Nurism is the excuse, fund robbery is sublime! Selim Çoraklı’s analysis

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The large-scale market fraud investigation launched by the Capital Markets Board (SPK) and the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) has once again brought discussions on the financial networks and past ties of religious structures in Turkey to the agenda.

The large-scale market fraud investigation launched by the Capital Markets Board (SPK) and the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) has once again brought discussions on the financial networks and past ties of religious structures in Turkey to the agenda. The most striking aspect of this investigation, which was centered around Katılımevim and Pusula Holding and included the liquidation of 131 investment funds, was the detention and arrest of Uğur Akkafa, the president of the "Nur Mektebi Science and Culture Association". In fact, this is not a surprising situation. It has been written and stated thousands of times in the public eye for years that such structures have been used as intermediaries in the FETÖ's restructuring. The fact that actors prominent in public opinion with the rhetoric of "interest-free finance" and "Nurism" are brought before the judiciary on allegations of billions of liras in fund movements and FETÖ affiliation reveals a network of relations that needs to be examined in depth.

When we look at the events that have taken place, we inevitably have to say "Nurism is the excuse, the robbery is sublime." Because those who rob the people every time never hesitate to use what the people value as masks over their faces. Those who do not heed the warnings of the Qur'an "Do not deceive yourselves with Allah / Do not be deceived" are deceived (perhaps as a slap from our Lord) by these exploiters who put masks on their faces at every step. Because in the verse, our Lord says, "Whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your hands have earned." (Ash-Shura, 30).

According to findings reflected in MASAK and SPK reports, the suspicion arose that the crime of "market fraud" was committed through transactions carried out within Katılımevim Tasarruflu Finansman A.Ş. It was determined that Pusula Holding Chairman of the Board Serdar Turhan transferred luxury assets abroad, transferred billions of liras in cash to bank accounts in Switzerland, and acquired property in Greece to obtain a residence permit.

The allegation that savings collected under the themes of Islamic finance and solidarity were diverted in the background to stock market manipulations, luxury consumption, and international financial networks forms the basic legal basis of the investigation.

UĞUR AKKAFA AND NUR MEKTEBİ

The fact that Uğur Akkafa, who has millions of followers on social media, was at the center of the list of suspects detained in the fund corruption investigation also brought the exploitation carried out under the name of Nurism to the agenda. The Nur Mektebi Association, centered in Ümraniye, Istanbul, of which Akkafa is the founder and president, has previously come to the agenda with critical allegations of FETÖ affiliation.

The Nur Mektebi Association was shut down on the grounds of FETÖ affiliation by the Statutory Decree (KHK) of the State of Emergency (OHAL) issued after the treacherous July 15 coup attempt, but shortly after, by whatever powerful hands intervened, this decision was lifted and the association was allowed to reopen.

According to allegations reflected in the press and social media outlets, it was claimed that FETÖ fugitive Cemil Tokpınar gave lectures within the body of Nur Mektebi from its inception before fleeing abroad and had close relations with the association's circles. Again, thousands of allegations have been written and drawn almost every day on social media that such structures are FETÖ restructuring centers. Despite this, the fact that these structures were not subjected to any audit until they reached gigantic proportions also confuses minds.

NEW GENERATION NURISM!

The vacuum created by the liquidation of FETÖ's prep schools, dormitories, and foundation networks after July 15 has been filled by new-generation so-called "Nurcu" youth associations that make effective use of social media. The mask that the exploiters put on their faces here has been "Nurism." This title, which those who follow Said Nursi adopted for themselves, has been a source of exploitation in different periods and has been used as a mask. It was revealed that the same mask was frequently used by FETÖ members after the July 15, 2016 coup attempt.

Some striking activities of those who put the mask of Nurism on their faces and how they defrauded the nation have been detected by the security bureaucracy and shared with the public. Despite this, the fact that no precautions have been taken so far causes various suspicions to come to our minds.

It is claimed that the founding figures of structures with YouTube channels having millions of followers, such as Sözler Köşkü, Hayalhanem, and Maksat 114, were raised in Nur Mektebi environments in the past. In other words, Nur Mektebi was chosen as the training ground for the cadres of new-generation groups, and Nurism was used as a mask. The sources of financing for multi-story buildings and high-cost activities acquired in cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Mersin, and in foreign centers like Germany, by these structures organized by wearing the mask of a Nurcu, formed the center of MASAK and prosecutor's office investigations with the Katılımevim operation. The fact that such structures were not examined until they reached a gigantic size inevitably brings other questions to mind.

REACTION OF NURCU GROUPS

Following the major corruption events that took place, some Nurcu groups have gone into classical defense mode and started to bring up issues they had never made a sound about until now. For example, some Nurcus argue that Uğur Akkafa and related associations have no real ties to "Nurism." These circles stated that the structures in question used the Risale-i Nur teachings as a tool for personal gain, fund generation, and commercial influence, making the criticism of "Money School." However, they could not explain why they did not do this before. The same situation was experienced regarding Fetullah, the hypocrite of the century. Those who called him a hodja until Fetullah's betrayal was revealed later stated that he had nothing to do with Nurism. However, the praise they heaped on Fetullah is still abundant in the archives today.

Another Nurcu group argues that the irregularities experienced should not be blamed on communities in general, and that the ongoing investigations should not be turned into a wholesale perception operation targeting people with religious sensitivities.

In fact, the investigation focusing around Uğur Akkafa and Katılımevim carries meanings beyond just being a case of stock market or fund fraud. The issue points to a complex process in which judicial authorities are examining the exploitation of religious feelings, uncontrolled financial activities carried out under the mask of a community, and suspicions that FETÖ's crypto networks continue to live under different names. The legal outcome of the event has the potential to create a decisive precedent for future audit mechanisms of the community-politics-finance triangle in Turkey.

ORGANIZATION METHODS OF STRUCTURES

The organization methods on social media of new-generation groups and modern associations called "Nurcu" (Sözler Köşkü, Hayalhanem, Çay House, Nur Mektebi, etc.) display a structure that is diametrically opposed to the classical proselytizing methods of traditional religious communities. These structures have created a strong sphere of influence, especially on Generation Z and young adults, by blending traditional religious discourses with modern digital marketing techniques.

The main organization strategies, operational logics, and background risks of these structures on social media are grouped under the following headings:

POPULAR CULTURE TRAP

Instead of the heavy and academic religious language of classical Nurcu groups, new-generation groups produce content suitable for the speed and aesthetics of social media. In the videos they shoot to reel in young people, intriguing, provocative, or directly popular culture-appealing headlines are processed, such as "Answers That Silence Atheists," "The Collapse of the Theory of Evolution," and "The End of Those Who Commit Adultery." It is impossible for young people whose intellect has not developed and who approach issues emotionally not to fall into such traps.

Current TV series, popular computer games, rap music, or social media trends are used as hooks to convey a religious message. The goal is to get onto the radar of secular youth or those away from religious life through algorithms.

PERFECTION PROFILE PERCEPTION

Instead of the elderly, robed, and authoritarian "sheikh/hodja" figure in traditional structures, modernly dressed, well-groomed, humorous, and eloquent young male figures are brought to the foreground in new-generation groups. They approach their listeners not like an authority figure, but like a confidant, older brother, or closest friend. The environments where the video is shot are equipped with dim lights, luxury decorations, coffee machines, and modern libraries, turning them into a cool atmosphere where young people will want to feel a sense of belonging.

These structures work with professional media teams that analyze very well how the algorithms of YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok operate. Through WhatsApp or Telegram groups consisting of hundreds or thousands of youths within the association, thousands of likes and comments are instantly pumped into a newly uploaded video. In this way, the video is engineered in a non-organic manner into the social media platforms' "Explore" or "Trending" lists.

Different channels constantly expand their audience pools by guest-starring in each other's videos or by tagging one another.

DIGITAL PSYCHOLOGY

Youths experiencing loneliness, anxiety about the future, exam stress, or relational problems caused by social media are the primary target audience of these structures. The produced videos do not directly explain fiqh or sharia rules; instead, themes of psychological depressions, loneliness, and psychological crises are addressed. Under the guise of "ways to escape depression," a kind of spiritual treatment is promised to young people in a digital environment. Messages received via social media (DMs) are instantly answered by organized teams, exploiting the youth's sense of loneliness and initiating the process of invitation to association buildings (study centers/mansions).

Social media is merely a showcase for such groups. The actual organization is completed when the youth caught in the digital realm is drawn into a physical environment. Youths who watch and are influenced by the videos on social media are invited to centers in their cities like "Sözler Köşkü," "Hayalhanem," or "Nur Mektebi" to drink tea, play PlayStation, or chat. The youth lured to the desired location is greeted with a warm welcome, intense attention, and a sense of belonging. Following this stage, the youth is gradually included in the Nurculuk lessons and the hierarchy of the group formed through obedience where people are turned into mankurts.

The trust and "alms/zakat/charity" rhetoric provided by millions of followers turn into a massive financial resource. Regular donations are collected via social media under the guise of "We are opening water wells in Africa, helping orphans, building madrasahs, or sponsor us so that our tablighi videos reach more people." These digital funding methods, which are far from audits, create a financial resource pool in the background for stock market manipulations, holding company formations, and the acquisition of luxury assets, as seen in the Katılımevim and Uğur Akkafa investigations. Here, the mask of Nurculuk is active at every stage.

These new-generation structures carry out the human recruitment activities that FETÖ previously conducted through light houses and study centers, nowadays at a much faster and global scale through YouTube studios, Instagram Reels videos, and digital algorithm manipulations. The sympathetic, modern, and benevolent digital face in the showcase is the strongest shield camouflaging the uncontrolled financial growth and cult hierarchy in the background.

FETÖ-LIKE TACTICS ARE ALWAYS THE SAME

While the new-generation "Nurcu" youth associations wearing the mask of Nurculuk (Sözler Köşkü, Hayalhanem, Nur Mektebi, etc.) bear very serious structural similarities to the past FETÖ (Fethullahist Terrorist Organization) structure in terms of media and human recruitment strategies, they also contain some sharp differences regarding the opportunities brought by the digital era and target audience dynamics.

The comparison of the media, propaganda, financing, and human resource recruitment strategies of the two structures is as follows:

While FETÖ's past strategy used traditional and centralized mainstream media organs such as newspapers (Zaman), magazines (Sızıntı), and television (Samanyolu TV), the strategy of New Generation Associations has become decentralized digital social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, and Spotify.

While FETÖ featured a suit-wearing, official, weeping, mystical, and authoritarian "Hoca Efendi" figure along with more introverted, secretive cadres, new generation groups feature sympathetic and cool big brother models who wear modern clothes, have well-groomed hair and beards, are humorous, and drink coffee in luxury studios.

While FETÖ used physical and institutional networks through study centers, private schools, student dormitories, and "Light Houses" in human recruitment, new generation groups use social media "Explore" algorithms, clickbaits, and digital-physical hybrid venues called "Mansion/School."

As a target audience approach, while FETÖ used success-oriented students who were successful in exams, intelligent, pious, or inclined towards conservatism, new generation groups use secular/conservative youths from all segments who are isolated by social media and experience future anxiety, depression, or relationship problems.

While FETÖ used sympathy meetings, business associations (TUSKON), mandatory newspaper subscriptions, and traditional cash flow from hand to hand regarding financing and fundraising, new generation groups use mass crowdfunding via social media, donations for water wells in Africa, and stock market/fund manipulations as in the example of Katılımevim.

While FETÖ put forward the rhetoric of interfaith dialogue, Turkish Olympiads, education, tolerance, and infiltrating bureaucracy (Golden Generation) in its legitimacy and discourse, new generation groups use critiques of atheism/deism, saving faith, psychological spiritual treatment, and the emphasis on interest-free finance/halal earnings.

STRUCTURAL SIMILARITIES WITH FETÖ

Both FETÖ and the new-generation Nurcu groups initially envelop the youths they want to catch in their nets with extreme attention, affection, a sense of belonging to the group, and a feeling of being special. While FETÖ did this in dormitories and houses, new-generation structures start this process in DM (direct message) boxes and complete it in "Mansion" chats.

While these structures present an extremely democratic, libertarian, and cheerful showcase to the outside, the youth who enters inside is subjected step by step to consultation committees, the big brother hierarchy, and an unquestionable model of loyalty (risale/hodja oriented).

When negative events occur within such structures, they are quite adept at taking refuge immediately in the perception of victimhood and a psychology of siege. They directly characterize any legal audit, criticism, or investigation directed at them (as in the arrest of Uğur Akkafa) as "an attack on Islam, faith, and the service of Risale-i Nur" to consolidate their base.

NEW GENERATION RISKS

FETÖ reaching a youth and pulling him to its line required months of dormitory/study center relationships. New-generation structures, on the other hand, can enter the minds of millions of youths at the same time and include them in their digital communities with a single viral TikTok/Reels video they produce.

FETÖ's printing houses, TV channels, and buildings could be physically closed down by the state. However, the decentralized digital broadcasting carried out by new-generation structures through thousands of different personal accounts and the money traffic based on crypto assets and funds create a grey area that is much more difficult to track for MASAK and cybercrime units.

The biggest hook in social media and the cornerstone of the digital organization strategy of new-generation cult structures (Sözler Köşkü, Hayalhanem, etc.) are video concepts that "collapse atheism/deism" or "finish off evolution."

In the videos they make to trap youths, analogies turned into clichés are frequently used, such as "If even this ballpoint pen in my hand has a master, how can the vast universe not have a creator?" or "A palace without a master is unthinkable, a letter without a scribe is unthinkable."

To support their own proofs, they cherry-pick sentences or words from the scientific literature that suit their purposes.

One of the most watched and most dangerous setups on social media is the videos of the "atheist youth" invited to the channel. The youth seated opposite (who are usually actors chosen from agencies or people with theatrical talent from within the cult itself) puts forward extremely weak and cliché arguments philosophically and scientifically. The cult leader/big brother opposite silences this youth with a two-minute speech, and the youth cries in front of the cameras and recites the Kalima Shahada.

In the videos, microscopes, human anatomy models, and DNA helix visuals are placed in the background. The speaker sometimes wears a white laboratory coat or takes thick English biology books in his hand. The perception is created in the audience that "These guys are very proficient in science, they are doing research in the laboratory." However, the books or decors in the background are merely stage props; none of the speakers have an academic background or articles in the fields of positive sciences (biology, physics, chemistry).

The ultimate goal of this pseudo-scientific propaganda is not to scientifically enlighten the youths, but to resolve the "cognitive dissonance" and create a safe harbor. The youth who meets the internet in the modern world, questions, and tends to move away from the cult culture is given the following message: "All those philosophical questions, evolution theories, and atheist arguments in your mind are actually very absurd and simple. Look, we refuted them in two minutes. Stop questioning and return to the safe place you belong, to the cult, to the tariqa."

In this way, the youth experiencing a mental breakdown is reattached to the structure and becomes a potential soldier of the physical organization and uncontrolled financial funds (Katılımevim, etc.) we mentioned in the previous stages.

SUGGESTIONS FOR SOLUTIONS

As of September 2026, the arrest of Uğur Akkafa and the macro-level stock market investigation launched around Katılımevim have revealed the dangerous dimensions reached by next-generation hybrid organizations replacing traditional religious community structures in Turkey. The combination of financial, social media organization, and pseudo-scientific propaganda dimensions demonstrates that these structures are not merely faith-oriented associations, but manipulative entities generating unregulated financial power.

We see that these next-generation groups rise on three pillars:

1- Interest-free finance, charity, and Islamic economics discourses have been used as a storefront. In the background, stock market manipulations, luxury asset transfers, and corporate conglomeration practices reflected in MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) reports have been carried out. Religion has been transformed into a shield masking an uncontrolled flow of billions of liras of capital.

2- The physical human recruitment methods of classical communities have left their place to YouTube studios, Instagram Reels, and TikTok algorithms. Young people, who are isolated in the digital world, are pulled into the network through love-bombing, and are integrated into the community hierarchy by being invited to physical "Mansions" and "Schools" through fake relationships of sincerity established.

3- The inquiries of young people are met by figures without academic competence, using laboratory coats and scientific decors, creating a false sense of intellectual confidence in skeptical youth and distancing them from realities.

DANGEROUS APPROACHES

The mass fraudulent manipulation carried out by FETÖ in the past through prep schools and TV channels is carried out much faster today through decentralized accounts and digital platforms. This creates hard-to-track gray areas for cyber crimes and security units.

The spending of aid collected under the name of interest-free finance and charity on stock market manipulations or personal luxury consumption fundamentally shakes the sense of solidarity, faith, and trust in society.

The massification of pseudo-scientific propaganda leads to the emergence of a youth profile that is far from rational thinking, has paralyzed inquiry skills, and is open to manipulation.

STEPS TO BE TAKEN

In order to combat these complex structures and protect the youth, there are steps that need to be taken at the level of the state, academia, and civil society. These steps must be implemented urgently without delay and without facing any obstacles:

Digital funds must be tracked completely. Mass funds collected from social media under the guise of water wells in Africa, madrasah aid, or proselytization sponsorship must be subjected to a strict monitoring system.

Financial holding entries must be prevented, and opportunities for exploitation must not be opened. The capital structures of savings financing companies (Katılımevim, etc.) in terms of community/association relations must be regularly reviewed retroactively by the BRSA (Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency) and the CMB (Capital Markets Board). The transfer of money by faith-themed financial institutions to stock market manipulations or foreign property acquisitions must be tied to heavy criminal penalties.

Organized interaction manipulation must be combated. BTK (Information Technologies and Communication Authority) and cybersecurity units must develop digital auditing mechanisms that will prevent these structures from inorganically manipulating social media algorithms through Telegram/WhatsApp groups via likes, comments, and trending lists.

Critical digital literacy education must be implemented. "Critical Media Literacy" courses should be added to the Ministry of National Education curriculum to enable young people to distinguish fictional videos on social media (for example, fictional atheist debates or clickbait).

ACADEMIC COUNTER-PROPAGANDA

Academic channels must be supported so that these funds do not open an area of exploitation. Real scientists, evolutionary biologists, philosophers, and theologians must be made more visible in digital media. YouTube and digital media projects that answer young people's questions in a rational, scientific, and academic language should be encouraged.

In biology classes in schools, the Theory of Evolution and its mechanisms should be taught as scientific realities without distortion; in philosophy classes, topics such as logical fallacies and the problem of evil should be covered with a depth that will prevent young people from falling into community traps.

COMMUNIZATION OF SOCIAL SPACES

Municipality and state-supported youth centers, libraries, and social facilities where young people can socialize for free, access the internet, and spend quality time should be increased. Secular and safe public spaces must be built as an alternative to the artificial warm environments created by communities under the name of "Mansion" or "School."

To summarize the issue, the Uğur Akkafa and Katılımevim operation has exposed the digital and financial mutation that religious-looking structures have undergone in the modern era. The fight against these structures should not remain merely a judicial operation; it must be transformed into an all-out social defense strategy covering financial, digital, and educational dimensions. Otherwise, even if the names change, new hybrid structures exploiting digital and financial gaps will continue to emerge. FETÖ members, who approach the issue with a sophisticated logic and accelerate their restructuring activities, will benefit more from such structures. This is an initiative that will render July 15 ineffective, and no one has the space or the authority to open the ground for this. Those who knowingly or unknowingly open space for FETÖ members are crypto-FETÖists, and what they are doing is treachery.