Fethullah Gülen
Fethullah Gülen was a Turkish Islamic scholar, preacher, and spiritual leader who founded the Hizmet, or Gülen, movement.
Fethullah Gülen was a Turkish Islamic scholar, preacher, and spiritual leader who founded the Hizmet, or Gülen, movement. He lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania from 1999 until his death on 20 October 2024, and he became a prominent and controversial figure in Turkish politics and religion.
Early life and religious formation
Gülen was born in eastern Turkey in 1941 and became known as a Muslim scholar and preacher. Sources describe him as developing an influential religious outlook shaped by modernity, education, and social reform.
Hizmet movement
Gülen founded a broad social and religious movement known as Hizmet, meaning 'service.' The movement built schools, charities, media outlets, and dialogue organizations in Turkey and abroad.
Political influence and conflict with the Turkish state
Gülen’s influence extended into Turkish public life and politics, especially during periods when his followers were seen as politically active. Relations with the Turkish government later deteriorated sharply, and Ankara blamed the movement for the 2016 coup attempt.
Exile and death
Gülen lived in Pennsylvania from 1999 in what was widely described as voluntary or self-imposed exile. He died there in October 2024.
Key facts
- Gülen was the founder and leading figure of the Hizmet, or Gülen, movement.
- His movement emphasized education, civic engagement, interfaith dialogue, and a moderate interpretation of Islam.
- He lived in the United States in self-imposed exile from 1999 until his death.
- The Turkish government accused his movement of involvement in the 2016 coup attempt and designated it a terrorist organization.
- He died in Pennsylvania on 20 October 2024 at the age of 83.
Canadian readers may encounter Gülen in coverage of Turkish politics, international religious movements, migration, and debates over schools, associations, and political influence abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Fethullah Gülen?
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Where did Gülen live for most of his later life?
When did Fethullah Gülen die?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fethullah-GulenSupports: Birth, death, identity as a Turkish Islamic scholar and spiritual leader, and association with the Hizmet/Gülen movement.
- NPR — https://www.npr.org/2024/10/21/nx-s1-5159564/fethullah-gulen-turkish-opposition-deathSupports: Death in Pennsylvania and his role as a Turkish spiritual leader linked to a global movement.
- The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/21/fethullah-gulen-us-based-cleric-accused-of-turkish-coup-attempt-dies-at-83Supports: Self-imposed exile in the United States, movement goals, and dispute over the 2016 coup attempt.
- UK Government — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/turkey-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-gulenist-movement-turkey-february-2022-accessible-versionSupports: Description of the Gülen movement as religious, educational, and social organizations founded and inspired by Gülen, and the Turkish government designation of the movement as FETO.
- The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/21/world/europe/fethullah-gulen-dead.htmlSupports: Death, long exile in Pennsylvania, and the movement's schools and transnational reach.