Who is Fethullah Gülen? History and Influence
Fethullah Gülen is a Turkish cleric and the founder of the Gülen movement, also known as Hizmet, which focuses on education, interfaith dialogue and service to humanity. His movement has established schools and institutions globally, emphasizing science, ethics and community service. In this post, we will explore the history, teachings and global influence of Fethullah Gülen, as well as the impact of the Gülen movement on education and interfaith relations.
Let’s take a deeper look into the life and influence of Fethullah Gülen in "Who is Fethullah Gülen? History and Influence."
Introduction
Fethullah Gülen is a prominent Turkish cleric, educator, and the leader of the global Hizmet movement, which is also known as the Gülen movement. Born in 1941, Fethullah Gülen has been influential in shaping modern Islamic thought, advocating for a blend of science, education, and religious values.
His teachings emphasize altruism, interfaith dialogue, and the importance of education as a means to build a peaceful and progressive society. Through his movement, Gülen has inspired the creation of numerous schools, charities, and dialogue centers across the world, promoting a philosophy of service and coexistence.
Fethullah Gülen’s vision extends beyond Turkey, influencing individuals and communities in various regions, including Central Asia, Europe, and the United States. His approach to Islam encourages understanding and cooperation between different cultures and faiths, making him a significant figure in contemporary religious and social discourse.
Who Was Muhammed Fethullah Gülen?
Muhammed Fethullah Gülen (April 27, 1941 – October 20, 2024) was a prominent Turkish Muslim scholar, preacher, and the founder of the Gülen movement, also known as Hizmet (meaning "service"). Gülen gained millions of followers worldwide, and his teachings emphasized education, altruism, and a peaceful version of Islam.
He was an advocate for modernity within Islamic principles, promoting a balanced life where religious and secular individuals can coexist under democratic and ethical governance.
Gülen’s Early Life and Education
Born in the village of Korucuk, Turkey, Gülen’s family was deeply religious. His father was an imam, and his mother taught the Qur'an in their village, despite the state's secular restrictions at the time. Gülen’s formal secular education was short-lived, but he pursued Islamic studies in various madrasas (Islamic schools).
He was inspired by Said Nursî, a Kurdish scholar whose teachings influenced Gülen’s perspective on Islamic theology.
Rise of the Gülen Movement
From his early days as a state imam (1959–1981), Fethullah Gülen focused on spreading Islamic teachings and social harmony. His influence grew rapidly, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. In 1994, he helped found the Journalists and Writers Foundation, which promoted interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Gülen’s movement also emphasized the importance of education, creating a global network of schools that promoted science, ethical conduct, and religious tolerance.
Self-Exile in the United States
In 1999, Fethullah Gülen moved to the United States for medical treatment and remained there in self-exile until his death. Gülen lived in a modest retreat center in Pennsylvania, continuing his influence through speeches, writings, and online teachings.
His self-imposed exile was partly due to political tensions in Turkey, where he was accused of promoting a hidden Islamic agenda to overthrow the secular state.
The Gülen Movement’s Role in Turkish Politics
During the early 2000s, some followers of Gülen’s movement supported Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP). This political alliance helped the AKP gain influence, particularly against the secular Kemalist establishment.
However, the relationship between Gülen and Erdoğan fractured in 2011 when Gülen’s followers were accused of infiltrating government institutions, including the judiciary and military.
Controversies and the 2016 Coup Attempt
In 2016, Turkish authorities accused Fethullah Gülen of orchestrating a failed military coup against President Erdoğan. Gülen denied any involvement in the coup, and despite Turkey’s efforts to extradite him, the U.S. government did not comply, citing a lack of evidence linking him to terrorist activities. The aftermath of the coup led to widespread purges in Turkey, with thousands of Gülen’s followers being arrested or dismissed from their jobs.
Gülen’s Legacy and Death
Fethullah Gülen passed away on October 20, 2024, at the age of 83 in Pennsylvania, where he had lived in exile. He had been suffering from heart and kidney failure. Despite his desire to be buried in Turkey, political tensions made it likely that he would be laid to rest in Pennsylvania. Gülen’s movement, Hizmet, continues to be influential globally, especially in education and interfaith dialogue.
The Gülen Movement: A Global Influence in Turkish Society and Beyond
The Gülen movement, also known as Hizmet ("Service") or Cemaat ("Community"), has been a significant influence in Turkish society and politics, both domestically and internationally. The movement is led by Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish cleric, who promotes a version of Islam rooted in the Hanafi school and inspired by Sunni scholar Said Nursî. Gülen emphasizes science, interfaith dialogue, and multi-party democracy, and his followers have established a network of schools and other institutions across the world.
Political Influence and Educational Outreach
Gülen’s followers have had a notable presence in Turkey's police forces, judiciary, and other key institutions. The movement operated schools, media outlets like Zaman newspaper, and businesses such as Bank Asya. Many of these entities were shut down after a failed coup attempt in 2016, which the Turkish government blamed on Gülen and his supporters. Although Gülen denied involvement, the event intensified a power struggle between his movement and the Turkish government under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Historical Background
The Gülen movement began in the 1970s with the opening of student hostels known as "light houses," offering scholarships and Qur'anic discussions. Gülen’s message of tolerance and forgiveness resonated during periods of political unrest, including the violent clashes between right- and left-wing factions in the 1970s.
After the 1980 Turkish coup, which targeted communists, Gülen expressed support for the military's actions, hoping for political stability and a restoration of democracy.
In the 1980s and 1990s, under the liberalizing policies of Turgut Özal, the movement expanded beyond a regional faith initiative into a national educational and cultural phenomenon, sparking resistance from secularists and radical Islamists.
Gülen’s alignment with President Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) during the 2000s helped consolidate power, but their alliance deteriorated by the 2010s, culminating in the corruption scandals and political rifts of 2013.
Split with Erdoğan and the 2016 Coup Attempt
The 2013 corruption investigations, which targeted Erdoğan’s allies, marked the beginning of a major fallout between Erdoğan and the Gülen movement. The Turkish government later accused Gülen of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt, leading to mass purges of alleged Gülenists from public institutions and the closure of all movement-affiliated entities in Turkey.
Turkey sought Gülen’s extradition from the U.S., where he has lived in self-imposed exile since 1999. Despite Turkish pressure, U.S. officials have repeatedly stated that insufficient evidence has been provided to justify Gülen’s extradition.
The Gülen-initiated schools and institutions worldwide, particularly in countries like Pakistan, Somalia, and Albania, have also faced closures under Turkish diplomatic pressure.
International Repercussions and Extradition Issues
Following the coup attempt, Turkey's demands for Gülen's extradition strained U.S.-Turkey relations. Despite Erdoğan’s allegations, Gülen has consistently denied involvement in the coup and accused Erdoğan of exploiting the event to consolidate his power.
In 2017, discussions about forcibly removing Gülen from the U.S. were reportedly held between Turkish officials and Trump administration representatives, though no legal action materialized.
Several international human rights organizations have urged caution in extraditing Gülen to Turkey, given concerns over the political climate and the Turkish government’s human rights record post-coup attempt. As of 2017, efforts to deport Gülen or provide compelling evidence linking him to the coup had not advanced significantly, although the Turkish government continues to pursue the matter diplomatically.
This ongoing conflict between Erdoğan’s government and Gülen’s movement has not only reshaped Turkish politics but also affected international diplomacy, especially Turkey’s relations with the U.S. and its regional influence.
Fethullah Gülen's Thought and Activism: Key Areas of Focus
Introduction to the Gülen Movement
The Gülen movement, also known as Hizmet (meaning “service”), is a global Islamic civic society movement inspired by the teachings of Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen. His philosophy centers on hizmet, the idea of selfless service to society, which has attracted many followers across Turkey, Central Asia, and globally.
Gülen's ideas about education, interfaith dialogue, and the common good have laid the foundation for a vast network of schools and institutions worldwide.
Educational Initiatives
Fethullah Gülen believes that education is essential for both personal and societal development. He has often stated, “Studying physics, mathematics, and chemistry is worshipping God.” His followers have established over 1,000 schools worldwide.
These schools are known for their high-quality education, with English being taught from an early age, especially in Turkey, where they are considered some of the best institutions.
However, there have been criticisms of the treatment of women in these schools. Some former teachers have reported issues like female staff being excluded from administrative roles and girls being segregated from boys during certain activities.
Despite these criticisms, the educational programs remain one of the most prominent aspects of the Gülen movement.
Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue
Gülen strongly advocates for interfaith dialogue as a way to promote understanding and peace. He has met with various religious leaders, including Pope John Paul II and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople.
Gülen believes that cooperation between people of different religions and cultures can enrich society. His efforts to bridge gaps between faiths are seen as a vital part of his activism. He has also supported Sunni-Alevi relations in Turkey, recognizing the value of diverse religious traditions.
Political Views and Theology
Gülen’s approach to Islam is rooted in classical Islamic theology but with a modern, moderate perspective. He emphasizes the importance of service (hizmet) to the community and the nation, regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds.
Though not affiliated with any Sufi order, Gülen teaches that Sufism represents the inner dimension of Islam and should be integrated with its outer practices.
He has been vocal about the need for dialogue not just between Muslims and "People of the Book" (Jews and Christians) but also with agnostics and atheists. His vision is for Muslims to serve humanity and contribute to global peace.
Views on Secularism and Democracy
Although Gülen has criticized the extreme form of secularism practiced in Turkey, he has supported a version of secularism that allows freedom of religion. He believes that 95% of Islamic principles can be practiced in a democratic-secular state without issue.
His belief in democratic values aligns with his call for justice, human rights, and freedom of expression, which he argues are in harmony with Islamic teachings.
Women's Rights and Roles
Gülen holds relatively progressive views on women's rights within Islam. He argues that early Islam significantly improved the status of women. However, he cautions against extreme feminist movements, claiming they could lead to social imbalance. According to Gülen, women should have the opportunity to contribute to society while maintaining harmony with traditional values.
Opposition to Terrorism
Fethullah Gülen has consistently condemned terrorism and violence. He has spoken against the misuse of Islam by extremists, emphasizing that terrorism has no place in Islam. After the 9/11 attacks, Gülen wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post, stating that a true Muslim cannot be a terrorist. His condemnation of terrorism remains one of the central messages of his public teachings.
Other Political Issues
Gülen has spoken on various global issues, including the Syrian Civil War and the Armenian Genocide. He has condemned violence in Syria and criticized Turkey’s involvement in the conflict. On the issue of the Armenian Genocide, he expressed sorrow and acknowledged the tragic events of 1915, marking an important moment of reflection for his followers.
Conclusion
Fethullah Gülen’s contributions to education, interfaith dialogue, and the promotion of peace have left a lasting legacy that continues to grow globally. His movement, rooted in the principles of service and learning, has influenced countless individuals, shaping a more open and tolerant approach to Islam.
By bridging the gap between faith and modernity, Fethullah Gülen’s vision remains relevant in today’s complex world, encouraging positive social change. As the impact of his teachings spreads, Fethullah Gülen’s name will remain synonymous with peaceful activism and the pursuit of knowledge.
If you are curious about the life, teachings, and global influence of this remarkable figure, check out our latest article, "Who is Fethullah Gülen? History and Influence"! It's a fascinating exploration of how one man’s vision for education and peace has shaped communities worldwide.
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