Fethullah Gulen: Key Figure in Turkey's Political Turmoil Succumbs at 83

Fethullah Gulen, an influential figure in Turkish politics and the alleged mastermind behind the 2016 coup attempt, has passed away at 83 in Pennsylvania, according to reports from Turkish media. Gulen, who lived in exile in the U.S. since the late 1990s, was a controversial personality whose movement, known as Hizmet or "service," was once a powerful ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Beginning his ascent as a proponent of education and a moderate interpretation of Islam, Gulen gained followers through a network of schools and later expanded into various sectors, including business and government. His once-cherished partnership with Erdogan soured around 2013, leading to accusations of Gulenists infiltrating the state and operating as a "state within a state." The Turkish government designated Hizmet a terrorist organization just months before the coup attempt in July 2016, which Gulen steadfastly denied orchestrating.

The coup's failure resulted in widespread crackdowns, culminating in thousands of arrests, including members of the military and government officials. Gulen's call for democratic principles during his 2014 interview indicated his reluctance to engage in further conflict, but his return to Turkey remained complicated by U.S. conditions for extradition based on credible evidence against him.

Gulen's death leaves questions about the future influence of his movement and its role in Turkey's complex political landscape.

Gulen's passing closes a controversial chapter not just for Turkey but also for the broader discourse on moderate Islamic movements and their place in modern governance. The legacy of his teachings and the impact of the Hizmet movement will likely continue to resonate amid ongoing tensions in Turkish society.