Abstract:

The Gülen political–social discourse emerged in the 1970s around the central signifier of “service” (hizmet) and gradually evolved into a transnational religious–social movement. Within this discourse, service to society is articulated through concepts such as modern education, science, Islamic ethics, and intercultural dialogue, forming a coherent chain of equivalence. By synthesizing Islamic teachings with modern values, the Gülen discourse seeks to reconcile religious faith with scientific advancement while emphasizing pragmatism, social responsibility, and the active role of civil society. From the 1990s onward, the movement significantly expanded its educational, academic, and philanthropic activities beyond Turkey, extending its reach to Central Asia, Europe, the United States, and Africa.

Employing Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse theory, this study examines the transformation of the Gülen discourse in the context of hegemonic crises and sustained political pressure, addressing how the discourse has undergone processes of change, contestation, and reconstruction over time. The findings demonstrate that, in response to power struggles and discursive exclusion, the Gülen discourse has strategically rearticulated its religious and cultural foundations. In contrast to the authoritarian discourse of the Erdoğan government—characterized by a crisis of meaning—the movement has sought to maintain internal cohesion and diasporic legitimacy through the reconstruction of its discursive order and a renewed emphasis on service, education, and dialogue."The Gülen Movement, a prominent example of demonstrates that the success of a religious–civic movement is contingent upon its capacity to foster internal cohesion, manage differences, remain flexible in the face of crises, and engage intelligently with the global environment.