Fethullah Gülen, a U.S.-based Islamic cleric who inspired a global social movement, has passed away in his eighties after an extended illness. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed Gülen’s death, referring to him as the leader of a “dark organization.” Gülen, who lived in self-exile in Pennsylvania, espoused a philosophy that combined Sufism with democracy, education, science, and interfaith dialogue, which attracted millions of followers worldwide.
Initially an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Gülen eventually became his foe. Erdogan accused him of orchestrating the failed 2016 military coup in Turkey. Gülen adamantly denied involvement in the coup attempt, and his supporters dismissed the accusations as politically motivated. The Turkish government began a broad crackdown on Gülen’s movement, Hizmet, following the failed coup, arresting thousands of people and shutting down businesses, schools, and media organizations tied to Gülen.
Gülen’s movement had a global network of charitable foundations, professional associations, businesses, and schools in over 100 countries. In the United States, his followers operated 150 taxpayer-funded charter schools. However, Gülen was viewed with suspicion in Turkey, where he faced accusations of leading an Islamist plot to overthrow the secular government. Despite being tried and acquitted in absentia, Gülen never returned to Turkey.
Living a reclusive life in Pennsylvania, Gülen rarely appeared in public and focused on prayer, meditation, and receiving visitors. He faced health issues, including heart disease and diabetes, and did not have children. With Gülen’s passing, it is unclear who will lead the movement he founded. Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan emphasized that Gülen’s death would not lessen their resolve to combat his organization, which they consider a serious threat to the nation.
Fethullah Gülen’s life began in Erzurum, Turkey, with his official birthdate in dispute. Trained as an imam, Gülen gained recognition for preaching tolerance, dialogue between faiths, and the compatibility of religion with science. His philosophy resonated with millions in Turkey and globally, with his followers establishing universities, hospitals, a bank, and a media empire supporting Erdogan’s government.
The alliance between Gülen and Erdogan deteriorated as the movement criticized government policies and exposed alleged corruption within Erdogan’s inner circle. Erdogan accused Gülenists of infiltrating the police and judiciary and trying to create a parallel state. Despite efforts to extradite him, Gülen remained in the U.S. since 1999, where he sought medical treatment and eventually obtained permanent residency after a legal battle.
Fethullah Gülen passed away, leaving behind a complex legacy that includes a global social movement, accusations of terrorism, and a strained relationship with the Turkish government. As his supporters mourn his death, questions remain about the future of his movement and the impact of his ideas on Islamic thought and social activism.
