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.
The Gulen Movement
Social reform movements, like the Gulen Movement established by Mr. Fethullah Gulen in the late 1970s, were key contributions by the Turkish civil society that complemented reform efforts undertaken by the state. The Gulen movement, as one of the main social reform movements in Turkey in recent decades, understood very well the socio-economic and political changes taking place not only in Turkey, but also in Europe and around the world.
Education became their top priority, and they managed to establish more than 700 schools.
With a pragmatic approach, inside Turkey, the movement decided to avoid political confrontations with local authorities, whether the military or the secular local elite. Where political doors were closed and locked, Gulen and his followers saved their effort, time and resources and moved to other reform areas where they could benefit their country and contribute to progress and development. Political change would eventually take place later on.
Social solidarity was another important pillar of their reform movement, and through the efficient collection and distribution of Zakah and charity, the Gulen Movement was able to help thousands of families out of poverty, and to offer educational grants to thousands of students both at the school and university level.
Building bridges with others for reaching consensus was one of the main factors which allowed the Gulen movement to help the country advance and progress. Mr. Gulen was able to bring people together and make them identify common grounds, despite their differences, then work together.
