Fethullah Gülen and Threat of Subversion

The founding principles of the Turkish Republic are written within those parts of the Constitution that "cannot be changed." We have seen that the principles of law, democracy and social justice can be neglected, but the most sensitive principles, those of the republic, secularism and national security, are bound up tight.

The regime is not content with simply paying lip service to the issue of secularism. It ties this most basic of the republic's qualities to the Religious Affairs Directorate and takes this institution under its protection. However you look at it, not one political party manifesto has a provision promising to do away with the Religious Affairs Directorate. None would never seek to do so because that would be grounds for party closure.

Yet Turkey is rushing headlong towards a turning point in the European Union accession process. All of the valid protocols have provisions calling for "religious life to be arranged within civil society". In other words, as the West does not have an official Church and has got used to the concept of everyone being able to worship whatever they want however they want, they want to see similar practices applied in systems that are going to join Europe. In just this way, there are basic legal provisions giving any individual the freedom to organize a community as a recognized religious leader. As a result of this, the Christians who gathered for a meeting in Istanbul called "Religion in the EU Process" announced that the Religious Affairs Directorate could not meet the religious needs of Muslims and that they were inclined to discuss these issue with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) instead.

Who is threatening the system?

The February 28 process revealed that the state has nothing against the Naksibendis, the Kadiris, the Caferis and similar sects. True, the things that get Ankara's back up, such as beards, headscarves, chadors and the like all spring from these communities, but the system knows they all have limited influence. That is, the state knows that Mahmut Efendi's influence is limited to the Fatih district in Istanbul and is aware that Esat Efendi's sect has relocated to Australia. However, when the spotlight turns on to Fethullah Gülen, the view is entirely different.

Fethullah has many supporters who cannot be said to hold with the idea of the republic, from left wing intellectuals through liberal thinkers to atheists. Gülen's community, although preoccupied with their sectarian lodges and chanting, while not posing a major problem, do own a number of schools both inside Turkey and abroad, which is putting the state through an ordeal. Ankara cannot find a concrete complaint or crime by which it can take over the schools and is quite disturbed by the fact it cannot control them. That the system, which is used to having its iron fist gripping everyone and everything, is in an unaccustomed position is plain to see. The criteria for this system, based on control even of things illegal, is not so much "something's being harmful or beneficial" but "its being able to be controlled or not."

Consequently, even if Fethullah Gülen were to perform miracles, the suspicion would still remain. If Gülen were to play to the letter the role of "proponent of Shariah" that he has carved out for himself like the other sectarian leaders, he would still gain respect, of this I am certain. Just like Rasit Efendi in Adiyaman, Mehmet Zaid Efendi in Istanbul and Mahmut Efendi... Those who run the state will visit them on occasion, telling them what to do and what not to do. The sheiks they talk to will do what is asked of them but will tell their communities that the leaders of the state have come to them to ask for their prayers and blessings. These esteemed sheiks will enter state tenders, they will invest their followers' money in stockbrokers, and this money will then be seized by the police after they have collapsed. That is what is wanted of the sects. Chants and incantations are illegal, but under the system's control.

This is the sole reason behind the objections to Fethullah Gülen. Behind the growing anger lies Prime Minister Ecevit's welcoming attitude towards Gülen. In all probability certain individuals are trying to pass messages on to Ecevit from Gülen. While the Abant platform was in progress I said: "It is a shame. No cassettes or whatever were to be seen. This is why the platform passed off without excitement or tension." Yet, there are some things being stashed away. However, when it comes to the question of timing, our elders, for reasons known only to themselves, have made differing assessments.

TURKISH DAILY NEWS