Did the arrests frighten Fethullah Gülen and those around him into reducing their activities?
No. In 1971, Gülen left his post and Kestanepazarı Hall but retained his status as a state-authorized preacher. He began setting up more study rooms and boarding halls in the Aegean region: the funding for these came from local people. It is at this point that a particular group of about one hundred people began to be visible as a service group, that is, a group gathered around Gülen’s understanding of service to the community and positive action.
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