Funded by Bill Gates and Walmart?

Bill Gates has become the symbol of Gulen Charter Schools(!)

The below piece written by Goose Network Blog is a good example of how ill-intention and ignorance can take a hate group to new heights. "Better late than never," says a proverb. So, I think it is a good idea to introduce this piece written at the early days of Gulen Charter Schools concept.  

Journalists and Writers Foundation Responds Accusations on Gulen Movement

I think the response below is something very significant in terms of answering the allegations about the Hizmet Movement. 

The Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) has responded to a series of controversial claims and slanderous accusations made about the Hizmet movement which the foundation said are designed to pit the government against the movement and create tension between the two.

A Rare Meeting With Reclusive Turkish Spiritual Leader Fethullah Gulen

Fethullah Gulen was interviewed by Jamie Tarabay, Baghdad Bureau Chief of NPR News and he candidly answered her questions. Between the lines, you can read very humble approaches to many of the questions including the one where he "admits" that he might have misinterpreted some Quranic verses. That is really humility at its best... Enjoy the read.

The Atlantic: It's so rare to have an interview with you, why is that?

Fethullah Gulen: I grew up in a humble family with a shy personality. I accept these kind offers out of respect for those who are requesting such interviews, otherwise, I would prefer to live a secluded life just by myself.

We just saw your living quarters, and I saw a very small bed, a small mat, a small room. When you can have all the space you need, why do you use such a small area for yourself?

My whole life has been this way, during my years as a student, and later on in life I have always lived in such humble spaces. It's because I would like to live like my fellow citizens because I consider myself among them. By no means do I consider myself superior in any sense. Also, it is in my nature. I believe in the hereafter; I believe that's the true life, therefore I don't want to attach myself too much to this world.

Do you still teach every day?

I try to spend time with the students here every day as much as my health allows me. Some days my health prevents me from doing so, but I'd like to continue to study with them for as long as I am alive.

A Gulen-Inspired School in Iran?

Several months ago, a breaking news appeared on some media outlets. According to that news, a Gulen-inspired school in Iran (!) was raided and 83 CIA agents (!) were arrested (!) in the school. It is a rare talent to be able make three mistakes in one sentence.

Of course, this "breaking" news was immediately picked up by ODA TV, who is also the zealous supporter of so-called Gulen Charter School concept in the US.

First, there is no "Gulen-inspired" school in Iran, because Iran, as the example of perfect democracy (!) never allows the Movement to open a school. Second, in this non-existent school, you can't hide 83 CIA agents. Of course, with no school and agents around, you can't arrest them. And here is the proof for this blatant lie:

This is the only one that I could find, because later on they deleted the news and apologized for their blatant lie. Here is the apology:

Here they say, "The Movement is right. That news was untrue. Unfortunately, ODA TV also made the same mistake." Below is the full text for their apology. 

You can still find their apology here.

Top-notch School isn’t Marred by Loose Ties to Turkish Cleric

This is a slap-in-the-face type of answer to the doubters. As the author suggests, the labeling of top-notch charter schools is the outcome of xenophobic current. Just because there are some international faculty at a school, it does not necessarily mean that the school is doing a bad job!

SHOULD MASSACHUSETTS be afraid of Fethullah Gulen? That’s the question at the heart of the whispering campaign against the Pioneer Charter School of Science, a high-achieving public school in Everett whose loose connections to the influential Turkish religious figure came under heightened scrutiny when it sought state permission to expand to a second location in Saugus.

Gulen is a moderate Muslim cleric who emphasizes science and whose followers have started schools worldwide, including hundreds of charter schools in the United States. Pioneer’s director, Barish Icin, says the Everett school isn’t connected to Gulen, but some of the school’s choices suggest at least a casual link; the school has hired 16 Turkish science, math, or technology teachers with temporary visas, though only four are currently on the school’s staff. It has also contracted with a law firm tied to the Gulen movement.

But that doesn’t really matter. Public schools should be judged based on their performance, and according to state statistics, Pioneer is doing an exemplary job. The school has received state awards for its high MCAS scores, which are significantly above statewide averages; when it sought to expand, many parents attested to the education their children at the grade 7-12 school are receiving. The school offers 200 days a year of instruction, almost a full month more than district schools. Of the 34 students in the school’s first graduating class last year, more than 30 were accepted to four-year colleges. If this is foreign interference in American education, maybe we need more.

Indeed, part of the point of charter schools is to provide a testing ground for unconventional educational approaches; schools are given wide latitude to set their own policies, as long as they adhere to basic guidelines. Importing Turkish teachers is about as unconventional as it gets. But the school broke no rules, the state has received no complaints about religious influence at the school, and its academic results speak for themselves.

Nationally, much of the controversy over Gulen-inspired schools has carried an undercurrent of xenophobia, as if the mere possibility of Muslim educators were inherently alarming. But educators of all religions can be inspired by their faith to help others. As long as they don’t discriminate against other religions, or try to inculcate their beliefs into schoolchildren, then it shouldn’t be a concern. Unless such complaints arise, there is no reason to object to the Pioneer school, and the state made the right call by approving its expansion.

Ergenekon Terrorist Organization Suspects Get Sentenced

The long marathon of the court battle has come to an end and many of the Ergenekon suspects got very harsh but deserved sentences. If you need background information, please refer to Ergenekon Fact vs. Fiction page. On this page, this sentence is noteworthy:

"It is not unexpected for a member of the Ergenekon terrorist network to oppose the government in Turkey; after all, Ergenekon was allegedly trying to topple the government. From the evidence submitted to the court, we also know that these people are also staunchly anti-West, labeling the US imperialist and the EU and NATO Trojan horses vis-a-vis Turkey."

Alma Allen Silences Texas Eagle Forum's MerryLynn Gerstenschlager

MerryLynn Gerstenschlager, the Vice President of Texas Eagle Forum, voiced her concerns over the alleged "Gulen Charter Schools" in front of the Texas House Public Education Committee, yet nobody at the committee shared these concerns. The alarmist approch of Ms. Gerstenschlager (hard to write her last name) reflected the mindset of people with similar worldview. 

First of all, she makes a lot of factual errors such as "Turkish government was taken over by Islamists" as though there has been a coup that resulted in the governance of Islamists. There is no such thing. Turkey has been on free elections since 1950 and the current party, which considers itself "conservative democrat", won the last three elections. She also quotes from Rick Perry, but everyone knows Perry with his infamous gaffe about Turkey.

She also claims that "Fethullah Gulen was kicked out of Turkey", but that is not true, either. He left Turkey on his will and she was subsequently acquitted from all cases. 

Upon hearing some nonsensical claims about Harmony Public Schools, Rep. Alma Allen, D-Houston, said : “I have a large Turkish community in my district and several Harmony schools in my district. I think they are fabulous. I don’t think they teach religion.” 

Gerstenschlager also admitted the success of Harmony Public Schools:

“I have read stellar things about their academic performance. I never said they taught religion."

Allen told Gerstenschlager she should “underscore ‘stellar,’” and said she has visited Turkey twice.

“It’s beautiful. You should go. I will take you,” the lawmaker said.

Rep. Mark Shelton, on the other hand, R-Fort Worth, told Gerstenschlager the Harmony charter school in his district is immensely popular. “They are lining up trying to get into that school. Parents are thrilled. I am just not hearing anyone saying that there’s some problem in the school related to the issues you are talking about,” the physician-lawmaker told her. 

Mr. Shelton also asked, "You don't trust the parents with their choice?"

Allen, the Houston lawmaker, got in the last word during the public hearing.

“I am just dumbfounded,” she said. “Of all the cultures.. I don’t know why we single out Turkey. I think the Turkish culture is wonderful. I hope they open up more schools.” 

The full conversation between the three can be found below:

Fethullah Gulen Featured at TIME 100 List

Fethullah Gulen featured by TIME.

Fethullah Gulen, Turkish-Muslim scholar and thinker, has been featured by TIME which published its annual "TIME 100" list. Fethullah Gulen's inclusion came as no surprise to me, because he is clearly an influential person both in his native country and globally. Actually, TIME should have included Fethullah Gulen at least a few years ago in its list. They are a bit late on catching up with the realities of Muslim world. They think social movements in the Muslim countries are somewhat static, but the realities say the opposite.  

The introductory piece was authored by Stephen Kinzer, former NYT bureau chief of Istanbul between 1996 and 2000. Mr. Kinzer tried to be an impartial in his piece, but as an expert on Gulen Movement, I argue that he committed a couple of errors in such a short piece. First of all, Mr. Kinzer drew a very limited portrait of Fethullah Gulen in which Mr. Kinzer described Fethullah Gulen as a person preaching only tolerance, neglecting Gulen's influence in other areas. Second, the Gulen Movement is active in almost all walks of life, not just education and health. Third, and maybe the most important mistake, Mr. Kinzer wrote, "His influence in his native Turkey is immense, exercised by graduates of his schools who have reached key posts in the government, judiciary and police." Other than being an ambiguous one, this is a wrong sentence at its best. A great majority of the people who love Fethullah Gulen are not the graduates of Gulen-inspired schools. These people are the graduates of state schools. On the other hand, "reaching key posts" is an ambiguous expression as I said above. It deserves several questions: what does "key posts" mean? What happens when you reach these key posts? Is it illegal to be in these key posts just because someone admires Fethullah Gulen? Is it a similar mindset that was prevalent during the McCarthy Era in the United States? And many more questions to be asked...

Some "experts" still treat the Gulen Movement as if the Movement is an illegal organization and the members/followers/admirers/sympathizers of the movement "occupy" some posts and key positions without deserving them. That way, some doubts are tried to be cast on the Gulen Movement or the members of the Movement.   

Fethullah Gulen's Poems Turned into Songs for International Album

Artists from twelve different countries composed music for poems written by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who is known for his global message of peace and inter-faith tolerance, for an album titled “Colors of Peace-Rise Up” to promote peace and tolerance.

The poems were translated into English, and each artist selected one poem to interpret in song.

“Colors of Peace” brought two artists together from Israel and Palestine, Kobi Farhi and Ruba Shamshoum, respectively. Performing together for the first time, Farhi and Shamshoum sang the Gülen poem “The Pure Path.” The singer of the band Orphaned Land from Israel, Farhi is a well-known name not only in the Middle East, but also Europe, Latin America and India. Palestinian singer Shamshoum, who is also followed closely in the region, also works as an actor and has composed music for several movies.

Nil, a production company, completed the album in two years jointly with Universal Music. As part of the project, 50 Gülen poems were translated into English and sent to artists, and each artist picked a poem to turn into a song. As a result of this diversity, this world music album includes different genres such as pop, jazz, Indian sounds, Flamenco and Rai. The album is being marketed all over the world.

The project development manager of Nil Production, Tevfik Aslan, says that “Rise Up” turned out to be a diverse and colorful album that calls for peace with its universal language at a time when wars are prevalent.

Natacha Atlas from Britain, who sang on the album, said that she picked the most romantic Gülen poem to sing, as she joined other artists who stated that they found Gülen's poems romantic and impressive. She said that the poem “Continuous Beauty” has a unique spirituality, as she defined it as a “personal kind of love and a different connection with God.”

Atlas said that she learned more about Gülen after the project: “I heard that there were many rumors about Gülen, and his ideas and books are widely discussed. What is important for me is that he encourages dialogue. Spiritual and religious leaders have always been a center of criticism in all ages, but I have positive feelings about Gülen.” She also expressed her hope concerning the contribution of the “Colors of Peace” project to dialogue.

Ukraine's well-known voice of the band Bahroma, Roman Baharev, described Gülen as a “romantic wise man” as he said that he was touched by all his poems. Giving voice to the poem “Don't leave me alone,” Baharev added that he translated some of the poems into his own language. “I did not know about Fethullah Gülen before. I read his biography and realized that he is a man that enlightens people with his ideas,” commented Baharev. Expressing his pleasure to be a part of the project, Baharev added, “The world needs to renew itself, and just like Gülen I am in favor of enlightenment.”

German artist Chris Buseck who composed and sang “Rise Up” (Kalk Yiğidim), which became the title of the album, said, “I could not refuse to be a part of such a project that aims for peaceful coexistence among people.”

Pursing his work in Hamburg as part of a project called Good Morning Diary, Buseck started to research Gülen's ideas after Nil Production's offer. “I had to know about the goal of the project if I was going to take part in it,” said Buseck, adding that he read articles about Gülen and researched the ideas that he advocates.

“I saw that the project advocates values such as peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and education for all regardless of religious affiliation, language or culture,” Buseck said. He said that he is happy to support such a message, which should be spread by means of music.

Buseck said that the title of the poem was a reason why he chose that particular work. Stating that he has always liked the word “rise,” the singer used the word in his songs several times. He said that a feeling of melancholy dominates the tone of the poem and reflects well the overall feeling of the project.

On the album, the Italian musician Ely Bruna also took part, utilizing the poem “Music of Rain.” Performing in the genre of soul-jazz and funk, Bruna is a musician who has shared the same stage with famous singers, such as Whitney Houston. Describing the lyrics of “Music of Rain” as “perfect and very poetic,” Bruna said that music is a bridge that helps people live in peace and harmony. Along with others, she also expressed her happiness in taking part in such a project.

Ryan Shaw from the United States, Maher Zain from Egypt, KK&Reet from India, Cristello Duo Feat. Bruno Gouveia from Brazil, Bon Bon from Hungary, Faudel from France, Carmen Paris from Spain are among the other artists who sang on “Rise Up.”

The poems selected by the artists for the album include “Down Comes in Dreams," "The worldly life," "Rose of My Heart," "Rise Up," "Separation and Hope," "Continuous Beauty," "Never," "Rainbow," "Music of Rain," "Don't Leave Me Alone" and “The Cry of the Nightingale."