Gulen: From Erdogan Ally To Coup Accusation

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Post on Oct 22, 2024

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From Erdogan Ally to Coup Accusation: The Rise and Fall of Fethullah Gülen

It's a story straight out of a political thriller: a once-powerful religious leader, a close ally of a rising star in Turkish politics, turned into the public enemy number one. This is the tale of Fethullah Gülen, the enigmatic cleric who went from being a close confidante of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to being accused of orchestrating a coup attempt against him.

Gülen, a charismatic preacher known for his moderate brand of Islam, rose to prominence in Turkey during the 1990s. He built a vast network of schools, universities, and businesses, all while promoting dialogue between different faiths. It was during this period that Gülen's followers, known as Gülenists, infiltrated various institutions in Turkey, including the police, judiciary, and military. They did so through a combination of education and social programs, earning a reputation for competency and integrity.

The Alliance with Erdogan:

In the early days of Erdoğan's political ascent, Gülen and his movement were seen as valuable allies. The Gülenists, with their influence in key institutions, helped Erdoğan consolidate power and enact reforms. The two men even shared a vision for a more democratic and prosperous Turkey, paving the way for a period of relative stability.

The Rift:

However, the honeymoon period didn't last. As Erdoğan's power grew, he became increasingly suspicious of Gülen's network. He saw the Gülenists' influence as a threat to his own authority, especially after their presence within the judiciary started hindering his efforts to crack down on dissent.

The rift between the two men widened following a corruption scandal that implicated members of Erdoğan's government in 2013. Gülenists within the judiciary played a key role in investigating the scandal, which enraged Erdoğan. He accused Gülen of orchestrating a “parallel state” aimed at undermining him.

The Coup Attempt and Aftermath:

The tension culminated in the infamous 2016 coup attempt, a bloody night where a faction within the Turkish military attempted to overthrow the government. Erdoğan quickly blamed Gülen, accusing him of masterminding the plot from his self-imposed exile in the United States. While Gülen denied involvement, Erdoğan's accusations gained traction, leading to a massive crackdown on Gülenists across Turkey.

Thousands of Gülenists were arrested, dismissed from their jobs, and imprisoned. Schools and businesses associated with the movement were shut down, and the Gülenist network was effectively dismantled.

The Legacy:

The story of Fethullah Gülen and his movement is a complex one, fraught with political intrigue, religious ideology, and accusations of betrayal. While the exact extent of Gülen's role in the 2016 coup remains a subject of debate, his legacy as a controversial figure is undeniable.

The Gülen movement continues to exist in a shadow form, with scattered followers across the globe. However, its influence in Turkey is significantly diminished, with Erdoğan consolidating his power by ruthlessly targeting his former allies. The story of Fethullah Gülen serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between religious influence, political power, and the perils of unchecked ambition.