Fethullah Gulen

The principles and form of government that form the basis of democracy are compatible with Islamic values.

Savage people realize their aims through fighting, through conflict. Cultivated and intellectual souls believe that they will attain their aims through thought and discussion.

If somebody who appears to be a Hizmet sympathizer has been involved in an attempted coup, he betrays my ideals.

Throughout my life, I have publicly and privately denounced military interventions in domestic politics. In fact, I have been advocating for democracy for decades.

Entrepreneurs and volunteers inspired by Hizmet's values have invested in modern education and community service in more than 150 countries.

My philosophy - inclusive and pluralist Islam, dedicated to service to human beings from every faith - is antithetical to armed rebellion.

I've never sought to be known or recognized by people.

I don't have a need to promote myself.

My core belief is to seek peace in the world, helping people eliminate certain malevolent attitudes through education as much as possible.

I have said time and again that the republican order, and secularism, when executed perfectly, are blessings from God.

No citizen or social group can be completely isolated from politics, because policy decisions and actions affect their lives.

Regardless of their religious observance, citizens can and should unite around universal human rights and freedoms, and democratically oppose those who violate them.

I have spent over 50 years preaching and teaching the values of peace, mutual respect and altruism.

Erdogan's persecution of his people is not simply a domestic matter. The ongoing pursuit of civil society, journalists, academics and Kurds in Turkey is threatening the long-term stability of the country.

Turkey initiated true multiparty elections in 1950 to join NATO. As a requirement of its membership, NATO can and should demand that Turkey honor its commitment to the alliance's democratic norms.

A Turkey under a dictatorial regime, providing haven to violent radicals and pushing its Kurdish citizens into desperation, would be a nightmare for Middle East security.

I probably will not live to see Turkey become an exemplary democracy, but I pray that the downward authoritarian drift can be stopped before it is too late.

I even reject and condemn in the strongest terms the idea, the consideration of a military coup. If I had the chance I would stand in front of the people who would attempt such a thing and open my arms and beg them to stop.

The lesser jihad is our active fulfillment of Islam's commands and duties.

Turkey is a diverse country... I think that democracy is the ideal system for a country with a social foundation such as this. My view is based on my belief that everyone should be able to comfortably live what they believe, and this is only possible in a truly democratic environment. I am insistent in my views and I strongly believe in what I say.