Fethullah Gulen and the Gulen Movement

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When I was in Turkey

Starting from the last decade, prominent community leaders from the United States were introduced the historical, natural and cultural beauties of Turkey; that way, a new platform for intercultural dialogue was created. People from both sides came together for an information exchange and to share their thoughts on different topics to reach a better understanding of the other party’s views; thus, getting rid of their prejudices.

Turkey trips played an important role in facilitating dialogue and breaking the tension between the United States and the Muslim majority nations in the wake of anti- Americanism which is triggered after the Afghan and Iraq wars. They also created opportunities for both sides to hear the other sides’ stories first hand.

This section of the web- site consists of the participants’ impressions of those trips. This aspect of the site serve as a reference as it tells the stories of Americans who have experienced the cultural exchange opportunities in Turkey. Stories in this section were published without any change or censor, so they reflect only the views of the writers, not our web-site or the hosts’ of the Rumi Forum’s trips in Turkey. As you travel through the interviews, you will find an opportunity to visit Turkey without taking the journey, and if you have visited Turkey before, watching those would be a good opportunity to refresh your memory.

Robert Carlson

Washington National Cathedral

I was serving as volunteer ‘Nave Chaplain’ at the Washington National Cathedral in July of 2006 when I noticed a group of Muslim tourists who were being shown around by a leader who turned out to be Professor Ali Yurtsever, President of the Rumi Forum. I welcomed them and we began a conversation on the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity. As I was taking my leave from the group Ali said that I might be the sort of person who would profit from a trip to Turkey sponsored by the Rumi Forum. Professor Yurtsever took my e-mail address and said he would notify me of the next trip. He followed through on his promise, and I joined a group leaving for Turkey that fall.

Joe Martinez

It is difficult to describe in words how very fortunate I feel to have been invited by Rumi Forum on a trip to Turkey. It is extremely rare to be afforded such a unique travel opportunity and be given the space and comfort to learn, not only for ourselves, but for the enrichment of our families, countries, and the global community. As a recipient of the generosity of this group, it's sponsors, the Turkish people, and their country, I was truly overwhelmed and humbled by all that I saw and experienced. It was an amazingly unique chance to explore, appreciate, respect, and celebrate differences with a group of wonderfully diverse people from different cultural backgrounds and faiths. I was consistently presented with historical and current information and was left to interpret, digest, and grow from it. As a result, I feel it is my personal duty to express my gratitude to the organizers of this trip, and to the people of Turkey.