Commemorative event celebrating the life and legacy of Fethullah Gülen
A commemorative event celebrating the life and legacy of Fethullah Gülen brought together approximately 90 attendees in a gathering that highlighted his profound contributions to education, charity, philanthropy, dialogue and co-existence. Hosted by the Australian Intercultural Society (AIS), the evening featured an impressive lineup of speakers, each reflecting on Gülen’s enduring impact. The event was moderated by AIS Executive Director Ahmet Keskin, who served as MC and made his personal remarks about Gulen’s appeal to a person raised in the West. He said “Gulen’s teaching of advancing personal mental and spiritual growth within your contemporary environment, which doesn’t need you to make concessions is what appealed to me”.
Bishop Philip Huggins, Anglican Bishop and former President of the National Council of Churches in Australia, opened the proceedings with three key reflections on Gülen’s life. He described Gülen as an inspirational leader whose teachings promoted social cohesion, a deep respect for diversity and a genuine desire for unity. Bishop Huggins also highlighted Gülen’s emphasis on values based education, which he described as “a strong and fantastic legacy” that continues to shape future generations.
Associate Professor Salih Yucel from Charles Sturt University emphasised that Gülen’s most outstanding achievement was not his extensive written works but the “hundreds of thousands of living books” he inspired—individuals embodying his values of service, compassion and resilience as they go about their day to day lives trying to play their part in improving conditions around them. Dr. Diana Cousens OAM, former President of the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils, spoke about Gülen’s passion for intercultural and interfaith dialogue. She credited him with inspiring the creation of dialogue organisations like AIS around the world, fostering greater understanding and cooperation among diverse communities.
Hon Bruce Atkinson MLC, former President of the Victorian Legislative Council, described Gülen as a giant of the 20th century. He underscored the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in building stronger communities, urging society to embrace compassion and walk “arm in arm” toward unity and common understanding as advocated for by Gulen. Professor Daniel Madigan, a Jesuit priest at Newman College, University of Melbourne, shared his personal experiences with members of the Hizmet movement, inspired by Gülen. He noted their consistent kindness, generosity, and hospitality, which reflected the universal values Gülen championed throughout his life.
Parisa Sekandari, Project Coordinator at Monash Global Peace and Security Centre, reflected on her time at a Hizmet-inspired school in Afghanistan. She praised the dedication and values of its teachers, describing them as role models who embodied Gülen’s vision being an exemplary teacher and adult, people who you could look up to as a transformative force for good. Filmmaker and media consultant George Donikian, of Armenian and Greek heritage, shared a personal anecdote from his meetings with Gülen, describing him as a man deeply interested in human connection. Donikian recalled asking Gülen why he was so interested in hearing his story. Gülen’s response, “I want to hear your story,” profoundly illustrated his genuine curiosity and love for life and people.
Professor Greg Barton, Chair of Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University, reflected on the challenges Gülen faced during his life and the resilience of the Hizmet movement. He noted that Gülen’s commitment to nonviolence and returning hate with love, even under persecution, demonstrated his incredible character and unwavering dedication to serving humanity. The evening concluded with a heartfelt prayer led by Professor Ismail Albayrak, encapsulating the themes of hope, service, and unity that resonated throughout the event.
This gathering served as a poignant tribute to Fethullah Gülen’s remarkable contributions, reminding all present of his lasting legacy as a champion of dialogue, education, and compassion in a world often marked by division.
