The tragic earthquake and the ensuing tsunami in Japan, a nation-with whom we have always maintained friendly relations, has upset us all and our nation feels deep hurt for the Japanese people. I have faith and trust that the hardworking and dauntless Japanese nation will overcome this tragedy and heal their wounds in a short period of time, as they have done in the past.

Prominent Turkish scholar has always stated that he felt the hurts and difficulties of all people like his own regardless of faith, race or ethnicity. Such tragic stories as the ones we’ve been hearing form Japan have devastating effects on Mr. Gulen’s heart and soul; he tries to reach out to those in need and encourage the people around him to do the same.

Fethullah Gülen has donated $15,000 to support post-disaster relief efforts in Japan, which was shaken by a magnitude 9 earthquake and tsunamis last week.

West Virginia Branch of American Turkish Friendship Association (ATFA), in collaboration with the Mid Atlantic Federation of Turkic American Alliance (MAFTAA) organized a cultural reception in Charleston, WV, on Thursday, March 10. All 100 delegates of house and 34 members of senate were invited to the event that took place in the state capitol. Despite the fact that it was the last and the busiest week of the legislature, the attendance was high. As the members of the organization committee reported, 54 members showed up. Guests enjoyed a variety of Turkish food, live Turkish music, and traditional Ebru art display.

Much has been said about “peace and Islam” over decades. In the discussion, views vary from “Islam is spread by sword, therefore peace is just a cover” to “Islam by definition means peace and serenity, it brings about the desired life” but there haven’t been a scholarly work to show how these two concepts’ relationship in terms of peace making. Dr. Jon L Esposito and Dr. Ihsan Yavuz had completed such a work recently on how active civic engagement could eventually bring peace. Esposito and Yavuz focus on the initiatives undertaken by the Gulen Movement, this article is a review of their work by Hakan Yesilova and published on the Turkish Review magazine.

Maryland Turkish American Inhabitants and Mid-Atlantic Federation of Turkic American Associations organized the 2nd Annual Legislative Reception of Turkish American Cultural day on 3rd of February in Maryland Senate Building. The event turned out to be a great success with the participation of more than 80 distinguished legislatures from Maryland House of Delegates and Senate. Maryland Secretary of State John McDonough was the keynote speaker of the reception. The evening started with the opening remarks by Sen. James Robey. After guests enjoyed their dinners, Delegates Brian Feldman, Adrienne Jones, Dan Morhaim, Senators Delores Kelley, Brian Frosh, Edward Kasemeyer took the stage to share their views on promoting the relationships between Turkey and United States.

Today we live in a world of intolerance. Our societies seem to become more bigoted by the day, more and more groups of people adapt a discourse that is either partially or wholly xenophobe. All of this only stresses the need for a voice of wisdom and sanity to remind us that we’re all human beings and can live together despite our differences. A voice that will pull us out of our “sterile” worlds which are shaped by our prejudices and show that “others” deserve the same chances we want for ourselves. That of Fethullah Gulen’s is such a voice according to Paul Weller.

The role of social movements and civic engagement in social reform and betterment of democracy cannot be denied. The Gulen Movement has played a crucial role in helping Turkish citizens embrace democratic values. The movements success in enlightening the people of Turkey also proved that Islam (or any other religion for that matter) can juxtapose with democracy without having to compromise. Tarek Ezzat also brings forward an important point: the example Turkey might set for the rest of the Muslim world with its strong democracy achieved through its citizens’ civic initiatives.

Prof. John L Esposito continues his efforts to enlighten the academia on the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue work. He recently co-edited a book on the Gulen movement and its contribution to this vital area of work. The following is the text of an interview Dr. Esposito gave to Turkish Review.