Washington:Prominent Turkish religious figure, Fethullah Gülen, has passed away in the United States at the age of 83. Gülen had been living in self-imposed exile in the U.S. since 1999.
Who was Fethullah Gülen?
Fethullah Gülen, often labeled a dissident leader, was the founder of a moderate Islamic movement known as “Hizmet” or “Service.” His movement emphasized service in various fields, and he established a vast network of schools in over 100 countries, including Turkey, as a means of promoting his ideas.
Accusations of Military Coup in Turkey
In 2016, Gülen was accused of orchestrating a failed coup attempt against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Following the botched coup, the Turkish government banned Gülen’s organization, and thousands of people associated with the movement were arrested across Turkey.
In response to the accusations, Gülen firmly denied any involvement, stating, “We have faced military coups multiple times over the past five decades. Accusing those who resist coups of such actions is an insult.”
The news of Fethullah Gülen’s death has sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Some users expressed condolences, praising his work in education and service, while others recalled his controversial political legacy. Supporters hailed him as a visionary who revolutionized education across borders, while critics reiterated the allegations of his involvement in the 2016 coup attempt. The divide in opinion reflects the longstanding tension surrounding Gülen and his movement.