November 15, 2017 – I was deeply saddened by the news of the earthquake on the border of Iran and Iraq that resulted in the loss of over 400 lives and the wounding of many others.

I send my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones and to the people of Iraq and Iran. I pray to God the Most Compassionate for the quick rescue of those still under rubble and for quick recovery of the injured.

I urge people around the world to help the two countries during this difficult time in support of the recovery process.

About Fethullah Gülen

Fethullah Gülen is an Islamic scholar, preacher and social advocate, whose decades‐long commitment to education, interfaith dialogue and altruism has inspired millions in Turkey and around the world. Gülen is the honorary chairman of the Rumi Forum, Washington, DC and the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, Brussels, Belgium.

About Alliance for Shared Values

The Alliance for Shared Values (AFSV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as a voice for cultural organizations affiliated with Hizmet, a civil society movement inspired by prominent preacher and peace advocate Fethullah Gülen. The Alliance strives to promote peace and social harmony by helping reduce misinformation and false stereotypes about any or all ethnic, cultural and religious communities. To learn more about the Alliance, please visit www.afsv.org.

Media contact

media@afsv.org

212-682-4278

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Statement in Turkish