Non Fiction Authors From Turkey

"On the other hand, many countries did not succumb to Erdogan's blackmail, using bilateral relations as a bargaining chip. They did not touch the service volunteers and institutions in their country. They opened their doors and arms to refugees fleeing persecution in Turkey. Egypt, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Germany, America, Canada, Australia and many other countries. I would like to remember this with gratitude."

"There are different administrative systems in the world. These may vary from country to country. However, the main thing is to comply with universal principles such as separation of powers, rule of law and guaranteeing fundamental human rights and freedoms. I do not think that these principles are or will be respected in the system that is intended to be implemented in Turkey."

"It can be said that behind every political step taken in recent years is Erdogan's desire to remain the sole power holder in the administration."

"I have previously expressed my opinions on the Syrian issue. A government in which the Sunni Arab population, Nusayri population, Kurds and non-Muslim elements all see themselves and are represented is a healthy solution for Syria. For this, if necessary, giving the government the opportunity for a democratic and gradual transition should be considered."

"My friends who follow the media state that the opposition does not accept any formula adopted by the current administration. However, in order to avoid more loss of life and victimization, I believe that it would be more appropriate to act on this issue with the principle of "if the best cannot be achieved, agree on what is good.""

"Turkish voters can of course change their stance. However, elections are not held fairly at the moment. The media is under tutelage, the judiciary is under tutelage, the capital is under tutelage. Under these conditions, it is very difficult to accurately determine what Turkish voters really think."

"He sees himself as the leader of the entire Islamic world and tries to present himself as such. It is trying to bring Muslim countries under its influence through different methods. This is why he takes a stand against countries and leaders who do not consent to this and do not intervene in their internal affairs."

"Egypt has an exceptional place in the Islamic world. This geography, which has been the cradle of civilizations in history, has also raised important people in Islamic history and hosted centers of science. Egypt maintains its special position and importance for the future of the Middle East. Egypt's internal peace and stability are of critical importance for this geography."

"NATO played a critical role in ensuring Turkey's security during the cold war years. At the same time, the steps taken for NATO membership contributed to Turkey's democratization. While this membership continued, Turkey took as an example the members of NATO, which are democratic and law-abiding states. Erdogan's initiative is a move that harms this alliance. However, it is very difficult to know their sincerity on this issue. Because they lied so much that we don't know whether they are sincere or whether they are doing it to get some concessions from America and Europe."

"My first Quran teacher was my mother. He made me memorize the Quran at a young age. At that time, despite the pressure from the state, he also taught the Quran to village children. Since it was forbidden to teach the Quran, he used to teach it in a barn next to our house, with a hidden entrance. His sacrifice impressed me greatly. From my father, I learned love for the companions and respect for Islamic scholars."

"These days, I write articles for Çağlayan magazine. Also, our friends transcribe some of our conversations and turn them into a book, and I proofread them."

"In the early 2000s, Turkey was hailed as a Muslim-majority country making strides toward improving its democracy. The ruling party, which took office in 2002, implemented reforms that aligned with European Union democratic standards, and the country's human rights record began to improve."

"Unfortunately, these democratic reforms were short-lived. Within a few years, reforms stalled, and after his third election victory in 2011, then-Prime Minister and now-President Erdoğan made a complete U-turn. Since then, the increasingly intense authoritarianism has made Turkey no longer a model for other Muslim-majority countries to follow. Some may see Turkey's recent negative example as evidence of the incompatibility between democratic and Islamic values. However, this would be a misdiagnosis/conclusion."

"Contrary to appearances, despite their outward appearance of Islamic sensitivity, the actions of the current government are diametrically opposed to core Islamic values. These core values ​​are not about a particular style of dress or the use of religious slogans. The fundamental values ​​of Islam related to governance are respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, the accountability of those in power, and the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of every individual. The recent regression in Turkey's democratic experience is not a result of adherence to Islamic values, but rather a betrayal of them."

"The people of Anatolia are a heterogeneous society. Whether Sunni, Alevi, Turkish, Kurdish, or of another ethnicity, Muslim or non-Muslim, religious or secular, its citizens hold very different perspectives on life, philosophies, and beliefs. Trying to make everyone the same is both futile and disrespectful to humanity. Everyone's understanding, feelings, thoughts, philosophy of life, and worldview must be respected. Participatory democratic governance, where no group, whether majority or minority, exerts its power over others, is the most appropriate form of government for such a heterogeneous society. The same can be said for Syria, Iraq, and other neighboring countries."

"As witnessed throughout history in Turkey and elsewhere, one method used by despotic leaders to maintain their dominance is to exploit differences within society and pit different groups against each other. Regardless of their religious beliefs or outlook on life, citizens must be able to unite around their universal rights and freedoms and to oppose those who violate these rights through democratic means."

"Expressing oneself against oppression is a democratic right, a civic duty, and a religious obligation for believers. The Quran states that people should not remain silent in the face of injustice: “O you who have believed, be upholders of justice and bear witness to the truth for Allah, even against yourselves, your parents, and your relatives” (4:135). Exercising one's fundamental freedoms, especially the freedom to live and express oneself according to one's beliefs or outlook, provided that it does not harm others, constitutes a true human being. Freedom is a right bestowed upon humanity by God, and no one can take it away. A person deprived of their freedom is not living a truly human life. Contrary to the claims of political Islamists, Islam is not a form of government or an ideology related to governance; it is a religion. It may preach certain principles related to governance, but these principles constitute a very small percentage of the totality of its preached principles. Reducing Islam to a political ideology is a great crime against the spirit of Islam."

"Those who study or comment on Islam's view of politics and government have made three errors. First, they have often confused the Islam revealed by the Book and Sunnah with the understanding of Islam that emerged from the historical experiences of Muslims. It is important to critically examine the historical experiences of Muslims and the rulings established within the context of those experiences, to draw on primary sources, and to offer new perspectives to Muslims worldwide on issues such as human rights, democracy, and social inclusion in Islam. The second mistake is to seek legitimacy for a predetermined understanding, sometimes relying on a Quranic interpretation or a few select hadiths, and to attempt to impose this understanding on others."

"The spirit of the Quran, and so to speak, the philosophy of the biography, can only be grasped through a holistic perspective and with the sincere intention of seeking God's will. The third mistake is to claim that democracy and religion are incompatible, claiming that "Religion is based on God's sovereignty, while democracy is based on the people's vote." No believer doubts that God Almighty rules everything in a cosmological sense; however, this does not mean that our wills, inclinations, and preferences do not exist, or that God does not take them into account. The fact that sovereignty belongs to the people—God forbid—does not mean that it is taken from God and given to the people; it is the taking of a matter entrusted to the people's control by God from any despotic individual or oligarchy and entrusting it to the people."

"Furthermore, what we call "state" is the name of the system created by people who come together to protect their fundamental rights and freedoms and to ensure justice and peace. The state is not an end in itself, but a tool that helps people achieve happiness in both worlds. The extent to which the people who constitute that system embrace certain fundamental beliefs and values ​​is proportionate to the state's adherence to those beliefs and values. Therefore, the term "Islamic state" is inherently contradictory. Since there is no clergy in Islam, theocracy is alien to the spirit of Islam. The state, the result of a social contract between people, is ultimately composed of people; it cannot be "Islamic" or "holy.""

"Democracy has been implemented in many different ways around the world. The democratic ideal underlying these diverse practices—that is, the non-oppression of one group by another—is also an Islamic ideal. The basis of the concept of equal citizenship in law is to cherish every human being as a generous being created by God and to respect them as a work of art. Considering all of this, participatory democracy or a republican form of government is more compatible with the spirit of Islam than monarchy or oligarchy."

"Turkey's current government resembles more of an oligarchy than a democracy. How did it become this way?"

"By seizing control of the state, placing capitalists under tutelage, and rewarding his inner circle, President Erdoğan has led Turkey, once a promising democracy, down the wrong path. To manipulate public opinion to consolidate power, he has declared me and the Hizmet movement enemies of the state and blamed me for all the evils that have befallen the country in recent history. This is a typical example of scapegoating an individual or group."

"The witch hunt targeted all forms of dissent, especially members of the Hizmet movement, a movement dedicated to peace and tolerance. Environmental protesters, journalists, academics, Kurds, Alevis, non-Muslims, and some devout Muslim groups critical of Erdoğan's actions also suffered from this policy. People's lives were devastated by unjust dismissals, arrests, imprisonment, torture, property theft, and numerous other atrocities."

"Fleeing ongoing persecution, thousands of Hizmet volunteers have sought refuge in various countries around the world, including France. Wherever they go, their role is to integrate into society and live lawfully, contribute to solving social problems, and actively fight against the spread of radical interpretations of Islam in Europe."

"A campaign of judicial persecution continues in Turkey, based on criminalizing people for sympathizing with a person or group. The number of victims of this campaign is increasing daily. More than 150,000 citizens have been unjustly dismissed from their jobs, more than 200,000 arrested, and more than 80,000 imprisoned. Those targeted in this politically motivated persecution who attempt to leave the country are even denied this fundamental human right, recognized by the United Nations, because their passports have been revoked."

"Since its founding in 1923, the Republic of Turkey has been making slow, if unstable, progress toward democracy, despite being plagued by military coups. The current government's policies are eroding Turkey's international reputation and pushing it into the category of countries hostile to freedoms and notorious for imprisoning citizens who exercise their democratic right to criticism. Those in power appear to have exploited international diplomatic relations, mobilizing all diplomatic missions, the state's human capital, and financial resources to harass, monitor, and kidnap Hizmet movement volunteers worldwide."

"In Turkey, it has recently been observed that citizens have been very passive in conveying their democratic demands to their leaders. Concerns about economic stability may be cited as an underlying reason for this. However, if we look back from the current situation, we can see that there is also a historical reason for this."

"While democratic governance is an ideal of the Turkish Republic, no systematic effort has been made to instill democratic values ​​among the Turkish public. "Obedience to a strong leader," "obedience to the state," has always been a crucial element in the educational curriculum. Military coups, occurring almost every decade, have denied democracy the opportunity to develop and take root. Citizens have forgotten, or have been made to forget, that the state exists for the people, not the other way around. It's safe to say that President Erdoğan has capitalized on this social psychology."

"Turkey's democracy may be in a coma due to the current regime, but I remain hopeful. Oppression has never been long-lasting. I believe Turkey will one day return to the path of democracy. However, certain measures must be taken to ensure democracy takes root and endures."

"First and foremost, the education curriculum must be overhauled. Topics such as equality of citizens before the law and fundamental human rights and freedoms should be introduced to young people as early as primary school so that they can become guardians of these values ​​as they grow up. Second, a new constitution is needed that protects the fundamental human rights enshrined in the United Nations Human Rights Convention and allows neither the minority nor the majority to tyrannize over others, but rather one that embraces freedom. Civil society and a free media should also be protected in the constitution as counterweights to government abuses of power. Third, opinion leaders must emphasize democratic values ​​through their rhetoric and actions."

"Democracy and human rights are currently suspended in Turkey. As a predominantly Muslim country, it appears to have missed a historic opportunity to achieve democracy at European Union standards."

"A society's leaders are like cream on a liquid. The essence of liquid is the essence of cream. The cream of milk comes from milk, the cream of yogurt from yogurt, and the cream of alum from alum. The leaders of a society, while perhaps not always with 100% accuracy, reflect the beliefs and values ​​of that society as a whole. I hope and pray that the recent tragic events in Muslim-majority countries will lead to a collective awakening and lead to democratically minded leaders and governments that defend both free and fair elections and all fundamental human rights and freedoms."

"I learned with deep sorrow of the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which resulted in the deaths of 49 people and the injuries of 20. I strongly condemn this heinous attack and pray that God Almighty has mercy on the innocent victims, grants patience to their families, and grants a speedy recovery to the injured."

"This heinous attack, which occurred during Friday prayers, a holy day considered a weekly holiday for Muslims, unfortunately added another to the string of terrorist attacks targeting mosques, churches, synagogues, and other places of worship around the world in recent months. The underlying psychology of prejudice, fear, and hatred, which manifests itself in various forms such as Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, anti-Christianity, xenophobia, and other forms, is a human problem. Regardless of the understanding or belief behind which it is perpetrated, terrorism is, in fact, brutality, and the solution lies in the collective efforts of humanity."

"The most important pillar of any effort to address a solution is to remember and internalize our shared identity as humans. The cure for the disease of people driven by fear and hatred, who attack those they perceive as different, lies in establishing a global understanding of the value of all people through dialogue and education."

"On this tragic occasion, I offer my condolences to all Muslims worldwide and to the people of New Zealand who lost their citizens. May God help and assist all those who sincerely fight terrorism, including government officials and civil society organizations, and all those who strive to spread love and brotherhood among people."

"The Muslim holy month of Ramadan will be different this year. Around the world, mosques will be closed, when they would normally have worshipers spilling out onto the street. Extended families will remain apart, when they would typically gather for Iftar to break the fast and share homemade treats. And shopping malls, cafes and streets will be eerily quiet, when they would normally come alive after dark."

"Ramadan still began on Thursday evening, though, and in the early hours on Friday morning, households gathered, as they have for centuries, to share a sleepy suhur — the pre-dawn meal."

"Even as the world grapples with COVID-19, the yearly rituals of Ramadan will continue. Throughout the holy month, most of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims will fast between dawn and sunset, spend time in Quranic recitation, self-reflection and prayer in an effort to become closer to God, and give thanks for our blessings. But this year, the prescribed exceptions from fasting for young children, travelers, pregnant mothers and anyone who is sick will now be extended to those feeling symptoms of COVID-19."

"And this year, our prayers will include special emphasis on the health care workers, emergency workers and other essential employees who are on the front lines of the fight to protect our communities. In the eyes of God, saving human lives and benefitting humanity are most noble endeavors: The Quran likens saving a life to saving the whole of humanity, and the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be God’s peace and blessings) says that the best of humans are those who benefit other humans."

"Our obligation to help and support those in need also takes on added meaning this year as our neighbors and communities face sickness, grief, economic hardship and the loneliness of self-isolation."

"Perhaps the most difficult obligation for many, though, will be forgoing the long-planned gatherings of the season, in order to comply with precautions issued by authorities. But following these measures is a duty of our citizenship and a necessity of our social responsibility to respect God’s laws in the universe. For instance, the Prophet Muhammad — whose belief and trust in God was beyond description — even advised quarantining a town in the event of an infectious disease."

"Each of us should take the extra time and space afforded by the pandemic's social distancing measures as an opportunity for further examination of our connection with God, our families and our core values. This time offers a mandatory retreat from the busy nature of our daily lives and a chance to turn toward God, deepening our faith, knowledge and practice. I hope that imams will offer reminders about these opportunities to their congregations."

"This period also forces us to rely on the internet and the technologies built upon it. Our young generations have been well-versed in these technologies ahead of their parents. Throughout history, messengers of God and those who strive for the enlightenment of humanity always used the available cultural tools and practices to spread their messages. We also must take this time to connect with our communities in new ways, including making our spiritual resources accessible to younger generations using their language and their familiar technologies."

"The challenges of responding to the pandemic and altering our lives might push some of us to seek people to blame or to criticize. As we enter Ramadan, it is paramount that we devote ourselves to helping those in need, rather than finding others to blame. Even as people, groups or nations with whom we have had past differences may be suffering, each of us must reject as inhumane the thought that anyone deserved a calamity."

"I learned with great sadness about the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh region."

"I wish God's mercy to the martyrs who lost their lives in these clashes, and I wish patience and fortitude to their families and all the people of Armenia and Azerbaijan."

"I pray to the Most Merciful God for a peaceful resolution to this dispute between two neighboring countries as soon as possible."

"I have learned with deep sadness that four people lost their lives, many people were displaced from their homes and workplaces, and a large forest area was damaged due to fires that occurred in different cities of Turkey."