Fethullah Gülen, the Turkish Islamic preacher accused of orchestrating the failed 2016 coup attempt in Türkiye, has passed away at the age of 83 in the United States. Born in Türkiye, Gülen founded the Hizmet movement, emphasizing education, moral values, and service to society. Despite his apolitical stance, Gülen’s followers gained political influence, sparking controversy within Türkiye’s state institutions.
The rift between Gülen and Erdoğan deepened over the years, leading to a standoff between the two leaders. With Gülen’s movement seen as a Western tool against Erdoğan’s sovereignty, tensions escalated post the failed coup attempt in 2016. Türkiye launched investigations into Gülen’s US ties, accusing Washington of supporting the conspirators.
Erdoğan swiftly crushed the coup and initiated a massive purge, targeting Gülenists across state institutions. Despite its defeat, the Gülen movement continues to be a tool of Western influence on Türkiye, even after Gülen’s death. This complex legacy highlights the intertwined relationship between religion, politics, and global geopolitics.