Fethullah Gülen: A Life Dedicated to Islam, Democracy, and Controversy

Fethullah Gülen, an influential Turkish Islamic scholar, has passed away in the United States. He was known for blending Sufism with a strong advocacy for democracy, education, science, and interfaith dialogue. Despite his significant following, Gülen faced accusations from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who claimed Gülen masterminded a failed 2016 coup attempt in Turkey. Gülen denied these charges, stating they were politically motivated. Born in eastern Turkey, Gülen began his journey as an imam, preaching tolerance and the harmony of religion and science. His movement, known as Hizmet, grew to include schools, charities, and media outlets in over 100 countries. However, his alliance with Erdogan turned sour, leading to a crackdown on his followers in Turkey. Gülen spent his last years in self-exile in Pennsylvania, facing health issues. His death leaves uncertainty about the future of his movement.