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The Influence of the Hizmet Movement in the Middle East
Abril V. Urbano Mejía
Eotvos Lorand University
African and Middle East studies IRB140
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Abstract
As our presentation attempted to demonstrate, the Hizmet movement is an increasing
phenomenon and worthwhile studying. In this essay I examine its birth and the complex
influence of the Hizmet movement in the Middle East, emphasizing its effects on social,
political, and educational fronts, and assesses the movement's consequences for both
international relations and regional stability. I also try to emphasize the different traits that set it
apart from other social movements and how it has managed to gain dual influence, perhaps
causing political friction while also fostering stability and progress.
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Background
The founder of the Hizmet movement is Fethullah Gülen, Born on April 27 th of 1942, in
the village of Korucuk near Erzurum in eastern Turkey. He is a strong Islamist supporter and
Turkish scholar. Raised in a religious household and in a period when secularist ideals were
highly valued by the Turkish government. His viewpoint was also influenced by the Soviet
Union's growing expansion and the clashes between Muslims and Christians in the Balkans.
In 1958 he became a licensed Imam (Muslim leader who guides prayer), influenced by Sufi
traditions, which deals mainly with the love for God and the direct personal experience of the
Divine. He was also inspired by the teaching of Said Nursi, a prominent Turkish figure and
father of the Nursi movement, that is characterized by peaceful activism, education, and
community service.
He continued his role as a leader until 1966, when he founded a network of boarding homes
known as "lighthouses," or ışık evleri, to help students with their studies. With the goal of
preparing people for jobs in the bureaucracy and public service, he and his allies founded several
civil society organizations, schools, and philanthropic organizations throughout time.
Hizmet grew into the world’s largest Muslim network, having followers in around 140 countries.
The meaning behind Hizmet is service and it’s said to promote work for the common good, with
its main goal being to demonstrate Muslims that they can live modern lives while remaining
faithful to Islamist traditions; also encouraging intercultural and interfaith dialogue.
Functioning and Aim
The Gülen movement does not have a centralized structure and it describes itself as a cemaat
(Community), that focuses on joining Islam with and modernity. With millions of supporters all
over the world, most of these make generous donations to Gulen- linked foundations. With
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Fethullah in charge, the plans are carried out by entrusted small groups of deputies abroad called
“Elder brothers”. The organization also supports several Turkish business associations in
Western Europe, which are crucial for networking and promoting contact among Gülen's
adherents.
This organization has managed to become international in some way; this perhaps be due
to its infrastructure, which includes volunteers, organizational leadership, financial donors, and
the Turkish diaspora, which has spread throughout the world as professionals, businesspeople,
students, and so forth.
Regarding its objectives, I discovered a webpage that outlines, in detail, the
organization's vision and the goals that each member of Hizmet should aspire to. Their vision is
centered around several key ideas, including respect for the law, altruism, women's
empowerment, finding value in diversity, how challenges can be used to our advantage, and how
sharing and cooperation are crucial tools for fostering understanding among people of different
faiths, cultures, and worldviews.
Social effects
Its agenda is mainly educational, but they do not denominate these institutions as “Gülen
schools.” But rather, “Gülen-inspired” since most of the funding comes from business leaders
who follow Fethullah. His followers have established schools, universities, seminars, weekend
schools and after school programs, seeking to promote dialogue as the main drive and
engagement among different cultures around the world.
The Gülen schools have made great progress in offering a diverse student body
educational option; in many cases, they have surpassed or equaled the enrollment rates of
children of color in their respective districts. These schools serve a wide range of ethnic groups,
especially in majority-Latino areas like Los Angeles, Houston, and San Antonio, even though
many of the teachers are Turkish. It is interesting, though, that although Gülen schools assist
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low-income children, they frequently do not assist the most impoverished students in their
communities. This is demonstrated by the enrollment statistics and reduced meal programs,
which show that, in comparison to the surrounding districts, Gülen schools have more students
receiving reduced lunches but fewer obtaining free lunches. This distinction highlights the
schools' focus on moderately needy students, ensuring they can claim to serve low-income
populations without targeting the most disadvantaged.
Academically speaking, Gülen schools have continuously surpassed surrounding districts
and, in many cases, their home states in terms of performance. For example, the math and
reading test results at Horizon Science Academy in Cleveland and the School of Science and
Technology in San Antonio are comparable to or higher than those of their respective districts.
The School of Science and Technology in San Antonio is especially noteworthy since its math
competence rate was 29% higher than the state average. These schools frequently specialize in
one subject; Harmony School of Advancement, for instance, excels in reading, which is
indicative of its larger academic concentration. Although some schools need further
improvement, Gülen schools generally score well academically.
The ways that different campuses of Gülen schools enforce discipline differ greatly from
one another. While some schools—like Houston's Harmony Science Academy—had suspension
rates that are lower than those of the districts around them, others have substantially higher rates.
Remarkably, two Los Angeles Gülen charter schools reported zero suspensions, which is
consistent with a citywide trend towards fewer punishments. Although the exact causes of this
variation are unknown, disciplinary ideologies at different schools are likely a factor. One
example is Harmony School of Advancement, which promotes "Discipline with Character" in an
effort to keep the campus free of drugs, gangs, and bullies. Other educational institutions, such as
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the School of Science and Technology and the Horizon Science Academy, place more of an
emphasis on preserving dynamic and engaging learning environments.
The problems surrounding Gülen schools have important societal ramifications,
regardless of their effectiveness as educational institutions. Claims of financial corruption and
discriminatory actions have the potential to erode public confidence in the institutions and
damage the movement's standing. These issues might have an impact on how students learn,
changing the emphasis of the classroom from academics and personal growth to handling the
aftermath from continuing investigations and bad press.
The social dynamics of these institutions are complicated by the association with Gülen's
wider theological and political mission. An atmosphere of uncertainty and divisiveness may
result from the movement's political activity and tense relationship with the Turkish government.
Political effect
The Gülen movement is keen to highlight its religious and social nature, rather than
political. As he has previously stated before “We have never been directly affiliated with any one
party, whichever party it may be. Whether it be MHP, CHP, AK Party, DYP and ANAP, even
though these two parties don’t seem to be around anymore. [...]” (March 2016)
However, Gülen’s community does engage with political matters. Despite this, it must
not appear biased, as this could alienate its members, many of whom are drawn to Gülen’s
religious teachings rather than his political activities.
Nonetheless, the organization has gained a great deal of political clout over time because
to the presence of Gülen's followers in the state body; this fact alone may have influenced the
AKP's desire to establish an alliance. Following its election, the AKP officially backed Gülen's
educational projects both domestically and overseas, providing his community with political as
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well as symbolic support. In exchange, the AKP gained from Gülen's movement's social
connections and the media's backing, with which it has a close relationship.
The alliance between the AKP and the Gülen movement was rooted in more than just
practical considerations. Both groups draw support from the same social base: the rising middle
classes of Anatolia, who are morally conservative, economically market-oriented, and receptive
to globalization. Additionally, the religious conservatism shared by the AKP and the Gülen
movement positions them against a mutual adversary: the Turkish military and bureaucracy,
which are dominated by the Kemalist intelligentsia. This common opposition has fostered an
implicit agreement between the two groups, strengthening their mutual support.
But not everything has been positive between these two, the first incident goes back to
May 2010 when a Turkish organization attempted to send humanitarian aid to Gaza in defiance
to the Israelis blockade on the Gaza strip. The Israeli navy boarded these ships, and 9 activists
were killed. The organizations plan to lift the Israeli siege was openly criticized by Gülen. After
this, he broke away from the prime minister’s anti-Israeli discourse and denounced the Turkish
government for support this rhetoric.
They consider it important to not take criticize Israel, in part because doing so would
oppose the interreligious dialogue that has been essential to the movement's growth on a
worldwide scale. The movement also considers the robust support that it has in the US, with
several Israeli allies, which serve to further enhance its influence.
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Distinct traits
Unlike other Islamic organization, we know this movement has international presence in around
140 countries, with culture centers, schools and dialogue institutions that aim to foster interfaith
and intercultural understanding.
The supporters of Fethullah Gülen are also involved in other fields, such as the media. This is
particularly true in Turkey, where his allies control several television stations, magazines,
websites, an international news agency, and Zaman, the daily newspaper with the biggest
readership in the nation. The degree to which these media sources actively further the objectives
of the movement varies; others only provide a forum for ideas and points of view that are
generally in line with Gülen's philosophy. For example, a special Zaman European edition
focuses on the Turkish diaspora in Europe and offers information on events and activities
organized by groups associated with Gülen.
On the other hand, this organization also has a significant presence in the business world.
Cultivating a robust network of business associations, including prominent groups like the
Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON), which comprises
thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises. These business networks not only generate
significant economic resources but also create a supportive community for members. The funds
raised through these ventures are often reinvested into the movement's educational institutions,
cultural centers, and charitable projects, ensuring a steady flow of financial support. The Gülen
movement differs from many other religious movements in that it integrates business and
commerce with its religious and social aims, whereas other movements might be reluctant to
embrace such economic integration.
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Finally, but just as importantly, the Gülen movement's capacity to modify its practices and
activities to fit various political and cultural settings is one of its most distinctive features. This
adaptability is seen by the way the movement adapts its social projects, educational initiatives,
and communication plans to fit the cultural norms and values of each area in which it works.
Local communities are more accepting and supportive when there is cultural awareness.
International impact
We must acknowledge the huge impact this movement has had on education, operating in
numerous countries, offering students educational opportunities where they may lack. But also
extending towards the media sector, associated media channels serve a variety of communities
by airing programming in several languages around the globe. These media sites draw a diverse
readership from many locations with their material including news, commentary, culture, and the
arts.
Additionally, civil society groups are affected by the Fethullah Gülen Movement on a global
scale. The movement's foundations and associations support social development globally by
implementing a range of social service initiatives. These initiatives, which seek to raise people's
quality of life throughout several nations, are especially active in fields including healthcare,
social services, education, and cultural events.
Tensions
Early in the 2010s, tensions started to emerge between the Gülen movement and the AKP
(Justice and Development Party), which had previously been marked by mutual support and
similar objectives. The 2011 general elections provided the first faint hint of this division. Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had already promised that many Gülenists would not be
included in the AKP's lists of candidates. The Gülen movement, which has its headquarters in
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Pennsylvania, became more irritated with this exclusion and saw the start of a string of
increasingly heated disputes.
In November 2013, the movement's recruiting and fundraising efforts were damaged by
Erdoğan's decision to close the Gülenist "prep schools," which marked the most dramatic breach
in the alliance. The closing of these institutions was a major blow to the Gülen movement's
foundation since these schools were essential for getting students ready for tests in high school
and college. On December 17, 2013, just a few weeks following this decision, Turkish police
began a number of high-profile corruption investigations aimed at members of Erdoğan's close
circle and Erdogan himself. Four government officials were accused of accepting bribes from
Reza Zarrab, an Iranian gold trader who was involved in money laundering and avoiding Iranian
sanctions, based on several wiretaps that were released.
The crackdown grew more intense in the days preceding the famous July 15, 2016, failed coup
attempt. Aware of potential dangers from inside the armed forces, Erdoğan ordered Turkish
intelligence to gather a list of military officers suspected of having Gülenist sympathies in
preparation for an August purge. The military's Gülenist groups launched a counterattack in
response to the purge, which resulted in an attempted coup. Despite its failure, the attempt
provided credence to Erdoğan's assertions of a parallel state and sparked even more widespread
purges throughout Turkish society with the goal of eliminating Gülenist influence.
Conclusion
When I think of this movement I immediately think about education because it is its main pillar,
but despite the Gülen schools' good test scores that indicate that they are providing students with
a decent education. It is also important to keep in mind that education has many more important
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goals than just helping them do well in their exams. Students need to study in an atmosphere that
subtly supports the development of their entire self. Nonetheless, these children and teenagers’
results or actions are always impacted by the school's atmosphere and overarching goals.
The Gülen schools are currently immersed in controversy and scandal. Schools distance
themselves from Gülen, yet a few of his charter school administrators have ties to him and his
political-religious cult. The Department of Labor, the Department of Education, and/or the FBI
are looking into a number of Gülen schools throughout the US. Allegations range widely,
including paying female and non-Turkish teachers less than male counterparts, giving preference
to Turkish construction companies over American bids for school building construction, and
compelling foreign-trained teachers to donate a portion of their salaries to Gülen political leaders
in Turkey. Thus, despite delivering high quality education, its methods and processes are
questionable.
In conclusion, we can say that the media, social services, and education sectors all bear witness
to the global influence of the Fethullah Gülen Movement. Its impact has become a crucial
element in international relations and has had a variety of effects on many societies across the
world. It is worth mentioning that this movement has positive and negative consequences. In
many nations, its social service and educational initiatives have raised living conditions and
contributed to the advancement of society. On the other hand, the movement's connections to
political and religious aspects, together with its problematic actions in certain nations, have
sparked discussions and worries on a global scale.
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