Impactful Legacy and Controversial Life of Fethullah Gulen: Turkish Preacher and Erdogan Rival Dies at 83

Oct, 21 2024

Fethullah Gulen, the influential Turkish preacher whose complex and controversial relationship with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shaped politics and education in Turkey and beyond, has died in the United States at the age of 83. Gulen had been living in self-imposed exile in rural Pennsylvania, distancing himself physically yet remaining a potent figure in Turkish ideological and political discourse. His passing marks the end of a chapter fraught with intrigue, ideological clashes, and countless accusations.

Life and Ideological Influence

Born in the humble surroundings of eastern Turkey, Fethullah Gulen rose to become a major religious figure through his foundation, Hizmet, which means "service” in Turkish. Hizmet, widely recognized for its focus on social and educational endeavors, established schools, charities, and media outlets that reached across the globe. Gulen advocated for interfaith dialogue, often reaching out to build bridges across religious and cultural divides, and positioning himself as a modern Islamic leader. His teachings, which millions have adhered to, emphasize moderate Islam, science, and education, aligning closely with Turkish nationalism yet rooted in universal human values.

From Political Ally to Rival

At one time, Gulen and Erdogan were allies, sharing a vision for a more religiously attuned nation. This relationship rapidly disintegrated as both men pursued power, resulting in an ideological and political rift that grew fractious over the years. Erdogan accused Gulen of orchestrating a nefarious "parallel state" — a shadowy network within existing institutional frameworks— aiming to overthrow the government. This perceived threat brewed into a full-scale accusation following the July 15, 2016, failed coup attempt, where parts of the Turkish military tried to seize control. The coup was abruptly quashed, but the fallout was extensive and transformative for Turkey's political landscape.

Accusations and Crackdowns

The Turkish government attributed the coup's orchestration to Gulen, launching an extensive purge involving the military, judiciary, public service, and educational sector. Widely reported, various sectors saw mass arrests and detentions, suspensions of thousands of teaching licenses, and the shutdown of entities allegedly linked to Gulen’s Hizmet network. Yet, Gulen continued to ardently deny any involvement in the attempt, from his remote compound in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania. "I really don't know 0.1% of the people in this movement," he once remarked, stating his role was simply to guide through discourse rather than direct actions.

Life in Exile

Throughout his time in exile, Gulen remained a keen observer of Turkey's evolving dynamics. Although isolated geographically, his opinions wielded considerable sway, and Hizmet supporters frequently challenged Erdogan’s narrative. Media outlets close to Gulen, notably Herkul which publishes his sermons, remained critical of Erdogan’s policies and provided a conduit for Gulen's messages in response to ongoing events in Turkey. These pronouncements were influential among Gulen's followers, arguably providing counterbalance against Erdogan’s political machinery.

Legacy and Future Reflections

Fethullah Gulen's death heralds questions about the future of the Hizmet movement, and what his absence might mean for Turkish politics. While the movement's influence has waned under governmental oppression, its educational establishments abroad continue to flourish, fostering educational opportunities that imbibe Gulen’s philosophies. For Erdogan and his administration, Gulen’s physical departure might be a pivotal moment to reconcile with Hizmet supporters and reinvent Turkey's global position. For Gulen’s followers, his legacy endures as a testament to resilient faith and the pursuit of collective goodwill even amidst adversity.

As Turkey reflects on Gulen’s complicated legacy, it remains clear his life's work has left an indelible mark not just on his followers but also on the broader narrative of Turkish history. Whether marked by collaboration, conflict, or controversy, Fethullah Gulen's life story offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersections of faith, politics, and societal transformation in Turkey over the last half-century.