In what can be said to be a fact by fact analysis of the New York Times piece on Fethullah Gulen, Kalyoncu bring ths facts to the fore, and dispels the error that the Times unfortunately was happy to go to print with.

Some videos that were part of the Fethullah Gulen piece that went to air on 60 Minutes (CBS News) last Sunday, May 12 are only for online audiences. They are definitely worth watch if you watch a clearer picture of both Mr Gulen and the Gulen (Hizmet) Movement. Topics include 'Islam and Democracy' , thoughts form the producer and journalist and 'schools vs mosques'

The Rumi Forum has as its Honorary President, Fethullah Gulen. 60 Minutes aired piece on Fethullah Gulen on May 12. Many positive aspect were discussed, but also some allegations were made. In light providing the correct answers to the questions that were left unanswered (or answered incorrectly) Rumi Forum provided an official response. It is worth reading to get a better understanding of the Gulen Movement.

To truly understand the Gulen Movement and Fethullah Gulen himself, one needs to rise above the newspaper articles and journals - yes they are (or may be) useful, but the reality on the ground is much clearer. So in actualy fact the trip to Turkey that are organized by numerous organization helps in overcoming the misunderstandings about this movement - of course there are other intercultural aspects to the trips as well. The below article expressed the importance of personal encounters and research on the ground!

Fethullah Gulen's books have been translated into more than 30 languages. Most recently they have been translated into Kurdish. This will now make available Gulen's message on tolernace and mutuals understanding and respect available to a large audience - particularly an important group in the wider Middle East Region.

The Gulen Movement is well known for opening schools and universities the world over. Below are words of commendation for these activities in Nigeria.

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor, Dibu Ojerinde, has commended the Nigerian Turkish Nile universities in training Nigerians which he said assisted in educational development. 

The head of the Orthodox world, Patriarch Bartholomew spoke highly of Fethullah Gulen, the Honorary President of the Rumi Forum. Gulen is known the world over for this contribution to intercultural  and interfaith dialogue and educational activities. The below excerpt is taken from the Chicago Tribune: 

The Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF), whose honorary chairman is well-respected Turkish Muslim intellectual Fethullah Gülen, released a statement on its website on Thursday explaining the stance of the Hizmet (Service) movement inspired by Gülen as a civilian one with no political ambitions.