Fethullah Gulen, Erdogan’s political opponent, passes away in the US

M.Fethullah Gulen, a prominent politician and critic of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has died at the age of 83 due to a heart condition.

Turkish media reported that Gulen passed away on Sunday, October 20, in the state of Pennsylvania, USA.

Since 1999, Gulen has lived in Pennsylvania, where he manages an extensive educational and intelligence network across Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

Turkish authorities accused Fethullah Gulen of being involved in the failed 2016 coup attempt, accusations that Gulen, a staunch critic of Erdogan, denied.

Gulen had stated that if “impartial, independent, and international” investigations were conducted into his alleged role in the coup, he would return to Turkey to stand trial.

In recent years, Gulen had been under the protection of the U.S. intelligence agency (CIA), and despite repeated requests from the Turkish government for his extradition, Washington refused to hand him over.

The Gulen Movement, founded by the Turkish cleric, boasted thousands of supporters and financial backers, along with over a thousand educational institutions that helped students enter universities.

This movement, known for its social services combined with conservative religious values, was designated a terrorist group by the Erdogan government.

Throughout his life, Gulen published dozens of books, many of which were translated into various languages and became bestsellers. His death has left a significant mark on the global network of supporters and critics following his ideology.

The ongoing tension between Turkey and Gulen’s supporters, along with the unresolved issues surrounding the failed coup, continues to shape the political landscape of Turkey. With Gulen’s death, the future of his movement and its influence in the region remains uncertain.

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