The House of Service

The House of Service is noteworthy for at least two reasons. On the one hand, the author s ability to free himself of Western and Christian cultural paradigms concerning NGOs, on the other hand, the adoption of an uncompromisingly critical approach to his object of study. These two methodological exigencies combine to produce a highly stimulating and original work. --Journal of Contemporary Religion Tittensor s work is a key contribution to the growing critical scholarship on this global Muslim movement and a reasonable defense of the legitimacy of its approach to da'wa. --Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations This well-balanced analysis makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the very complex and, as yet largely mysterious transnational Islamic movement founded by the Turkish cleric, Fethullah Gulen...The House of Service, with its rich historical analysis, ample bibliography and useful index, is among the most commendable sources in English on the Gulen movement. --The Middle East Journal A balanced, insightful study of what has come to be known as 'the Gulen Movement.' Neither gullible cheerleading nor carping criticism of the movement inspired by Fethullah Gulen, Tittensor's work roots Gulen's thought and the movement's orientation in the DNA of centuries-old Anatolian society. Following Nursi and generations of Turkish Muslims before him, Gulen is attempting a negotiation of globalization and modernity within an Islamic frame of reference. --Thomas Michel, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Doha, Qatar Now found in some 110 countries, the Gulen School movement is one of the largest and most dynamic Muslim-led international educational movements in the world. In this carefully researched and well-written book, David Tittensor provides a balanced analysis of Gulen Movement ideals, organization, and institutional history. The result is a book that should be read by everyone interested in the contemporary reformation of Muslim social ethics, as well as the far-reaching-and hopeful-changes taking place in Muslim-led education. --Robert Hefner, Director of the Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs, Boston University ...[T]his timely and scholarly book presents an objective analysis of the influential Gulen movement, which is generally described in controversial terms. --International Journal of Middle East Studies