Fethullah Gulen: A Controversial Imam's Enduring Influence and Exile

Fethullah Gulen, a cleric who developed a widespread Islamic movement, died at age 83. Once Erdogan's ally, Gulen was accused of masterminding the 2016 Turkish coup attempt, a charge he denied. His Hizmet movement promoted moderate Islam but faced dismantling post-coup. Gulen lived in the U.S. since 1999.

Fethullah Gulen, the influential cleric and former ally of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, has passed away at the age of 83 in a U.S. hospital. Gulen, who developed a substantial Islamic movement in Turkey and abroad, spent his last years embroiled in controversy. He was accused of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt against Erdogan, a charge he consistently denied.

Gulen's movement, known as 'Hizmet' or 'service' in Turkish, advocated for a moderate version of Islam, focusing on Western-style education and interfaith dialogue. However, after the coup attempt, Erdogan's administration systematically reduced its influence, closing numerous affiliated schools, businesses, and media outlets.

Living in self-imposed exile in the U.S. since 1999, Gulen became a polarizing figure. His supporters once spanned multiple countries, but the attempted coup precipitated a significant crackdown on his followers in Turkey. Gulen's death marks the end of an era for his embattled movement.

(With inputs from agencies.)