Fethullah Gülen

Fethullah Gülen. He is an Islamic scholar, preacher, and former imam who founded the transnational Hizmet movement, often referred to as the Gülen movement. His teachings emphasize interfaith dialogue, modern education, and community service, leading to a vast network of schools, media outlets, and cultural organizations worldwide. Gülen has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, and his movement became a central figure in Turkish political conflicts, particularly with the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Early life and education

He was born in the village of Korucuk, near Pasinler in Erzurum Province. His father, Ramiz Gülen, was an imam, and his early education was in a traditional Qur'anic school. He studied Islamic sciences under various local scholars and was influenced by the works of prominent Islamic thinkers like Said Nursî, founder of the Nurcu movement. Gülen received an ijazah (license) in Islamic scholarship and began preaching at a young age, moving to Edirne and later İzmir as a state-appointed preacher for the Presidency of Religious Affairs.

Religious and educational activities

In the 1970s and 1980s, his sermons and lectures, often distributed via audio cassette, gained a wide following. He advocated for a synthesis of secular education with Islamic ethics, leading his supporters to establish private tutoring centers and student dormitories. This evolved into a global campaign to found secular-style schools, first in Turkey and later across Central Asia, the Balkans, Africa, and beyond. These institutions, such as those in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, focused on STEM subjects and were often staffed by dedicated teachers from Turkey.

Gülen movement

The loose network of initiatives inspired by his teachings coalesced into the Hizmet (Service) movement. It operates a vast array of institutions including the Feza Publications group, the Samanyolu TV television network, the Zaman newspaper (now seized), and the Bank Asya financial institution. The movement's structure is decentralized, relying on donations and volunteerism, with no formal membership. Its educational philosophy, often termed "Turkish-Islamic synthesis," aimed to create a "golden generation" of pious yet professionally successful individuals.

Legal and political controversies

His relationship with the AKP government deteriorated dramatically after 2013, following a corruption investigation and a power struggle. The Turkish state, under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accused the movement of being a "parallel state" and a terrorist organization, labeling it the "Fetullahçı Terör Örgütü" (FETÖ). Following the 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt, the government of Turkey launched a widespread purge, arresting thousands of alleged sympathizers and seizing movement assets. He has been tried in absentia in Turkey on charges including attempting to overthrow the Turkish government.

Views and ideology

His ideology, sometimes called "Gülenism," promotes a moderate form of Sunni Islam that embraces secular governance, democracy, and interfaith dialogue. He has engaged in well-publicized meetings with leaders like Pope John Paul II and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. His writings, such as those on Muhammad and Rumi, emphasize tolerance and civic engagement. Critics, however, allege his public discourse differs from private, more ambitious goals, pointing to past sermons where he advised followers to "move within the arteries of the system."

Later life and residence

Since 1999, he has resided at the Golden Generation Worship and Retreat Center in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania. His application for permanent residency in the United States was granted in 2008. The U.S. Department of State has rejected requests for his extradition, citing a lack of credible evidence. He leads a reclusive life, issuing occasional statements denying involvement in the 2016 coup attempt and criticizing the Erdoğan administration. His continued presence in America remains a significant point of contention in Turkey–United States relations. Category:Turkish Islamic scholars Category:1941 births Category:People from Erzurum Province