Fethullah Gülen, the controversial Turkish cleric who spent the last decades of his life engaged in self-imposed exile, has passed away at the age of 83. His death, confirmed by the Alliance for Shared Values, the organization promoting his teachings, took place on October 20, 2024, at a hospital near his residence in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. While the Monroe County Coroner stated he died of natural causes, the impact of his life—and death—ripples across Turkish politics and beyond.
Born on April 27, 1941, Fethullah Gülen emerged from humble beginnings as the son of an imam in Erzurum, Eastern Turkey. He gradually became one of the most influential Islamic leaders, establishing the Hizmet movement, which emphasized education, interfaith dialogue, and the integration of Islam with democratic values. His teachings attracted millions of followers, both within Turkey and worldwide, shaping educational institutions across more than 160 countries.
Initially, Gülen enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Their alliance helped Erdogan consolidate power after his rise to prominence around 2002. Gülen's followers, often seen as educated and professional, found positions within the Turkish government, judiciary, and various institutions. It was Gülen's movement, particularly during the years of the AKP's ascent, which aided Erdogan's government with its grassroots outreach.
But the relationship soured spectacularly over the years, particularly after the corruption allegations against the Erdogan government surfaced. The turning point came when Gülenists within the judiciary initiated investigations against AKP officials. Ankara's response was swift and severe. Erdogan accused Gülen of orchestrated sabotage, labeling his movement as a "parallel state." This led to increasing persecution of Gülen's followers, especially after the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016.
The coup attempt itself was marked by chaos, as factions within the military called for the overthrow of Erdogan's government. Over 250 people died, and numerous others were injured. Erdogan’s government swiftly pointed fingers at Gülen, blaming him for inciting the insurrection from his sanctuary abroad. Despite Gülen’s vehement denials, the Turkish government demanded his extradition from the United States, where he had been living since 1999. Washington, citing insufficient evidence, refused to comply, complicatively straining diplomatic relations between Turkey and the United States.
With Gülen’s death, Turkish officials have issued stark warnings. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan asserted the threat posed by Gülen's movement was far from over, indicating the political fallout still looms large. Political leaders reminded the public of the far-reaching influence Gülen's followers—both those remaining within Turkey and those abroad—might still exert.
After the coup attempt, Erdogan's government undertook mass purges targeting Gülen’s followers, leading to thousands being imprisoned and many more losing their jobs, businesses, and educational institutions tied to the Hizmet movement. Education was front and center of Gülen’s ideals; his network of schools was praised globally for their academic and ethical focus. Yet, post-coup, many of these institutions were closed or taken over, leading Gülen's supporters to view the crackdown as politically motivated persecution—a witch hunt driven by Erdogan's consolidation of power.
The discourse surrounding Gülen's legacy remains deeply polarized. Supporters herald him as a visionary who sought to improve society through education and dialogue, emphasizing peace and ethical living. Critics and government officials, on the other hand, assert he is responsible for creating divisions within the fabric of Turkish society, contributing significantly to the current political climate marked by authoritarianism.
Following his declining health, Gülen had not actively participated in his movement for several years, turning much of the responsibility to close aides. The question remains as to how his organization will navigate this significant loss—a leadership vacuum during times of heightened scrutiny and struggle for survival against longstanding government opposition.
Fethullah Gülen's death not only reflects the culmination of his life's work but also signals deep-rooted social and political currents within Turkey. Observers anticipate potential rifts within the Hizmet movement as various factions vie to assert control moving forward. His followers now face the challenge of continuing his vision yet grappling with the broader consequences of Erdogan's extensive crackdowns.
The struggle between Gülen’s ideals of peaceful coexistence and Erdogan’s more authoritarian approaches encapsulates the tug-of-war within Turkish politics. This enduring conflict mirrors the nation's struggle to bridge its secular past with its increasingly influential Islamic political currents. The path forward remains complex as Turkey continues to navigate these turbulent waters, with Gülen's passing marking yet another chapter of upheaval and transition.
For now, Turkey wrestles not only with the legacy of Fethullah Gülen but also with questions of identity, governance, and resilience as its citizens and leaders alike contemplate what the future may hold without one of its most influential, albeit divisive, figures.
