Rumi Forum and the Truman National Security Project organized a joint panel on current and future challenges in Turkey, the panel was moderated by the Director of Leadership Development at the Truman Project, Caitlin Howarth. The program took place as the first-ever “open to public” event at the Truman Project`s new space in Washington DC.

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Rumi Forum`s Honorary President, Fethullah Gulen was recently interviewed by BBC Newshour, his first broadcast interview in 16 years. Below are links to the interview, as well as links to related interviews, news items and articles.

Full Interview Audio:
http://bit.ly/Gulen_BBCnewshour
Analysis: Power of Turkey's Fethullah Gulen:
http://bit.ly/Gulen_BBCanalysis
Fethullah Gulen: Powerful but reclusiveTurkish cleric:
http://bit.ly/Gulen_BBC
Turkey's Fethullah Gulen denies corruption probe links:
http://bit.ly/Gulen_BBC2
Turkish cleric Gulen deplores ruling AK Party actions:
http://bit.ly/Gulen_BBC3
Reclusive cleric denies using influence in Turkey:
http://bit.ly/Gulen_BBC4

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The annual Rumi Forum and ATFA Friendship and Dialogue Dinner took place on December 4, 2013 at the Tysons Corner Marriot. The theme of this year's Dialogue Dinner was The Art of Living Together. Speakers for the night included Rashad Hussain, US Special Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation; Karina Korostelina, Associate Professor, Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University; The Honorable Robert Lazaro, Mayor of Purcellville, VA; Scott Wheatley, President, Oakton, Virginia Stake LDS; The Rev. Dr. Carol Flett, Ecumenical and Inter-religious Officer, Episcopal Diocese of Washington; Joel Rainey, Executive Director, Mid-Maryland Baptist Association.

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Dr. Aykan Erdemir, spoke on the prospects of pluralist democracy and foreign policy in Turkey at a Rumi Forum roundtable. Dr. Erdemir is a member of the Turkish Parliament (representing Bursa) since June 2011 as well as was a member of the Party Assembly of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) (since December 2010). He serves on the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee and the EU Harmonization Committee. He is also a member of the ad-hoc parliamentary committee on IT sector and the Internet. Dr. Erdemir serves on the executive boards of the Turkish-Swedish and Turkish-Kosovar Inter-parliamentary Friendship Groups.

Rumi Forum president, Emre Celik, attended the 62nd Annual National Prayer Breakfast with President Obama`s invitation. ”Religion strengthens America and no matter what, no matter what we choose to believe, let us remember that there is no religion whose central tenet is hate” -President Barack Obama

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Rumi Forum organized several study trips to Turkey in September and November 2013. The trips aimed to provide broad exposure to Turkish culture and to promote mutual understanding between the participants and Turkish counterparts through dialogue and discussion. The groups visited the following cities: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Gaziantep. Individuals of various local think-tanks; city and government officials; business leaders; and media representatives were among those visited during the trip. The Rumi Forum’s November 2013 trip was organized in cooperation with Truman National Security Project fellows and partners, a cooperative effort between the two organizations since 2008.

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comec scholar Fethullah Gülen, Honorary President of the Rumi Forum, recently stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on January 21st. 2013, that ‘the Hizmet movement does not form alliances with any political party or candidate,’ as well as emphasizing the importance of democratic values and universal human rights and freedoms when supporting a political movement.

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“We need to ask ourselves, ‘What can we do further to bridge the gap between communities and eradicate doubt, prejudice and misunderstanding -- personally, socially and intellectually?’ We should all be proactive in dialogue, and this is not too good to be true!”

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“Gülen, also inspired by Nursi’s understanding of the social ills of the Muslim world — poverty, disunity and ignorance — emphasized the importance of alleviating these in the Muslim world. Gülen didn’t stop there. He took this one important step further. It was incumbent on all Muslims, he preached, to help alleviate such social ills no matter the background of the person or the community being served. They could be Hindus in India, Buddhists in Japan, Agnostics in Europe, Baptists in the US, indigenous tribal religions in Africa or Muslims in the Middle East – all could and should be served as such ills were prevalent the world over.”

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We pay tribute to the honorable life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, who devoted himself to the principles of peace, democracy, social justice and equality. Faced with extraordinary challenges and adversity, he chose reconciliation over retaliation and, in doing so, set an example of living a more noble life. As we remember the lessons and wisdom of Mandela, we must reaffirm our commitment to the dignity of all humans, and to our shared values of peace, mutual understanding and respect through open dialogue.

Source: http://www.afsv.org/press-releases/#.UwUNeHkipuY

Our hearts and our prayers are with the Mandela family and the people of South Africa on the passing of their beloved Madiba. We at the Rumi Forum, and the world, will remember Nelson Mandela as one of history's most luminous beacons of hope and amazing courage, as one who struggled for peace and justice for all human beings.

“The Natural Gas Boom: International Market and Geopolitical Consequences” with Dr. Charles K. Ebinger of Brookings Institution

In his talk, Charles Ebinger discussed the current policy that is in place on the debate revolving around the question of whether the US government should allow for unrestricted exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG). he also discussed the main findings of a major NERA study that was conducted for the Department of Energy to quantify the potential effects of allowing for unrestricted natural gas exports. He discussed the potential benefits and downsides of the status quo and what effects these exports may have on American energy security. Mr. Ebinger also elaborated on the potential of energy resources as a diplomatic instrument for US authorities and a key tool in 21st century diplomacy, confirmed by the establishment of the State Department’s Bureau of Energy Resources.

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“Europe Whole and Free: Lithuanian Contribution” with Lithuanian Ambassador Zygimantas Pavilionis

Ambassador Pavilionis touched upon Lithuania's long lasting cultural tradition of tolerance, its achievements during the EU Presidency and aims at the UN Security Council. Ambassador Pavilionis joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993, where he was instrumental in achieving Lithuanian accession into NATO and the European Union. Between 1993 and 2009, he has held various high-level positions in the Lithuanian MFA, most focused on Lithuania’s relationship with the European Union. Most recently Ambassador Pavilionis acted as Ambassador –at-Large and Chief Coordinator for Lithuania’s Presidency of the Community of Democracies and Chief Coordinator for Transatlantic relations. He has a Master’s Degree in Philosophy and PhD in Political Science. He pursued both degrees in Vilnius University, Lithuania.

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Rumi Forum’s Social Issues Conference Series on Education and the State of our Future:
Critical Issues Facing Our Children

This conference aims to highlight critical social, pedagogical and civic issues as they relate to the pre-K to 12 U.S. educational systems in the 21st century. Conference presenters will incorporate one of the following into their presentations as it affects education in America at a local and national level. Early education and K-12 areas will be considered, in light of causes, effects and, in particular, solutions to the issues presented.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2014

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Rumi Forum PhD Fellowship Program

The Rumi Forum is inviting PhD candidates and those who have recently completed their doctorates in the areas of social science, for a study fellowship program that will incorporate a study tour of Turkey with the mission of exploring social, economic, cultural, security and political issues in the country and the wider region.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

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Rumi Forum broadcasting on 4 TV Stations

DC TV: Comcast 95, RCN 10, Verizon10
schedule here

Arlington TV:Comcast 69, Verizon 38

Fairfax TV: Cox 30, Verizon 30

Montgomery TV: Verizon 19,21 Cox 19,21, RCN 19,21

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Turkish Classes

Learn Turkish in Washington, DC! Experienced teachers are offering Turkish Language Classes at the Rumi Forum in Washington, DC. If you are looking for Turkish lessons in the DC Metropolitan Area, Rumi Forum is the right place to begin. There are three terms in a year

• Turkish language classes are open to everyone who is interested.
• The classes are arranged based on the number of students interested in at any level.
• Our teachers are using a Turkish Language Book Set written in Turkish.

For the intensive program: A four-hour class per week and eight classes in a month.

For further queries and application form please email: turkish@rumiforum.org

Visit the 'Learn Turkish' blog

WATCH PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

For more info

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Rumi Forum Internship Program

Eligibility: All undergraduate and master’s-level students and J.D. and Ph.D. candidates as well as recent graduates are eligible to apply.

Application Process: In order to apply for a Rumi Forum Internship, please submit the following:

· Cover Letter and Resume

· College or University Transcript

· 2-3 References (please provide both the phone and email contact information and please include a Professor or other individual familiar with your work)


*starting dates are flexible

Please send materials via email to

internships@rumiforum.org 

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DONATE TO RUMI FORUM

Rumi Forum now accepts donation through a new service via Paypal. The Rumi Forum, a NGO that is a non-profit exempt organization under section 501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code exists by way of contributions, donations and the volunteers that enable it to provide numerous services to better society at large. Your contributions are appreciated and play an important part in the Rumi Forum increasing social harmony and understanding.

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