Mohammed Fethullah Gülen
Mohammed Fethullah Gülen (April 27, 1941 – October 20, 2024) was a prominent Turkish Islamic scholar, educator, and author who dedicated his life to promoting a harmonious synthesis of faith, knowledge, and civic responsibility. Born in the village of Korucuk in Turkey, Gülen was deeply influenced by Islamic teachings from an early age, particularly those of Said Nursi. His intellectual pursuits led him to become a respected preacher and teacher by the 1960s.
Gülen is best known for founding the Hizmet Movement, also referred to as the Gülen Movement, which emphasizes values such as education, interfaith dialogue, and altruistic service to humanity. Under his vision and guidance, the movement established a global network of educational institutions, including schools, universities, and tutoring centers, operating in over 160 countries. These institutions focus on providing high-quality education that combines modern science and technology with moral and ethical teachings rooted in Islamic values.
In addition to his educational initiatives, Gülen authored more than 70 books on a wide range of topics, including religion, spirituality, ethics, and social responsibility. His works, such as "Toward a Global Civilization of Love and Tolerance", "The Infinite Light" (a multi-volume work on the life of Prophet Muhammad), and "Pearls of Wisdom", have been translated into numerous languages, earning him a global readership. Gülen’s teachings often highlight the compatibility of faith and reason, urging Muslims to engage with contemporary challenges while staying grounded in spiritual principles.
Gülen also made significant contributions to interfaith and intercultural dialogue, advocating for peaceful coexistence among diverse communities. His efforts inspired the establishment of dialogue centers worldwide, where individuals from different religious and cultural backgrounds come together to build understanding and mutual respect.
For his lifelong dedication to education, dialogue, and social service, Gülen received international recognition and awards. He lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, USA, from 1999 until his passing on October 20, 2024. Despite spending his final years away from his homeland, his legacy continues through the educational, humanitarian, and dialogue initiatives inspired by his teachings. Gülen remains a symbol of peaceful activism and the transformative power of education in fostering global harmony.
Homeira Qaderi
Homeira Qaderi is an Afghan writer, activist, and educator. She has authored seven books, including the acclaimed novel "Noqra: The Daughter of Kabul River" (2009). Her memoir, "Dancing in the Mosque: An Afghan Mother's Letter to Her Son" (2020), has been translated into multiple languages and was recognized by Kirkus Reviews as one of the best nonfiction books of 2020.
Before leaving Afghanistan, Qaderi taught at Gharjistan University in Kabul and served as a senior advisor to both the Minister of Education and the Minister of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs, and the Disabled.
A lifelong human rights activist, she was awarded the Malalai Medal—Afghanistan’s highest civilian honor—for exceptional bravery by the President of Afghanistan.
After relocating to the United States, Qaderi continued her advocacy and literary work, serving as a Robert G. James Scholar Fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University.
Sohrab Omar is an Afghan author, translator, and freelance photojournalist with a multifaceted career spanning literature and journalism. Fluent in Persian, Turkish, and English, Omar has translated numerous works from Turkish to Persian, bringing a rich array of literary treasures to Afghan readers. As a children’s book author, he has published a collection of storybooks aimed at inspiring and educating young minds, often weaving themes of creativity, resilience, and cultural heritage into his narratives.
In addition to his literary achievements, Omar has extensive experience as a freelance journalist and photographer. For over seven years, he has reported on Afghanistan's socio-political and cultural landscape, collaborating with regional and international media outlets. His expertise extends to producing reports and documentaries, having worked with esteemed organizations such as TRT, Independent Turkish, Stern Magazine, and ZDF. Omar's journalistic work highlights critical issues such as poverty, child labor, and education, capturing the realities of Afghan society with authenticity and depth.
As a member of the International Journalists Association, he actively advocates for press freedom and strives to amplify underrepresented voices. His work, whether through translation, children’s literature, or photojournalism, reflects a commitment to bridging cultures and fostering understanding through storytelling.
Sohrab Omar
