Fethullah Gülen, the once-reclusive Islamic cleric and controversial figure, died on October 20, 2024, at the age of 83, after living for decades in self-imposed exile within the serene confines of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. His passing has sparked renewed discussions about his complex legacy and the tumultuous political history he left behind.
Gülen was confirmed dead by his nephew, Kemal Gülen, and Turkish intelligence sources reported his death to the ministry. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, reflecting the prevailing sentiment within the Turkish government, labeled Gülen as the leader of a "dark organization," indicating continued animosity over the accusations laid against him.
Originally born on April 27, 1941, Gülen's life took shape as he transitioned from a provincial imam to the helm of the Hizmet movement, which advocated for education, interfaith dialogue, and democratic values blended with Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam. His philosophy gained traction over the years, earning him followers not only in Turkey but also across the globe. The movement's influence peaked during the early 2000s, promoting Turkey's integration with the West and supporting free-market economies.
Gülen's relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan began as one of mutual support. Both men worked closely together to increase the role of Islam within Turkey’s secular framework. For over a decade, members of Gülen’s movement occupied important positions within the Turkish judiciary and police, which was pivotal for Erdoğan's rise to power. By 2013, this relationship soured drastically, ignited by corruption investigations targeting Erdoğan's closest allies. Erdoğan accused Gülen and his followers of orchestrated attacks against his government, framing the actions as vicious conspiracies by what he termed as the "parallel state" operating through Gülenists.
The breaking point came with the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016. This night of chaos saw factions within the military employ tanks and aircraft to try to topple Erdoğan’s government, leading to significant loss of life, with 251 people including civilians and military personnel dead. Following the coup, Erdoğan's administration cracked down on alleged Gülen supporters, instituting mass arrests, dismissing hundreds of thousands from public service jobs, and shuttering businesses and schools linked to Gülen.
Despite Turkey’s relentless pursuit for Gülen’s extradition from the United States, which Erdoğan denounced as harboring the mastermind of the coup, the U.S. government maintained there was insufficient evidence to send him back to Turkey. Gülen, who consistently denied any involvement with the attempted coup and condemned terrorism, remained unaffected by Turkish judicial actions, as he had not been charged with any crimes within the United States.
Throughout his exile, Gülen’s life was marked by ill health, including chronic heart disease and diabetes. He lived predominantly within the confines of his compound, witnessing his movement's tarnished reputation and the dismantling of the Hizmet organization as it faced harassment and severe restrictions from the Erdoğan-led government. Gülen's rare public appearances often drew mixed reactions from locals who both respected him as a leader of education or viewed him with suspicion due to his controversial political history.
His followers often highlighted his contributions toward educational initiatives, global peace efforts, and his philosophy promoting tolerance and dialogue between different faiths. Conversely, his critics painted him as the architect behind schemes to undermine the Turkish state.
The day following his death, Turkish media was rife with expressions of victory from Erdoğan's supporters, with Fidan’s words echoing the nationalistic fervor around Gülen’s legacy. While Turkish officials celebrated his demise, others commemorated him with calls to reflect on his influence on education and community building.
"May his legacy inspire future generations to strive for peace and mutual respect among all people," said representatives from the Boston Turkish Cultural Center, demonstrating the divide over Gülen's impact on society.
Fethullah Gülen’s death may close the chapter on his tumultuous and often polarized legacy, but it opens new inquiries about the future of the Hizmet movement and the internal divisions it leaves behind within Turkish society. His life serves as both inspiration and cautionary tale about the intersection of religion, politics, and ideology.
Despite the mixed sentiments stemming from his passing, it is clear his influence will be felt for years to come. The question now remains not only about who will lead his followers but also whether Gülen's vision of civic engagement through education and dialogue can endure amid the political turbulence he often faced.
