Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish Muslim cleric based in the US, has passed away at age 83 after battling accusations of orchestrating a coup against Turkish President Erdogan. Despite living in the US since 1999, Gulen denied involvement in the failed coup which led to hundreds of deaths.
His movement, known as “Hizmet,” promoted a moderate form of Islam emphasizing education, free markets, and interfaith communication. However, following the coup attempt, his influence in Turkey and globally has waned.
Hodjaefendi:
Born in Turkey in 1941, Gulen rose to prominence through preaching and establishing various institutions to spread his teachings. However, his alliance with Erdogan soured in 2013 after corruption investigations emerged, leading to a crackdown on Gulen’s supporters.
Legacy:
In the aftermath of the failed coup, thousands were arrested or suspended under emergency rule, with Gulen labeled a terrorist. Despite denying involvement, Gulen faced isolation and extradition attempts by the Turkish government.