Gulen's Quiet Turkish Revolution

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Post on Oct 25, 2024

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Gulen's Quiet Turkish Revolution: A Look at the Movement's Rise and Fall

You've probably heard of the Gülen movement, but maybe you're not sure what all the fuss is about. It's often described as a "quiet revolution," and that's pretty accurate. It's not about tanks rolling down the streets, but rather a slow, steady infiltration of Turkish society.

The Man Behind the Movement: Fethullah Gülen

Fethullah Gülen is the man behind it all. He's a Turkish cleric who started preaching in the '70s. He's got a charismatic personality, and his teachings resonated with many Turks. Gülen's message was all about education, tolerance, and dialogue. He encouraged his followers to become active in society, get involved in politics, and even join the police and military.

Gülen's "Quiet" Revolution: Building Influence

Gülen's movement grew slowly, but steadily. They established schools, charities, and media outlets, all the while promoting their message of peaceful coexistence. They even managed to get a lot of their followers into key positions in the government.

By the 2000s, the Gülen movement had become incredibly influential in Turkish society. They had their hands in education, media, and even the justice system. Many saw them as a counter-force to the ruling AKP party, which they felt was becoming increasingly authoritarian.

The Shift: From Partners to Enemies

But things took a turn for the worse in 2013. After a corruption scandal involving some top AKP officials, a massive crackdown began on the Gülen movement. The government accused them of trying to overthrow the state, and the relationship between the two went from uneasy alliance to bitter enemies.

The Failed Coup and Aftermath

Then came the 2016 coup attempt. While the coup failed miserably, it was blamed on the Gülen movement. This led to a massive purge of Gülen supporters from the military, police, and judiciary. The movement was officially labeled a terrorist organization, and many of its members were arrested, imprisoned, or forced to flee the country.

The Legacy of Gülen's Movement

The Gülen movement's story is a complex one. It's a tale of a charismatic leader, a powerful organization, and a society that's deeply divided. The movement's influence has been felt across Turkey and beyond, leaving a lasting mark on Turkish politics. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Gülen movement and its followers.