Fethullah Gülen is a reclusive Islamic cleric based in the United States, who has significantly shaped global discourse on religion, education, and politics. Originally from Turkey, Gülen is the founder of the Gülen (or Hizmet) Movement, a social initiative that emphasizes education, interfaith dialogue, and peace. However, his influence has been marred by controversy, especially following accusations by the Turkish government that he masterminded the 2016 coup attempt. Living in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, Gülen continues to inspire followers around the world while vehemently denying any involvement in the coup.
The central focus of this article will explore the key aspects of Fethullah Gülen’s life, the growth of his movement, the accusations against him, and his current status.
Early Life and Education
: Birth and Childhood in Turkey
Born in 1941 in the village of Korucuk, near Erzurum in eastern Turkey, Fethullah Gülen’s upbringing was deeply influenced by Islam. His family, particularly his mother, instilled in him a profound sense of spirituality from an early age. Gülen began his formal education in traditional religious schools, learning Islamic jurisprudence, Qur’anic studies, and classical literature.
His Path to Religious Leadership
Gülen’s early passion for religious scholarship led him to become an imam in his youth. He was drawn to the teachings of Said Nursî, a prominent Islamic scholar, whose ideas about education, faith, and social responsibility influenced Gülen’s own philosophy. By the 1960s, he was delivering sermons across Turkey, emphasizing the importance of integrating faith with modern education.
The Gülen Movement (Hizmet Movement)
The Gülen Movement, also known as the Hizmet (meaning “service” in Turkish) Movement, started as a network of socially responsible citizens inspired by Gülen’s teachings. It promotes interfaith dialogue, education, and humanitarian work. While Gülen insists that the movement is not hierarchical or centrally organized, many critics, including the Turkish government, claim it operates more like a clandestine organization.
Ideological Roots of the Gülen Movement
The Blend of Religious and Secular Values
The Gülen Movement is distinct in its approach to blending religious values with secular advancements, particularly in education and social service. Fethullah Gülen has consistently emphasized that faith and science are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary forces in human development. This belief has been central to his teachings, positioning the movement as one that encourages the pursuit of modern knowledge while maintaining strong spiritual roots.
Gülen’s teachings encourage followers to engage in professional fields such as education, business, and media. He argues that a well-rounded individual who contributes to society through both intellectual and spiritual efforts can foster positive social change. This perspective has been pivotal in the growth of the movement, especially among young people who see it as a way to reconcile their Islamic faith with participation in a modern, globalized world.
The Emphasis on Education and Dialogue
One of the most notable aspects of the Gülen Movement is its strong emphasis on education. Gülen believes that ignorance is one of the root causes of conflict and societal decay. To combat this, the movement has established hundreds of schools around the world, with a focus on science, technology, and moral education. These schools aim to cultivate leaders who are both intellectually capable and ethically grounded.
Interfaith and intercultural dialogue is another key pillar of the movement. Gülen has long promoted conversations between different faiths as a way to build peace and understanding. He believes that through dialogue, people from different religious and cultural backgrounds can find common ground and work towards the betterment of society. This advocacy for dialogue has earned him praise from various religious leaders and organizations, further extending the movement’s reach beyond Islamic communities.
Global Expansion of the Gülen Movement
Influence in Education and Media
The Gülen Movement’s expansion beyond Turkey began in earnest during the 1990s, as Gülen’s followers established schools and educational institutions across the globe. These schools, known for their rigorous academic standards and emphasis on character development, have been particularly successful in countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and South Africa. The movement’s schools often operate under different names, but their mission aligns with Gülen’s vision of creating an educated, ethical, and service-oriented generation.
In addition to schools, the movement has made significant inroads into the media landscape. In Turkey, Gülen-affiliated media outlets like Zaman newspaper and Samanyolu TV were influential voices until they were shut down by the government after the 2016 coup attempt. Internationally, the movement continues to operate media outlets that promote its message of dialogue and education.
Growth of Gülen-Influenced Schools and Institutions Worldwide
The global network of Gülen-affiliated schools extends across over 160 countries. These institutions have attracted students from diverse backgrounds, offering them not just academic education but also lessons in ethical behavior, leadership, and social responsibility. The schools often emphasize a multicultural environment, where students learn about different cultures and traditions, reflecting the movement’s core values of inclusivity and dialogue.
Gülen-inspired universities and think tanks have also been established, contributing to the academic discourse on topics such as religion, politics, and social change. These institutions have helped shape a new generation of leaders who carry the ideals of the movement into various sectors of society.
The Movement’s Global Reach: Europe, Asia, Africa, and the U.S.
The reach of the Gülen Movement is truly global. In Europe, the movement has a strong presence in countries like Germany and the Netherlands, where it runs schools, cultural centers, and dialogue initiatives. In Asia, Gülen-inspired schools are particularly prominent in Central Asia, where they have played a key role in educational reform. In Africa, the movement’s schools are often seen as providing high-quality education in regions where resources are limited.
In the United States, the movement operates a network of charter schools that have gained attention for their focus on math and science education. These schools have been both praised for their academic achievements and scrutinized for their links to Gülen.
Fethullah Gülen’s Time in Exile
Political Asylum in the United States
Fethullah Gülen has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999. He initially sought medical treatment in the U.S., but as political tensions in Turkey escalated, he decided to remain in Pennsylvania, where he now resides in a secluded compound. His decision to stay in the U.S. was largely driven by his fear of persecution in Turkey, where the political climate had become increasingly hostile towards him and his movement.
Life in Pennsylvania and His Ongoing Influence
Despite his physical absence from Turkey, Gülen continues to exert significant influence over his followers worldwide. From his compound in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, he communicates through letters, speeches, and video broadcasts, addressing both his followers and the wider public. His secluded lifestyle has only added to his mystique, with supporters seeing him as a sage-like figure and detractors accusing him of running a shadowy organization.
Role of Technology in Gülen’s Exile Communications
In exile, technology has become a crucial tool for Gülen to maintain his influence. Through video messages, online publications, and social media, he stays connected with his followers across the globe. This use of modern communication tools aligns with the movement’s broader embrace of technology as a means to spread its message and promote education.
Controversies Surrounding Fethullah Gülen
Accusations of a Parallel State in Turkey
One of the most persistent accusations against Fethullah Gülen and his movement is the claim that they created a “parallel state” within Turkey. Critics argue that Gülen’s followers infiltrated key institutions such as the judiciary, police, and military, gaining undue influence over the state’s functions. These allegations intensified in the years leading up to the 2016 coup attempt, with the Turkish government claiming that Gülen loyalists were undermining the secular state from within.
Alleged Involvement in the 2016 Turkish Coup Attempt
The most significant controversy surrounding Fethullah Gülen came in 2016, when the Turkish government accused him of orchestrating a failed military coup. On the night of July 15, 2016, elements of the Turkish military attempted to overthrow the government, leading to widespread violence and the deaths of over 300 people. The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan quickly pointed the finger at Gülen, alleging that he had masterminded the plot from his compound in Pennsylvania.
Gülen has repeatedly denied any involvement in the coup, calling the accusations baseless and politically motivated. Despite this, the Turkish government has continued to demand his extradition from the United States, although American officials have so far refused, citing a lack of concrete evidence.
Reactions from the Turkish Government and International Bodies
Following the coup attempt, the Turkish government initiated a massive crackdown on Gülen’s followers, arresting tens of thousands of people and shutting down institutions linked to the movement. Internationally, reactions to the accusations against Gülen have been mixed. While some countries, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, have supported Turkey’s stance, others, including the United States and European Union, have expressed concern over the lack of due process and the widespread nature of the purges.
Conclusion
Fethullah Gülen remains one of the most influential yet polarizing figures in recent history. His movement’s global reach and focus on education have garnered both praise and criticism. As Gülen continues his life in exile, the future of his movement, especially in Turkey, remains uncertain amidst ongoing political and legal battles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Is Fethullah Gülen still active in the movement?
- Yes, though in exile, Gülen continues to influence his movement through publications and speeches, primarily from his residence in the U.S.
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What are the primary teachings of Fethullah Gülen?
- Gülen emphasizes a blend of Islam, education, interfaith dialogue, and social responsibility. His teachings advocate for a moderate approach to religion, urging followers to engage in societal improvement.
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How did the Gülen Movement grow globally?
- The movement expanded through the establishment of schools, cultural centers, and media outlets around the world, fostering a network of followers dedicated to education and humanitarianism.
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Why is Fethullah Gülen accused of being behind the 2016 coup attempt?
- The Turkish government claims that Gülen orchestrated the coup in an attempt to seize power. Gülen and his followers have consistently denied these accusations, attributing them to political motives.
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How does the Gülen Movement impact Turkey today?
- Despite being heavily repressed in Turkey, the movement still holds sway in the country’s education system and has supporters within civil society.
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What is the future of the Gülen Movement?
- The movement’s future is uncertain, especially in Turkey, but it continues to thrive internationally, particularly in the education sector.