Op-eds by Fethullah Gulen
The coronavirus changed how Ramadan looks
The coronavirus changed how Ramadan looks. But it will not change our faith in God Original Op-Ed was published on NBCNEWS.com on April 24, 2020 View the original article here. Op-ed in Turkish The Muslim holy month of Ramadan will be different this year. Around the world, mosques will be closed, when they
President Erdogan’s Witch Hunt Reached Brazilian Shores
President Erdogan’s Witch Hunt Reached Brazilian Shores View original article here. Turkey and Brazil were once mentioned in the same breath as rising economic and political stars in the early 2000s. In the intervening years, Turkey has fallen precipitously, both politically and economically. In Freedom House’s just-released Freedom in the World report, Turkey
Islam is Compatible with Democracy, Despite Turkey’s Recent Example
Islam is Compatible with Democracy, Despite Turkey’s Recent Example Original of this Op-Ed was published on Le Monde on February 25, 2019 View original interview here. Op-ed in Turkish Turkey was hailed as an example for a modern Muslim democracy during the early 2000s. The current ruling party that came to power in
Muslims’ unique responsibility to fight terror
The coronavirus changed how Ramadan looks. But it will not change our faith in God Original Op-Ed was published on Politico on June 08, 2017 View original interview here. The brutal, deadly attacks in London and Manchester on innocent civilians are the latest in a series of senseless violent acts carried out by
The Turkey I No Longer Know
The Turkey I No Longer Know Original Op-Ed was published on Washington Post on May 15, 2017 View original interview here. As the presidents of the United States and Turkey meet at the White House on Tuesday, the leader of the country I have called home for almost two decades comes face to
I call for an international investigation into the failed putsch in Turkey
I call for an international investigation into the failed putsch in Turkey Original Op-Ed was published on Le Monde on August 11, 2016 View original interview here. On the night of July 15, Turkey went through the most catastrophic tragedy in its recent history as a result of the attempted military coup. The events of
Fethullah Gulen: I Condemn All Threats to Turkey’s Democracy
Fethullah Gulen: I Condemn All Threats to Turkey’s Democracy Original Op-Ed was published on NY Times on July 26, 2016 View original interview here. During the attempted military coup in Turkey this month, I condemned it in the strongest terms. “Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not
Muslims, we have to critically review our understanding of Islam
Muslims, we have to critically review our understanding of Islam Original Op-Ed was published on Le Monde on December 17, 2015 View original interview here. Words fall short to truly express my deep sadness and revolt in the face of the carnage perpetrated by terrorist groups such as the so-called ISIS. I share
Muslims Must Combat the Extremist Cancer
Muslims Must Combat the Extremist Cancer Original Op-Ed was published on WSJ on August 27, 2015 Read the full op-ed here >> As the group that calls itself Islamic State, known as ISIS, continues to produce carnage in the Middle East, Muslims must confront the totalitarian ideology that animates it and other terrorist
Turkey’s Eroding Democracy
Turkey’s Eroding Democracy Original Op-Ed was published on New York Times on February 3, 2015 View original interview here. It is deeply disappointing to see what has become of Turkey in the last few years. Not long ago, it was the envy of Muslim-majority countries: a viable candidate for the European Union on
Turkey needs a new constitution to save its democracy
Turkey needs a new constitution to save its democracy Trust and stability are fundamental to a nation’s development and to how the world perceives it. There is inherent trust in a democratic and accountable government that respects the rule of law. Turkey painstakingly built this trust over the past decade. Until recently it
Violence is not in the tradition of the Prophet
Violence is not in the tradition of the Prophet Muslims pray each day: “O Lord! Keep us on the straight path.” It is a prayer to help us move away from the extremes and maintain balance in our lives. We must neither be hostage to our reactionary instincts, nor must we remain completely