What is the Hizmet movement?
The Hizmet movement, also known as the Gülen movement, is a transnational civil society initiative inspired by the teachings of Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen. It emphasizes service (the meaning of "Hizmet" in Turkish) to humanity, promoting values such as human rights, democracy, non-violence, and interfaith dialogue. The movement is characterized by its commitment to education, philanthropy, and community service, operating a network of schools and other institutions across the globe.
Key Features of the Hizmet Movement
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Philosophy and Values: The movement advocates for universal humanist values, emphasizing coexistence, tolerance, and peace. It encourages personal spiritual devotion expressed through social service, believing that serving humanity is a form of serving God14.
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Structure and Organization: The movement lacks a formal structure or central administration. It operates as a loose network of institutions and individuals who share its values, with no official membership or hierarchy recognized by its adherents34.
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Activities and Institutions: The movement is known for its extensive network of educational institutions, including over 1,000 schools worldwide. These schools focus on rigorous academic standards and moral development. Additionally, the movement engages in interfaith dialogue and community service projects23.
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Political Context: Historically, the movement was an ally of Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AKP), but relations deteriorated after the movement exposed corruption within the AKP in 2013. Following a failed coup attempt in 2016, the Turkish government designated the movement as a terrorist organization, known as FETO25.
Global Presence and Impact
The Hizmet movement operates in over 180 countries, with a significant presence in education, media, finance, and healthcare. Despite its global reach and influence, the movement's activities have been controversial, particularly in Turkey, where it has faced severe repression since 201635.