The Complex Influence of Fethullah Gülen: Educator, Preacher, and Political Figurehead
Fethullah Gülen is a Turkish Islamic cleric, former imam, writer, and political figure who is as much known for his extensive social movement as he is for his controversy. Exiled in the United States since the late 1990s, Gülen has been labelled a terrorist by the Turkish government following the failed coup attempt in 2016. Seen by some as an advocate for education, interfaith dialogue, and democracy, yet regarded by others as wielding covert influence to undermine state structures, Gülen’s global impact remains a contested issue.
Origins and Career
Gülen was born in 1941 in Erzurum, Turkey. He began preaching in the 1960s and by the 1980s had developed a wide following. Influenced by Sufi traditions and the writing of Said Nursî, another influential Turkish Muslim thinker of the early 20th century, Gülen preached a moderate version of Islam, emphasizing education, science, and interfaith dialogue.
Over time he established what would become known as Hizmet (meaning ‘service’), as well as a network of schools under the guises of private educational institutions which expanded into over 160 countries. This development was concurrent with published works on Islam and his teachings, contributing to social debates within Turkey and helping to catalyze burgeoning socio-political communities.
Hizmet Movement and Its Impact
Often referred to as Gülenists, followers of Fethullah Gülen became active participants in critical sectors within Turkey and abroad including education, banking, media, health care, and business. Through its support networks and loyal disciples in civic society and public life, Hizmet has had a significant societal influence.
The network fosters a commitment to service (or hizmet), philanthropy, and education, claiming to promote tolerant Islam which accepts co-existing with other religions within secular governance. Schools affiliated with the Hizmet movement became renowned for their high standards of academic achievement and were perceived as-reaching-publicly denying political ambitions. Gülen himself is regarded by many as an intellectual and spiritual leader rather than a traditional political activist.
The Acceleration of Controversies
The political climate change following Turkey’s ruling AK Party’s (Justice and Development Party) divergence from secular principles to a more Islam-focused agenda saw an evolving affiliation with Gülen. However, the relationship soured leading up to 2013 when the Turkish government reached a standoff with Gülenists.
This tension escalated markedly after December 2013 when several high-profile corruption investigations were launched against members of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s inner circle; investigations seen as initiated by Gülenist supporters within the judiciary and police. It became a catalyst for Erdoğan’s outright condemnation of Gülen and accusations of creating a ‘parallel state’.
Following the failed military coup attempt on July 15, 2016—blamed on Gulen despite his denials—tens of thousands were arrested or dismissed from jobs in Turkey’s subsequent purges. Gülen has since become Turkey’s most wanted man despite residing in Pennsylvania while claiming no involvement in the coup attempt.
Figuring Out Fethullah Gülen: Scholar or Villain?
Whether depicted as a scholar-activist or nefarious actor depends deeply on perspective. Critics accuse him of leveraging an insidious form of infiltration both within Turkey and internationally through his followers. Supporters celebrate his commitment to peace-oriented Islam, academic enrichment, democracy advocacy—and contention with authoritarian dominance.
The European perceptions shift from appraise for creating bridges between East and West through education to scrutiny for allegedly exacerbating sectarian divides within Islam itself.
Notes
Image description: A serene setting showing Fethullah Gülen reading in a study filled with books while sunbeams create a halo around him; this artistic representation reflects his multiple aspects as an educator and controversial preacher amidst broadly cast shadows to symbolize the transparency disputes surrounding his persona.