The death of Fethullah Gulen, a controversial Turkish cleric and the founder of the Gülen movement (Hizmet), has sent ripples across the globe, evoking diverse reactions from governments, political analysts, and his followers. Gulen, once a close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was later accused of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, leading to his exile in the United States. His death marks the end of a long and complicated chapter in Turkish politics, with implications extending far beyond Turkey’s borders.
Background: Who Was Fethullah Gulen?
Fethullah Gulen was a religious leader and scholar whose influence extended into education, media, and business. Born in 1941 in Turkey, Gulen founded the Hizmet movement, which began as an educational and interfaith initiative but later evolved into a broad social network with political ambitions. Over the years, his followers built schools, charities, and media outlets around the world, particularly in Africa, Central Asia, and Europe.
Gulen’s relationship with Erdogan soured in the early 2010s as the Turkish president began consolidating power. In 2016, Gulen was accused of masterminding a failed coup attempt, a charge he consistently denied. Since then, he lived in exile in Pennsylvania, USA, leading a movement that has faced increasing crackdowns by the Turkish government.
Turkish Government’s Reaction
The Turkish government’s response to Gulen’s death has been notably restrained but significant. President Erdogan expressed that the death of Gulen marked “the end of a dark era,” calling it a moment of justice for the Turkish people. Erdogan also reaffirmed his stance that Gulen was responsible for the 2016 coup attempt, which resulted in the deaths of over 250 people.
Turkish officials have reiterated calls for the dismantling of Gulen’s global network. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkey would continue to pressure countries hosting Gulen-affiliated institutions to shut them down. Ankara’s long-standing demand for the extradition of Gulen from the United States remains a point of contention, despite his death.
Reaction from the United States
In the U.S., where Gulen resided for more than two decades, the reaction has been measured. U.S. officials expressed condolences but refrained from commenting extensively on the political implications of his death. Washington’s relationship with Ankara has been strained over the years, partly due to Turkey’s demands for Gulen’s extradition. Analysts believe that Gulen’s death could relieve some of this diplomatic tension, though issues such as Turkey’s human rights record and its stance on NATO will continue to challenge bilateral relations.
The Gulen movement in the U.S. has also seen mixed reactions. While some followers mourned the loss of their spiritual leader, others expressed concerns about the future of the movement. With Gulen’s passing, questions remain about the leadership succession and the movement’s ability to maintain its international influence.
European Reactions
European governments have been cautious in their responses to Gulen’s death. Countries like Germany, which host a significant number of Gulen followers and schools, have long been caught in the crossfire between Ankara and the Hizmet movement. European officials expressed hope that Gulen’s death might ease tensions between Turkey and European states.
However, there are fears that Erdogan’s government may use Gulen’s death as an opportunity to further crack down on his followers in Europe. Human rights organizations have warned European governments to be vigilant against any increased pressure from Ankara to extradite or persecute Gulenists living in exile.
Middle East and Asia’s Reactions
In the Middle East, reactions have largely been shaped by each country’s relationship with Turkey. Countries like Qatar, which has strong ties with Ankara, praised Erdogan’s long-standing stance against Gulen, framing his death as a closure to the chapter on the coup attempt. On the other hand, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have more contentious relations with Turkey, remained silent or offered only formal condolences.
In Central Asia, where Gulen-affiliated schools have had a strong presence, reactions have been mixed. Some governments have long been pressured by Turkey to close Gulenist institutions, while others have maintained their support for the movement. Gulen’s death may prompt a re-evaluation of these ties, with some countries potentially reassessing their relationship with Turkey and Gulen’s educational network.
Reaction from Gulen’s Followers
For Gulen’s followers, his death has been met with deep mourning. His movement, which was once seen as a beacon of moderate Islam and education, has suffered in recent years due to Turkish government crackdowns and a dwindling international presence. However, the movement still has a significant global following, and many of his followers view him as a martyr for democracy and religious tolerance.
There are concerns within the movement about its future. Gulen was the undisputed leader and guiding force, and his passing leaves a leadership vacuum. Some experts believe the movement could fragment, while others think it will continue to function as a decentralized network, focusing on education and interfaith dialogue.
Implications for Turkish Politics
Gulen’s death could have far-reaching implications for Turkish politics. While the Turkish government may see this as an opportunity to declare victory over the movement, it is unlikely that the internal divisions within Turkish society will disappear overnight. The deep polarization caused by the Gulen-Erdogan split, and the broader struggles between secularists and Islamists, will continue to define Turkish politics for years to come.
Some analysts believe that Gulen’s death could lead to a softening of Erdogan’s hardline stance on Gulenists, especially if it allows for greater international diplomacy and cooperation. However, others warn that the Turkish government could use Gulen’s passing to intensify its crackdown on dissent, particularly in the lead-up to future elections.
Fethullah Gulen’s death has left a complex and multifaceted legacy. For some, he was a visionary leader dedicated to education and interfaith dialogue; for others, he was a divisive figure linked to a failed coup. As global reactions continue to unfold, the long-term consequences of his passing remain to be seen, particularly for Turkey and its relations with the international community.
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Global reactions to Gulen’s death
Written By: Enyoghasi Ngozi pricillia
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