The Life and Legacy of Fethullah Gulen: From Preacher to Pariah

Fethullah Gulen, a prominent U.S.-based cleric who built an influential Islamic network in Turkey, has died at 83. Once an ally to Turkish President Erdogan, Gulen faced accusations of orchestrating the 2016 attempted coup. His movement, Hizmet, was labeled a terrorist organization in Turkey.

Fethullah Gulen, the influential U.S.-based cleric, known for creating a significant Islamic movement across Turkey, has passed away at 83. Gulen spent his final years amid accusations of orchestrating a 2016 coup attempt against Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, which resulted in the deaths of 250 people.

Initially a close ally to Erdogan, Gulen's relationship soured as he was accused of masterminding the coup. Gulen, who had lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, denied any involvement. Despite this, his movement, Hizmet, was deemed a terrorist organization by Turkey, leading to its systematic dismantling within the country.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed Gulen's death, describing him as the leader of a 'dark organization' and asserting that the fight against his network would persist. Despite his death, Turkey remains vigilant in its efforts to combat terrorism associated with Gulen's movement.

(With inputs from agencies.)