Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based cleric who founded the Hizmet movement to promote a moderate form of Islam, has died at the age of 83. Gulen, once an ally of Turkish leader Erdogan, was accused of orchestrating a failed coup in 2016 by rogue soldiers, resulting in 250 deaths. He denied involvement and had been living in exile in the U.S. since 1999. His movement has faced persecution in Turkey and internationally since the coup attempt.
Gulen, also known as Hodjaefendi, began his career as a mosque imam and gained prominence as a preacher in the 1960s. He built an extensive network through education, business, media, and state institutions that spread beyond Turkey to other countries. However, tensions between Gulen and Erdogan escalated in 2013 following corruption investigations targeting Erdogan’s associates.
After the failed coup, Erdogan cracked down on Gulen’s followers, describing them as traitors. Hundreds of schools, companies, media outlets, and associations linked to Gulen were shut down, and thousands were arrested or suspended from their jobs. Gulen vehemently condemned the coup attempt and denied any involvement, insisting that he had suffered from military coups in the past.
Gulen, isolated and reviled by Erdogan’s supporters, remained in the U.S. despite extradition requests from Turkey. He maintained his innocence and continued to promote interfaith dialogue and education. His death marks the end of a controversial chapter in Turkey’s history, where Gulen’s once-powerful movement has been dismantled, and he himself became a symbol of political persecution.
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