How does Fethullah Gülen prioritize the democratization, industrialization and economic development of Turkey?

Fethullah Gülen argues that through the democratization of Turkey it is possible to keep together industrialization, economic development and a form of nondependent participation in the world system. He believes democracy and development are interdependent and equally important, but democracy precedes development.

He works for the development of a society freed from hunger, poverty, striking inequalities, and suppression of civil rights. This can be reached only if, along with economic development, society guarantees improved forms of civic as well as political participation, equal rights, and respect for civil and cultural freedom. He does not want change to lead to decreased participation and deeper isolation in the current world system. Without democracy, Turkey cannot conceive development in any meaningful sense. To Fethullah Gülen, efforts to bring about transformation in institutions and the established mind-set in Turkey should be made through education, interaction, collaboration and consensus, without resort to violent or coercive means and ends.