SUCCESS OF TURKISH OLYMPIAD BELONGS TO NATION: GULEN

Turkish-Islamic scholar and intellectual Fethullah Gulen has said the success of the 10th International Turkish Olympiad belongs to the entire Turkish nation – and not to a single community or group – because of the huge support it lent to the massive event. “Behind it [the Turkish Olympiad] stands our beloved nation, which has stood as an example to the entire world with its generosity throughout history. For this reason, the success belongs to the [Turkish] nation; it would not be right to associate the success with a community or group,” Gulen said in a recording broadcast on the herkul.org website on Jun 19. Gulen’s remarks came as a response to the accolades the Hizmet movement – inspired by Gulen’s teachings – received from various circles for the success of the 10th International Turkish Olympiad, which held its closing ceremony last week. Around 1,500 students studying at Turkish schools in 135 countries participated in the Olympiad, mesmerising audiences with their outstanding performances of Turkish poetry and song.