Fethullah Gülen, an influential Turkish preacher and scholar, passed away in the United States at the age of 83. Gülen, who had been living in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania for years, was a former close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. However, the relationship between the two soured, leading to a deep rift, especially after Gülen was accused by Ankara of orchestrating the failed 2016 coup attempt. Despite these accusations, Gülen repeatedly denied any involvement in the coup.
Gülen was the founder of the Hizmet movement, a religious and social organization that gained significant influence in Turkey and abroad. Hizmet, meaning “service” in Turkish, grew to include a vast network of followers who held positions in various sectors such as education, the judiciary, the military, and media. After the 2016 coup attempt, the Turkish government labeled Hizmet a terrorist organization, referring to it as FETÖ (Fethullah Terrorist Organization). This branding led to mass purges and arrests across Turkey, with thousands of individuals accused of being linked to the movement.
On July 15, 2016, a coup attempt was launched in Turkey with the aim of removing Erdoğan from power. The coup involved segments of the military who used tanks, jets, and helicopters to seize control of key locations. However, the attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, leading to the deaths of 251 people and injuries to nearly 2,200. The failed coup marked a pivotal moment in Turkey’s political landscape, as the government responded with sweeping crackdowns on those believed to be associated with Gülen’s movement.
In the aftermath of the coup attempt, the Turkish government launched a widespread campaign to root out those suspected of being involved in the Hizmet movement. This campaign saw tens of thousands of arrests, including judges, military officers, and journalists. Furthermore, approximately 20,000 teaching licenses were revoked, particularly targeting individuals working in schools both in Turkey and abroad that were thought to be linked to Hizmet. The crackdown extended to various institutions and organizations, with the government accusing them of harboring Gülen’s influence.
Gülen, however, consistently denied playing any role in the coup. In previous statements, he emphasized that he had no knowledge of most of the individuals involved in the movement, claiming that his role was limited to expressing his beliefs through his sermons and teachings. Despite his denials, the Turkish government persisted in its accusations, viewing Gülen as the mastermind behind the coup attempt.
Throughout his life, Gülen had been a prominent figure in Turkish society. His teachings and the principles of the Hizmet movement resonated with many, particularly in the areas of education and social service. Schools associated with Hizmet were established in numerous countries, promoting educational and cultural exchange. However, the growing influence of the movement eventually put it at odds with the Turkish government, particularly as Gülen’s followers began to occupy key positions in state institutions.
The rift between Gülen and Erdoğan became increasingly apparent in the early 2010s. While the two had initially been allies, working together to reshape Turkey’s political landscape, their relationship deteriorated as Erdoğan grew more suspicious of Gülen’s influence within the state. The 2016 coup attempt solidified this break, with Erdoğan’s government aggressively pursuing anyone connected to Gülen or the Hizmet movement.
Gülen’s death marks the end of a controversial and polarizing figure in Turkish history. To his supporters, he was a visionary religious leader who emphasized education, dialogue, and service. To his detractors, particularly the Turkish government, he was a dangerous figure who used his religious teachings to gain political power and undermine the state.
The legacy of Gülen and the Hizmet movement remains a contentious issue in Turkey. The purges that followed the 2016 coup attempt have left lasting scars on Turkish society, with many individuals still facing legal and professional consequences for their alleged connections to the movement. Meanwhile, Gülen’s followers continue to assert that they are being unjustly persecuted for their beliefs and that the movement was never intended to be a political force.
Gülen’s passing also raises questions about the future of the Hizmet movement. Without its founder and central figure, it remains to be seen how the movement will evolve and whether it can maintain its influence, particularly in light of the Turkish government’s ongoing efforts to dismantle it. Additionally, Gülen’s death may prompt further discussions within Turkey about the coup attempt and its aftermath, as well as the broader issue of political dissent and state repression.
While Gülen’s death brings an end to a significant chapter in Turkish history, the debates surrounding his legacy and the impact of the Hizmet movement are likely to continue for years to come. The movement’s extensive reach, both in Turkey and abroad, and its role in the events leading up to and following the 2016 coup attempt have left an indelible mark on Turkish politics and society.
, Fethullah Gülen’s life was marked by both significant influence and deep controversy. As the founder of the Hizmet movement, he inspired a vast network of followers committed to education and social service. However, his falling out with Erdoğan and the subsequent accusations of involvement in the 2016 coup attempt turned him into a highly polarizing figure. Gülen’s death closes a chapter in this complex and ongoing story, but the effects of his life and work will likely continue to shape Turkish society for the foreseeable future.
