In brief
Fethullah Gulen, a pivotal figure in Turkish politics and former ally to President Erdogan, has died in the U.S., marking the end of an era characterized by animosity and political strife.
Fethullah Gulen, the prominent Turkish cleric who lived in exile in the United States, has passed away at the age of 83. His death occurred late Sunday in a hospital, as confirmed by a social media post from the Herkul website, but the cause of death was not disclosed. Gulen’s political journey saw him evolve from a local preacher in Turkey to the leader of the worldwide Hizmet movement, which advocated for Islam that embraces free markets, science, and interfaith dialogue.Initially, Gulen was regarded as an ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and their partnership aided Erdogan's rise. However, a significant rift developed between the two following the failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016, for which Erdogan held Gulen accountable. Subsequently, the Turkish government designated Gulen's Islamic movement as a terrorist organization, resulting in extensive purges and arrests across the nation.During the crackdown post-coup, the Turkish authorities detained around 100,000 individuals and dismissed approximately 150,000 public employees, severely limiting Gulen’s influence within Turkey. Schools and media associated with Gulen were also shut down, effectively neutralizing his movement's presence in the country. Despite these accusations, Gulen consistently denied involvement in the coup and remained reclusive in Pennsylvania, further amplifying speculative narratives about his alleged connections to U.S. intelligence operations.The Turkish government’s unsuccessful efforts to extradite Gulen have perpetuated diplomatic frictions between Ankara and Washington, illustrating how the conflict between Gulen and Erdogan has shaped the political landscape in Turkey for years. The cleric's death marks a significant moment in Turkish history, potentially reshaping its ongoing political discourse.
