In brief
In a dramatic shift that has reshaped Turkish politics, the partnership between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Fethullah Gulen, a powerful preacher now deceased, disintegrated, leading to an authoritarian regime's emergence.
Erdogan's rise to prominence was initially bolstered by Gulen and his vast network of supporters, who occupied vital positions in government, media, and judicial institutions. However, this alliance began to sour over time, particularly after corruption allegations surfaced against Erdogan's inner circle in 2013, largely spearheaded by Gulen-affiliated prosecutors. The tension peaked in July 2016 when a faction aligning with Gulen orchestrated a military coup attempt, which Erdogan successfully thwarted by mobilizing his supporters and key military figures. The aftermath solidified Erdogan's power and marked a significant turn towards increased authoritarianism in Turkey.Through this unraveling of an erstwhile alliance, Turkey's political landscape transformed drastically, with Erdogan employing the coup attempt as a pretext for an extensive crackdown on dissent, further consolidating his grip on power. The events surrounding Gulen's death this week have reignited discussions about the long-term implications of this tumultuous chapter in Turkey's history, reflecting on how personal rivalries can influence national policy and governance.
