I acknowledge the passing of Fethullah Gülen, a man whose influence extended far beyond borders, reaching to communities around the world, including right here in Australia. We live in a more homogenised world. From Netflix to McDonald's, Coca‑Cola and Instagram, there is a universality to our modern experiences that bind us together more than ever, but this can also diminish the space for unique voices. With a global population now surpassing eight billion, for one individual to rise above and profoundly impact society speaks volumes about their character, vision and dedication. Fethullah Gülen was one such figure.
Born in the village of Korucuk, near Erzurum in Turkey, Gülen was a Turkish cleric, educator and Islamic scholar. Growing up in a devout Muslim family, Gülen was influenced by Sufi teachings and the Islamic philosophy of tolerance and service to others. In his youth he started Islamic theology and became an imam, eventually gaining a reputation for his sermons that emphasised education, interfaith dialogue and social responsibility. His contributions reflect a vision that transcended traditional boundaries, driven by commitment to education, dialogue and compassion. Gülen advocated a philosophy of serving humanity rooted in a dedication to intercultural understanding, peace and social cohesion. His ideas resonated with millions globally, inspiring projects, schools and institutions that reflect his principles.
In the 1970s Gülen began a movement known as Hizmet—meaning "service"—that promoted the ethos of service to humanity, with followers encouraged to contribute to society through education, social projects and interfaith dialogue. Gülen encouraged followers to establish schools, cultural centres and humanitarian organisations worldwide. The movement grew significantly and focused on a moderate interpretation of Islam and advocated for peace, tolerance and coexistence. Despite crackdowns on the movement in its native Turkey over the past decade, Hizmet has now grown into a global network, establishing schools, charities and cultural organisations that support education, relief and intercultural dialogue. Service and cross-cultural respect is the philosophy underpinning the Hizmet movement. It has found a welcome home in Australia's multicultural and multi-faith landscape, demonstrating the universal relevance of his vision.
The Hizmet movement's reach is indeed remarkable. Countless educational and charitable initiatives carry on Gülen's legacy, fostering communities built on mutual respect, intellectual growth and compassion. Here in Australia, the movement has had a particularly meaningful impact, with schools, associations and centres dedicated to upholding the values Gülen cherished. Among these are institutions such as Galaxy Foundation and the Australian Relief Organisation, which provide essential support, outreach and development to individuals and communities in need. The Islamic Sciences and Research Academy represents another of Gülen's legacies, dedicated to nurturing interfaith dialogue and promoting scholarly pursuits that bridge divides and foster understanding.
Amity College, with campuses across New South Wales, is an example of this vision in the area of education. I am fortunate to have two campuses within my own electorate. Just around the corner from my office in Leppington is the newest addition, which I had the honour of officially opening earlier this month. For generations these schools have produced some of my community's best and brightest, producing academic excellence and valuing empathy and global awareness that echo Gülen's teachings. Another local testament to Gülen's legacy is the Affinity Intercultural Foundation. Affinity's interfaith and intercultural work, led by my esteemed cousin Ahmet Polat, is a great example of the spirit of harmony and dialogue championed by the movement. Through conferences, seminars and iftars, they have brought people of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds together in the spirit of unity and understanding. These gatherings, whether large public affairs or intimate home breakfasts, reflect a commitment to dialogue that is both rare and necessary in today's world.
Although Fethullah Gülen has now left us, his influence will continue to shape the lives of countless people. His teachings live on through the institutions and communities he inspired, in my community and far beyond. In a time when the world feels increasingly fragmented, a vision for a more harmonious, educated and compassionate world remains not only relevant but essential.
