We were not too far away from a meeting which would have brought about an intense exchange of views on our world. Alas, it didn’t happen! On one occasion Fethullah Gülen was not well, and on another, I was held in Germany for the birth of my grandson. For a time, I considered writing a biography of Fethullah Gülen after having studied many of his writings, in which the importance of education played such a prominent role. Ultimately, I decided against it, feeling unqualified to write about such an important religious leader. Instead, I wrote a book about the schools founded by the Hizmet movement. One of the most impressive is located in the heights of Stuttgart! Having been a grammar-school teacher myself at the beginning of my professional career, it was not too difficult to follow Gülen’s thoughts and proposals. As a boy I had witnessed the arrival of the first wave of Turkish workers and their poor beginnings. Gülen gave them hope; he even visited Germany.

Even more striking for me was connecting with Germans of Turkish ancestry, which began some 30 years ago. I met them in Berlin and across Germany during my lecture tours. Everywhere I gathered the same impression: a fully occupied auditorium, dozens of volunteers, and open, eager faces all expressing the same message: I want to be part of this society, and I want to learn! These gatherings also meant starting the day with a hearty breakfast and ending it with an opulent meal.

I dare say that no other migrant group has such a successful story of education and integration as the supporters and friends of Fethullah Gülen. Within three generations, many have reached—and often even surpassed—the educational level of German society.

I am myself a descendent of migrants who, for religious reasons, had to leave their homeland. I therefore know what is going on in the hearts of those who cannot see their parents and relatives in Turkey. For them, Fethullah Gülen was a source of strength and hope, much like John Paul II was for Poland during times of turmoil and trouble. Here again faith played an important role!

We know from many sources that Fethullah Gülen had a gift for inspiring many people. They listened to him, they followed him and spread his sermons. Thanks to the ongoing technological revolution, he was able to reach millions around the world. I witnessed his impact firsthand as I met people who responded to his call for education—across Asia, America, Africa, and throughout Europe.

The memory of Fethullah Gülen will endure, the schools of the Hizmet movement will stand as lasting evidence of a faith capable of moving mountains. Farewell, Fethullah Gülen!