Fetullah Gülen, the exiled Turkish scholar and preacher accused by the Turkish government of orchestrating the failed coup in 2016, has passed away in the US at the age of 83. Gülen, who founded the Hizmet movement, had been living in Pennsylvania after falling out with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The attempted coup in Turkey in July 2016 resulted in 251 deaths and over 2,200 injuries. Following the coup, the Turkish government cracked down on individuals associated with Hizmet, labeling it a terrorist organization and conducting widespread arrests and suspensions.
Gülen consistently denied any involvement in the coup, stating that he did not know the majority of individuals associated with the movement. He maintained that he had simply expressed his beliefs through his teachings and sermons.
Herkul, a website that published Gülen’s sermons, confirmed his passing on Sunday evening. Gülen’s death raises questions about the future of the Hizmet movement and its followers. Despite his denial of involvement in the coup, his death may bring closure to a turbulent chapter in Turkish politics and society.
The Turkish government has not yet commented on Gülen’s passing. However, his death marks the end of an era for both his supporters and critics, leaving a complex legacy in Turkish history.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com