Self-exiled Turkish spiritual leader, Fethullah Gülen, has passed away in Pennsylvania, where he had been living in self-imposed exile. Gülen, a revered Islamic cleric, was known for inspiring a global social movement but also faced accusations of orchestrating a failed coup in Turkey in 2016. The news of his death was confirmed by his nephew, Kemal Gülen, and Turkish intelligence sources.
Gülen, who was in his eighties and had been in poor health for some time, spent the later years of his life on a secluded compound in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Despite being away from Turkey, he maintained significant influence over his millions of followers worldwide, promoting a philosophy that combined Sufism with a commitment to democracy, education, science, and interfaith dialogue.
Initially an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Gülen later became a critic of Erdogan’s leadership, accusing him of authoritarian tendencies and a thirst for power. Erdogan, in turn, labelled Gülen a terrorist and blamed him for the attempted coup in 2016. While Gülen denied any involvement and was never charged with a crime in the U.S., the Turkish government embarked on a widespread crackdown on his followers, leading to thousands of arrests and dismissals.
Born in Erzurum, Turkey, Gülen rose to prominence for his teachings on tolerance, dialogue between faiths, and the fusion of Islam with Western values. His movement, known as Hizmet, established numerous institutions globally, including schools and charitable organisations. Despite his popularity, Gülen faced suspicion in his homeland, especially from secularists and opponents of Erdogan.
The strained relationship between Gülen and Erdogan soured further when Gülen’s supporters exposed alleged corruption within Erdogan’s inner circle, leading to a rift between the two former allies. Erdogan accused Gülen’s followers of infiltrating key institutions and attempting to establish a parallel state, urging the U.S. to extradite Gülen to face charges in Turkey.
Living quietly in Pennsylvania, Gülen focused on prayer, meditation, and receiving visitors from around the world. He never married or had children, leaving uncertainty about the future leadership of his movement following his passing. Despite his death, the Turkish government has vowed to continue its efforts against Gülen’s followers, whom they consider a terrorist organisation.
In an increasingly polarised Turkey, Fethullah Gülen leaves behind a complex legacy that spans spirituality, education, and political intrigue, with ramifications that reverberate far beyond the borders of his homeland.