Fethullah Gulen, the influential cleric and founder of the Hizmet movement, passed away at the age of 83 in Pennsylvania, where he had been living in exile since 1999. Throughout his life, Gulen aimed to bring religion back to the Turkish state and promote interfaith dialogue through a liberal interpretation of Islam.
He established a global network of schools and civil society organizations based on his ideas, although some now view him more as a political figure than a religious leader. Gulen’s movement, Hizmet, spread worldwide, operating thousands of schools in over 160 countries and boasting a strong presence in various sectors, including business, media, and law enforcement.
Initially seen as an ally of President Erdogan, their relationship soured in 2013, leading to accusations against Gulen and his followers. The government blamed Gulen for the failed coup attempt in 2016, labeling his movement as a terrorist organization. Despite ongoing extradition requests, Gulen remained in the US until his passing, leaving behind a complex legacy and a movement facing internal power struggles.