Fethullah Gulen, the controversial leader of the Hizmet movement, has reportedly passed away at the age of 83 after battling a lengthy illness. The news of his death comes as a shock to many, especially considering his role in the attempted coup against Turkish President Erdogan in 2016.
Gulen, who has been living in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, was accused by the Turkish government of orchestrating the failed coup attempt. Despite vehemently denying any involvement, he has been a constant thorn in Erdogan’s side, with the two men locked in a bitter power struggle for years.
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The news of Gulen’s death has sent shockwaves through the Hizmet movement and beyond. Supporters are mourning the loss of their leader, while critics are speculating on what this could mean for the future of the movement.
While the cause of Gulen’s death has not been confirmed, it is clear that his passing marks the end of an era. Love him or hate him, there is no denying the impact he has had on Turkish politics and society.
As we wait for more details to emerge, one thing is certain: Fethullah Gulen’s death leaves behind a complicated legacy that will be debated and dissected for years to come. Whether he was a hero or a villain, his influence on Turkish politics will not soon be forgotten.
Fethullah Gulen, leader of the Hizmet movement, who was accused of being the mastermind behind the armed attempt to depose Turkish President Erdogan in 2016, has reportedly died at the age of 83 after a lengthy illness.
Fethullah Gulen, the leader of the Hizmet movement, has been a controversial figure in Turkish politics for many years. He was accused of being the mastermind behind the armed attempt to depose Turkish President Erdogan in 2016. This week, reports have surfaced that Gulen has passed away at the age of 83 after a lengthy illness. Let’s take a closer look at the life and legacy of this influential figure.
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Who was Fethullah Gulen?
Fethullah Gulen was a Turkish preacher, author, and the leader of the Hizmet movement, which is a transnational Islamic civic society movement. He was born in 1941 in the village of Korucuk, in the province of Erzurum, Turkey. Gulen’s teachings focused on promoting interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and education.
What is the Hizmet movement?
The Hizmet movement, also known as the Gulen movement, is a global network of schools, businesses, and media outlets inspired by Fethullah Gulen’s teachings. The movement has been involved in various charitable activities, including disaster relief, education initiatives, and interfaith dialogue efforts.
What was Gulen’s relationship with Turkish President Erdogan?
Fethullah Gulen and Turkish President Erdogan were once allies, with the Hizmet movement supporting Erdogan’s political rise in the early 2000s. However, the relationship soured over time, leading to a public falling out in 2013. Erdogan accused Gulen of orchestrating a corruption scandal to overthrow his government, which Gulen denied.
What happened during the attempted coup in 2016?
In July 2016, a faction within the Turkish military attempted to overthrow President Erdogan in a coup d’état. Erdogan accused Gulen of being the mastermind behind the coup attempt and called for his extradition from the United States, where Gulen has been living in self-imposed exile since 1999.
What was Gulen’s response to the accusations?
Fethullah Gulen has consistently denied any involvement in the attempted coup, stating that he condemns all forms of violence and terrorism. He has called for an independent investigation into the events of July 2016 and has expressed his willingness to return to Turkey to stand trial if he is guaranteed a fair trial.
What is the current status of the Hizmet movement?
In the aftermath of the 2016 coup attempt, the Turkish government launched a widespread crackdown on alleged Gulen supporters, arresting thousands of people and shutting down numerous schools, businesses, and media outlets associated with the Hizmet movement. The movement’s activities have been severely curtailed, with many of its members going into hiding or seeking asylum abroad.
In conclusion, the death of Fethullah Gulen marks the end of a chapter in Turkish politics that has been marked by controversy and conflict. While his legacy remains a topic of debate, it is clear that his influence on Turkish society and politics will be felt for years to come.
Sources:
– BBC News
– Al Jazeera
– Reuters
