Fethullah Gülen, the influential Turkish Islamic cleric who inspired a global social movement and was accused by Turkey of masterminding a failed 2016 coup, has died in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, USA. The death of the octogenarian spiritual leader was confirmed by his nephew, Kemal Gülen, and acknowledged by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Gülen, who had been living on a secluded compound in the Pocono Mountains, was a controversial figure who blended Sufi Islamic teachings with advocacy for democracy, education, and interfaith dialogue. His Hizmet movement, also known as the Gülen movement, established a vast network of schools, businesses, and media outlets across more than 100 countries.
Once an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Gülen became a fierce opponent, accusing Erdogan of authoritarianism. The Turkish government, in turn, labeled Gülen a terrorist and accused him of orchestrating the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, which resulted in 251 deaths and over 2,200 injuries. Gülen consistently denied these allegations.
Following the failed coup, Turkey launched a extensive crackdown on Gülen’s followers, arresting tens of thousands and dismissing over 130,000 civil servants suspected of links to his movement. The U.S. refused to extradite Gülen, citing insufficient evidence.
Born in Erzurum, eastern Turkey, in the late 1930s, Gülen trained as an imam and gained prominence in Turkey for his teachings that merged Islam with Western values and Turkish nationalism. His movement operated universities, hospitals, charities, and media outlets in Turkey before the crackdown.
Gülen had been living in the United States since 1999, initially for medical treatment. He won a legal battle for permanent U.S. residency despite accusations in Turkey of plotting to overthrow the secular government.
Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan stated that Gülen’s death would not end the government’s efforts against his organization, calling it a “threat rarely seen in the history of our nation.” He urged Gülen’s followers to abandon what he termed a “treasonous wrong path.”
As news of Gülen’s death spreads, it marks the end of an era in Turkish politics and global Islamic movements. The impact of his life and the future of his movement remain subjects of intense debate and scrutiny.
AP
