Fethullah Gulen: From Friend To Foe In Turkey

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Post on Oct 22, 2024

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From Friend to Foe: The Rise and Fall of Fethullah Gulen in Turkey

The story of Fethullah Gulen is a complex one, a tale of a once-respected Islamic scholar who rose to prominence in Turkey only to become a controversial figure, ultimately accused of orchestrating a coup attempt and branded a national enemy.

The Rise of a Charismatic Leader

Gulen, born in 1938, began his career as a humble imam in the 1960s. He quickly gained a reputation for his moderate and inclusive brand of Islam, attracting followers from all walks of life. His movement, known as the "Hizmet" (Service) movement, emphasized education, interfaith dialogue, and social service.

The Gulen Movement: A Global Network

By the 1980s, Gulen's influence had spread far beyond Turkey. His schools and charities took root in Central Asia, Europe, and the United States, creating a global network of followers and supporters.

The Turkish Government: From Ally to Adversary

Gulen's rise coincided with Turkey's transition to democracy. The government, initially supportive of his movement, saw Gulen's influence as a counterweight to the secular establishment.

However, the relationship between the Gulen movement and the government began to sour in the 2000s. The Gulen movement, by this time, had become deeply entrenched in the judiciary and law enforcement, prompting accusations of creating a "parallel state" within the Turkish government.

The 2016 Coup Attempt: A Turning Point

The 2016 coup attempt, which failed but left the country in turmoil, served as a major turning point in the Gulen-Turkey saga. The government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, immediately blamed the attempt on the Gulen movement, labeling it a "terrorist organization" and launching a massive crackdown.

The Gulen Movement Today: A Divided Movement

The Gulen movement has been fractured since the coup attempt. While some members remain loyal to Gulen, others have distanced themselves from the movement, accusing it of becoming too politicized.

Gulen's Legacy: A Controversial Figure

Fethullah Gulen, now living in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, continues to deny any involvement in the coup attempt. However, his legacy remains deeply contested. For some, he is a visionary leader who promoted peace and interfaith dialogue. For others, he is a dangerous figure who attempted to overthrow a democratically elected government.

The story of Fethullah Gulen is a cautionary tale about the power of charismatic leaders and the fragility of democracy. It is a story that continues to unfold, with the full extent of Gulen's influence and the consequences of his actions still being debated today.