Gulen's Rise And Fall In Turkish Politics

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Post on Oct 22, 2024

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The Rise and Fall of Fethullah Gülen: From Turkish Hero to Public Enemy No. 1

Fethullah Gülen, the enigmatic Turkish cleric, once held immense influence in Turkey, quietly shaping political landscapes from behind the scenes. His story is a fascinating tale of ambition, power, and ultimately, a spectacular downfall.

The Rise of a Teacher: From Humble Beginnings to Global Influence

Born in a small village in eastern Turkey, Gülen's life began quite humbly. He began teaching at a young age, becoming known for his charisma and insightful sermons. His ideology, based on a moderate, tolerant form of Islam, resonated with many, drawing a diverse following. Gülen's movement, known as the "Gülen Movement," started gaining traction, especially among the Turkish middle class.

A Network of Schools and Businesses

Over time, Gülen's influence grew, expanding beyond Turkey's borders. He established a network of schools, known as "Hizmet," which promoted education and interfaith dialogue. These schools, located across the globe, contributed significantly to Gülen's rising international profile. The movement also established a web of businesses, including media outlets and NGOs, further amplifying its reach.

The Gülen-Erdogan Alliance: A Marriage of Convenience

During the late 90s and early 2000s, Gülen found an unlikely ally in the then-rising star of Turkish politics, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This partnership was a marriage of convenience, with each side benefiting from the other's strengths. Gülen's network provided grassroots support, while Erdogan, as the leader of the AKP party, offered political power. Together, they challenged the old guard, ushering in a new era in Turkish politics.

The Power of the Parallel State

However, their alliance was not without its flaws. Gülen's influence, often operating outside the formal structures of the state, earned him the nickname "Imam of the Parallel State." The AKP government benefited from Gülen's network, which it used for its own political gains, but the relationship began to sour as the AKP's power consolidated.

The Break and the Coup Attempt

The relationship finally fractured in 2013 with a corruption scandal that implicated Erdogan's inner circle. Gülen's followers, within the police and judiciary, were accused of orchestrating this investigation, leading to accusations of betrayal. This marked the beginning of a bitter rivalry, with both sides accusing each other of wrongdoing.

A Failed Coup and a Global Manhunt

In 2016, the tensions culminated in a failed coup attempt, blamed on Gülen's followers. This event solidified Gülen's position as a public enemy in Turkey. Erdogan branded him a terrorist, issuing an arrest warrant and demanding his extradition from the United States, where Gülen had been living in self-imposed exile.

The Legacy of a Fallen Leader

Gülen's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the fragility of power. While his movement brought positive contributions in the realm of education and interfaith dialogue, its political manipulation and the coup attempt tarnished its legacy.

A Complex Figure: Not Just a Terrorist?

The narrative surrounding Gülen is complex, and his legacy remains contested. Some see him as a dangerous extremist, while others view him as a misunderstood figure who played a vital role in promoting interfaith understanding. The truth, as often happens in complex situations, lies somewhere in between.

The Future of the Gülen Movement

The failed coup attempt effectively crippled the Gülen Movement, with many of its members now imprisoned or facing persecution. It remains to be seen what impact, if any, the movement will have on the future of Turkish politics. However, it's clear that the story of Fethullah Gülen will continue to resonate in Turkey and beyond.