Organizational structure within the Gülen movement

Principles of the Hizmet Movement

Principles of the Hizmet Movement

Every social or spiritual group may have both institutional and non-institutional aspects. In relations between the individuals who have an institutional role and those who do not, the group must comply with the aforementioned principles of legal compliance, ethical legitimacy, transparency, and accountability.…

Structural and operational concepts of Hizmet

Structural and operational concepts of Hizmet

In the Hizmet Movement collective decision making (istişare) is performed on a consensual basis by participants in a network, activity or project. Gülen is known to apply this norm to his own activities and to encourage his students and friends to follow this practice. In addition, every project, business or activity has a mütevelli heyeti—essentially a board of trustees that comprises managers and financiers who “consistently carry out the responsibilities that fall on (their) shoulders.”…

The Gülen Movement in Germany and France

The Gülen Movement in Germany and France

Despite the large Turkish population in Western Europe, the movement took hold relatively late from other Islamic organizations and they have been present in Europe since almost 10 years. After a research on Fethullah Gülen’s old sermon records, we learned that Fethullah Gülen frequently visited some French and German cities at the end of 1980s.…

Operation and Structure of the Local Circles within Gülen Movement

Operation and Structure of the Local Circles within Gülen Movement

Local circles are typically organized in two ways: (l) according to location and neighborhoods; and (2) according to education and jobs. For example, doctors in the same general area will meet together as will dentists, lawyers, accountants, teachers, factory workers, etc. In small meetings, participants talk about a variety of things, including religion, technical work, family and any aspect of life that is raised by members.…

Channels through which Hizmet disseminates its core teachings

Channels through which Hizmet disseminates its core teachings

More specifically, the following are some channels through which Hizmet instills, disseminates and popularises its core teachings among the wider Muslim public. Where the work is religious in nature, then Hizmet’s views and core teachings are popularised directly by way of its content. Where the content of the work is not religious, the core teachings are indirectly communicated through the example of the values that underpin that work. …

Gulen Movement Practice in the Netherlands

Gulen Movement Practice in the Netherlands

The development of the Gulen movement, or Hizmet (service), as its followers prefer to call it, in the Netherlands reflects the evolution of the Turkish community in general. Initially this largely consisted of single men who were recruited as workers in low-wage sectors of the Dutch economy.…