Fethullah Gulen, the Turkish cleric previously accused of orchestrating a failed coup, dies at 83.

 Fethullah Gulen, the Turkish cleric previously accused of orchestrating a failed coup, dies at 83.

Fethullah Gülen, the Turkish cleric and influential leader of a global Islamic movement, has passed away at the age of 83. Gülen's life was marked by his rise from a modest background to become one of Turkey's most powerful religious figures, as well as the leader of an extensive network that reached into education, business, media, and politics. His influence and later his controversial role in Turkish politics led to decades of both reverence and conflict, culminating in his exile and accusations that he masterminded a failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016.

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Born on April 27, 1941, in a small village near Erzurum, Turkey, Gülen grew up in a religious family that instilled in him a deep commitment to Islamic teachings. As a young man, he became a preacher and quickly gained a following with his eloquent sermons that blended traditional Islamic values with a modern outlook. He advocated for a brand of Islam that emphasized education, interfaith dialogue, and civic responsibility. His message appealed to many who were seeking a way to reconcile their religious beliefs with the demands of a rapidly changing world.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Gülen began to establish a network of schools that emphasized science, mathematics, and language skills alongside traditional Islamic teachings. These institutions, which became known as "Hizmet" schools (Hizmet meaning "service" in Turkish), spread not only throughout Turkey but also across the globe, with Gülen-inspired educational centers eventually opening in over 100 countries. The movement became known as the "Gülen Movement" or simply "Hizmet," and its focus on education and social service earned it a reputation as a progressive force within the Muslim world.

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By the 1990s, Gülen's influence had grown beyond education. He became a spiritual guide to a network that included politicians, business leaders, journalists, and members of Turkey's military and police forces. His followers, often called "Gülenists," were seen as moderate Muslims who believed in the compatibility of Islam with democracy, secular governance, and engagement with the West. This philosophy set Gülen apart from other Islamic leaders and positioned him as a bridge between the Muslim world and Western nations.

However, as his influence grew, so did suspicions about his intentions. Turkish secularists and later the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, began to view the Gülen Movement as a threat to their power. What began as an alliance between Erdoğan and Gülen in the early 2000s quickly soured into a bitter rivalry as both men sought greater control over Turkey's institutions.

The turning point came in 2013 when a corruption scandal erupted in Turkey, implicating several high-ranking officials in Erdoğan's government. Erdoğan accused Gülen and his followers of orchestrating the scandal in an attempt to weaken his rule. The government responded by purging alleged Gülenists from the police, judiciary, and military, and by shutting down Gülen-linked schools and media outlets.

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Then, on the night of July 15, 2016, a faction of the Turkish military attempted to overthrow the government in a violent coup. Tanks rolled through the streets of Ankara and Istanbul, fighter jets flew low over the capital, and clashes erupted between rebel soldiers and civilians. By the time the coup was thwarted, more than 250 people had been killed, and thousands were injured. Erdoğan and his government quickly pointed the finger at Gülen, accusing him of masterminding the plot from his self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, USA, where he had been living since 1999.

Gülen vehemently denied any involvement in the coup attempt, condemning it as an attack on democracy. Despite his denials, the Turkish government launched a massive crackdown on those it accused of being Gülen's supporters, arresting tens of thousands of people and dismissing or suspending over 100,000 public sector workers. Gülen's image in Turkey was further tarnished as he was portrayed as the leader of a "terrorist organization" known as FETÖ (Fethullah Terrorist Organization).

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Internationally, Gülen remained a controversial figure. Some saw him as a peaceful advocate for education and dialogue, while others viewed him as a manipulative power-broker who used his influence to undermine governments. The United States repeatedly denied Turkey's requests to extradite Gülen, citing a lack of concrete evidence linking him directly to the coup attempt. This refusal strained relations between Washington and Ankara, adding to the geopolitical tensions between the two NATO allies.

In the years following the failed coup, Gülen's health declined as he lived a quiet life at his compound in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania. His movement, once a formidable force in Turkish society and around the world, faced significant setbacks as the Turkish government continued to target its institutions and members both at home and abroad. Many of his followers were forced into hiding or sought asylum in other countries, fearing persecution.

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Gülen's death marks the end of an era for both his supporters and his detractors. To his followers, he was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to promoting education, dialogue, and peace. To his opponents, he was a shadowy figure who sought to undermine the Turkish state for his gain. His legacy is likely to remain a subject of intense debate, reflecting the complexities of a man who inspired millions while also becoming one of Turkey's most polarizing figures.

As Turkey continues to grapple with the aftermath of the coup attempt and the ongoing struggle for political and social stability, Gülen's influence will be felt for years to come. His passing leaves a void in the Hizmet Movement, and questions linger about its future without the charismatic leader who once guided it. Whether viewed as a hero or a villain, Fethullah Gülen's life and legacy have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the history of modern Turkey and the broader Muslim world.