The death of a controversial Islamic figure marks the end of a decades-long ideological battle that shaped Turkish politics.

According to Breitbart News, Fethullah Gulen, an 83-year-old Turkish cleric who led a worldwide religious and educational movement, died on October 20, 2024, while receiving medical treatment at a U.S. hospital. His death comes after 25 years of exile in Pennsylvania.

The Foundation for Dialogue and Education, a Germany-based organization connected to Gulen's movement, announced his passing. The religious leader had reportedly experienced declining health in recent years.

Turkish Government Response to Long-Time Opposition

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan acknowledged the death while maintaining the government's stance against Gulen's organization, which Turkey labels as FETO, the "Fethullah Terrorist Organization."

Fidan characterized the movement as a significant threat to Turkish national security, urging its members to abandon their activities against the state. The minister emphasized that Turkey's anti-terrorism efforts would continue unabated.

The Turkish government has pursued an aggressive campaign against Gulen's followers since accusing him of orchestrating a failed 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

International Implications of Religious Movement

Successive U.S. administrations under Obama, Trump, and Biden rejected Turkey's demands to extradite Gulen, who consistently denied involvement in the coup attempt.

European Union intelligence investigations found no evidence linking Gulen to the uprising's coordination. Instead, EU officials suggested Erdogan himself may have precipitated the events by planning widespread purges of political opponents.

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan delivered this message to Gulen's followers:

This organization has been a rare focal point of threat in our nation’s history. It has deceived thousands of our youth in the name of sacred values and turned them into a machine that betrays their own homeland, nation, and sacred values. Our nation’s determination in the fight against terrorism will continue, and this news of his death will never lead us to complacency.

Educational Network Faces Global Scrutiny

Gulen's influence extended through approximately 150 charter schools in the United States and educational institutions across more than 100 countries.

These schools have attracted investigation in the U.S. over allegations of financial impropriety, misuse of public funds, and discriminatory practices, though few countries have followed Turkey's designation of the movement as a terrorist organization.

The movement's extensive network includes cultural centers and millions of followers worldwide, despite ongoing controversy and Turkish government opposition.

Political Alliance Turned Bitter Rivalry

The relationship between Gulen and Erdogan deteriorated dramatically in 2013 when the Turkish president accused the cleric of using loyalists in law enforcement to launch corruption investigations against his government.

Turkish authorities have conducted extensive purges of suspected Gulen supporters from government and military positions since the failed coup attempt, actions that human rights organizations have criticized as religious persecution.

The government has also pursued Gulen's followers internationally, with allegations of assassination plots and claims of collaboration between the movement and various intelligence agencies, though no evidence has substantiated these accusations.

Historical Impact on Turkish Democracy

Gulen's movement, known as Hizmet, played a significant role in Turkish politics during Erdogan's rise to power in the 1990s, with the two figures initially working as allies before their dramatic falling out.

The Turkish government's response to Gulen's death, delivered through Foreign Minister Fidan, suggests the conflict between state authorities and movement followers may continue despite the leader's passing. Rights groups continue to monitor Turkey's treatment of suspected Gulen supporters as the government maintains its stance against what it views as an ongoing security threat.

Legacy of Religious Leadership Controversy

Gulen's death represents the end of an era in Turkish political and religious history marked by complex relationships between religious movements and state power. His worldwide movement faces an uncertain future without its founding leader, while Turkish authorities maintain their opposition to the organization. The impact of his educational and cultural network continues to influence international relations between Turkey and nations hosting Gulen-affiliated institutions.