Fethullah Gulen, Controversial Cleric and Former Erdogan Ally, Passes Away at 83
ISTANBUL – Fethullah Gulen, the US-based cleric whose life was marked by a powerful Islamic movement and tumultuous political battles in Turkey, has died at the age of 83. His passing on Sunday evening was confirmed by Herkul, a website that shares Gulen’s sermons, which announced he had been receiving treatment in a US hospital.
Gulen’s journey is a fascinating tale of rise and fall. Once a close ally of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, their relationship soured dramatically over the years. The rift reached a boiling point following the 2016 attempted coup, which Erdogan blamed on Gulen. This coup attempt was a chaotic affair, with rogue soldiers seizing control of warplanes and tanks, resulting in the tragic deaths of around 250 people. Gulen, however, consistently denied any involvement, asserting that he had no ties to the coup.
Born in 1941 in a small village in eastern Turkey, Gulen was the son of an imam and began his religious studies at a young age. His rise to prominence began in the 1960s when he became an imam in Edirne and started establishing student dormitories in Izmir. These dormitories laid the groundwork for what would become a vast network of educational institutions, businesses, and media outlets that extended beyond Turkey’s borders, reaching Central Asia, the Balkans, Africa, and the West.
Gulen’s movement, known as "Hizmet," which translates to "service" in Turkish, aimed to promote a moderate interpretation of Islam, emphasizing Western-style education and interfaith dialogue. However, after the failed coup, the Turkish government launched a systematic crackdown on his followers, leading to the closure of hundreds of schools and media outlets linked to Gulen. The government labeled his movement a terrorist organization, and Gulen became a figure of disdain among Erdogan’s supporters.
The fallout from the coup attempt was severe. The Turkish government arrested at least 77,000 people and suspended around 150,000 state workers, including teachers and judges, under emergency rule. Gulen, who had lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, became increasingly isolated, facing calls for extradition from Ankara.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Gulen maintained a significant following, who revered him as "Hodjaefendi," or respected teacher. His teachings and the extensive network he built have left a lasting impact, even as his influence waned in Turkey and abroad.
In a 2017 interview, Gulen expressed no intention of fleeing the United States, despite the looming threat of extradition. He appeared frail, relying on his longtime doctor for support, and continued to advocate for his vision of a peaceful, educated society.
As the world reflects on Gulen’s complex legacy, his death marks the end of an era for a figure who was both a champion of moderate Islam and a polarizing symbol in Turkish politics. His life story serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between faith, politics, and personal ambition in a rapidly changing world.
