Gulen Movement leader dies in PA at 83 – accusations of coup plotting.

H1: Allegedly, Fethullah Gulen, the Leader of Gulen Movement, Has Passed Away in Pennsylvania

In a recent tweet by Ragıp Soylu, it is claimed that Fethullah Gulen, the controversial leader of the Gulen Movement, has passed away at the age of 83 in Pennsylvania. This news comes amidst a cloud of controversy surrounding Gulen, who had been accused of masterminding a coup attempt in Turkey back in 2016. Additionally, he had been accused of running a parallel state within the country in an attempt to seize control of certain government functions.

The Gulen Movement, also known as Hizmet, is a transnational Islamic social movement that was founded by Fethullah Gulen. The movement has been the subject of much debate and scrutiny over the years, with some praising its educational and interfaith dialogue initiatives, while others have criticized it for its alleged involvement in political affairs.

The news of Gulen’s passing has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many expressing their condolences, while others are reflecting on his legacy and the impact of the Gulen Movement. It is important to note that these reports are still unconfirmed, and there has been no official statement from Gulen’s representatives or family regarding his passing.

Fethullah Gulen’s alleged involvement in the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey has been a source of contention and conflict within the country. The Turkish government has accused Gulen of orchestrating the coup through his followers within the military, judiciary, and other state institutions. Following the failed coup, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched a widespread crackdown on alleged Gulenists, resulting in thousands of arrests and dismissals from government positions.

Despite the controversy surrounding him, Fethullah Gulen has maintained his innocence and has denied any involvement in the coup attempt. He has been living in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since the late 1990s, and his followers continue to operate schools, businesses, and charitable organizations around the world.

The Gulen Movement has been praised for its focus on education, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian work, with schools and cultural centers operating in over 160 countries. However, critics have accused the movement of being a cult-like organization that seeks to infiltrate and influence governments from within.

As news of Fethullah Gulen’s alleged passing continues to spread, it is important to approach these reports with caution and skepticism until official confirmation is received. The legacy of Gulen and the Gulen Movement is a complex and controversial one, with supporters and detractors alike offering differing perspectives on his influence and impact on global affairs.

In conclusion, the alleged passing of Fethullah Gulen marks the end of a chapter in the controversial leader’s life, but the debate and discussion surrounding his legacy are likely to continue for years to come. Only time will tell how history will remember Fethullah Gulen and the Gulen Movement, and what impact they have had on the world stage.

BREAKING — Fethullah Gulen, the leader of Gulen Movement, has died in Pennsylvania at the age of 83.

Gulen had been accused of masterminding a coup attempt in Turkey in 2016 and running a parallel state in the country to seize the control of some government functions pic.twitter.com/dDtNqUkRc4

— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) October 21, 2024

When news broke that Fethullah Gulen, the leader of the Gulen Movement, had passed away in Pennsylvania at the age of 83, it sent shockwaves through the political landscape in Turkey and around the world. Gulen had long been a controversial figure, accused of masterminding a coup attempt in Turkey in 2016 and running a parallel state in the country to seize control of some government functions. But who was Fethullah Gulen, and what impact did his movement have on Turkish politics and society?

Who was Fethullah Gulen?

Fethullah Gulen was a Turkish cleric and preacher who founded the Gulen Movement, also known as Hizmet (Service in Turkish). The movement, which espoused a moderate form of Islam focused on education, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian work, gained a significant following in Turkey and around the world. Gulen himself was known for his teachings on tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.

Despite his moderate rhetoric, Gulen was a controversial figure in Turkey. He was accused by the Turkish government of running a parallel state within the country, with followers placed in key positions in the judiciary, police, and other institutions. The government also accused Gulen of masterminding the failed coup attempt in 2016, which led to a widespread crackdown on his followers and supporters.

What was the Gulen Movement?

The Gulen Movement was a transnational religious and social movement inspired by the teachings of Fethullah Gulen. The movement focused on education, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian work, with a particular emphasis on promoting dialogue and understanding between different religious and cultural groups. The movement operated schools, universities, and charitable organizations around the world, with a strong presence in Turkey, Central Asia, and Africa.

The Gulen Movement also had a significant media presence, with newspapers, television stations, and websites promoting its message of tolerance and dialogue. The movement’s supporters were known for their loyalty to Gulen and his teachings, forming a tight-knit community that extended beyond national borders.

What impact did the Gulen Movement have on Turkish politics?

The Gulen Movement had a significant impact on Turkish politics, particularly during the early years of the AKP (Justice and Development Party) government led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The movement’s followers were seen as a powerful and influential force within the government, with many holding key positions in the judiciary, police, and other institutions.

However, relations between the AKP government and the Gulen Movement soured over time, leading to a public falling out between Erdogan and Gulen. The government accused the movement of attempting to undermine its authority and of being involved in a series of corruption scandals in 2013. The failed coup attempt in 2016 further exacerbated tensions between the government and the movement, leading to a widespread crackdown on Gulen’s followers and supporters.

What does Gulen’s death mean for the Gulen Movement?

With Fethullah Gulen’s passing, the future of the Gulen Movement is uncertain. The movement has faced increasing pressure and scrutiny in recent years, with many of its schools, universities, and other institutions being closed down or taken over by the Turkish government. The movement’s media outlets have also been shut down, and many of its supporters have been arrested or gone into hiding.

Despite these challenges, the Gulen Movement continues to have a presence in Turkey and around the world. Its followers remain loyal to Gulen’s teachings and continue to promote dialogue, tolerance, and understanding in their communities. However, without Gulen’s leadership, the movement may struggle to maintain its cohesion and influence in the face of ongoing government pressure.

In conclusion, Fethullah Gulen’s death marks the end of an era for the Gulen Movement. While the movement’s future remains uncertain, its legacy of promoting education, dialogue, and humanitarian work will continue to resonate in Turkish society and beyond. As the movement grapples with the challenges of a post-Gulen world, its followers will need to draw on their shared values and commitment to continue his work in the face of adversity.

Sources:
– BBC News
– Al Jazeera