Fethullah Gulen, the renowned cleric and founder of the Hizmet movement, passed away at the age of 83 in his home in Pennsylvania, where he had been living in exile since 1999. Known for his mission to revitalize Turkish state with religion and promote dialogue among faiths through a liberal interpretation of Islam, Gulen built a global network of schools and civil organizations based on his philosophies.
Emerging as a cleric, an anti-communist, and a friend to politicians, Gulen’s influence in Turkey grew exponentially over the years. His Hizmet movement, with roots in Izmir, spread worldwide and established over 2,000 schools in 160 nations, attracting children from elite backgrounds.
However, Gulen’s relationship with Turkish President Erdogan soured over time, leading to a significant rift between them. Accused by Turkey of orchestrating the failed coup attempt in 2016, Gulen’s movement remains a contentious subject in Turkish politics.
Allied initially, then turned foes
Despite Erdogan and Gulen’s once-close relationship, their differences escalated, leading to a confrontation that divided Turkish authorities.
Legacy and future of the movement
As Gulen’s movement faces internal power struggles, the challenge of finding a successor capable of managing his legacy looms. With a following deeply rooted in Gulen’s teachings, the movement’s future remains uncertain.
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