Fethullah Gulen, the controversial Turkish cleric who lived in exile in the United States, has died at the age of 83. He was accused of masterminding Turkey’s failed coup attempt in 2016. While no official cause of death has been reported, Gulen had been suffering from health issues.
Since 1999, Gulen had resided in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, living in a compound managed by the Golden Generation Foundation, a nonprofit established by his supporters in the U.S. Though he limited his public appearances in his later years, Gulen continued to communicate with his followers, promoting education, dialogue, and peaceful activism.
In Turkey, Gulen gained notoriety as the government accused him of operating a criminal organization that infiltrated state institutions. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed Gulen’s passing and characterized him as the leader of a “dark organization,” emphasizing that Turkey’s resolve against terrorism would remain strong.
Gulen started as a preacher in the 1960s in Izmir, where he established a network of boarding houses to assist students academically. His initiatives expanded into schools, charities, and other civil organizations, eventually leading to the founding of over 1,000 schools in 160 countries. These institutions provided quality education and were attended by many students who later assumed significant roles in the Turkish judiciary, police, and bureaucracy.
In 1999, Gulen fled to the U.S. His allies claimed he left for health reasons, whereas critics speculated it was due to a government investigation into his activities, which were believed to threaten the government. In 2000, he was convicted in absentia for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the state, a ruling later cited in connection with the 2016 coup attempt.
Initially, Gulen’s movement had a cooperative relationship with President Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), allowing many Gulen followers to attain influential governmental positions. However, tensions escalated by 2013 when corruption investigations conducted by prosecutors aligned with Gulen targeted Erdogan’s inner circle. Erdogan accused Gulen of trying to establish a “parallel state” within Turkey, which Gulen refuted.
Following the failed coup on July 16, 2016, Erdogan reiterated his accusations, claiming Gulen orchestrated the uprising that resulted in significant loss of life. In the aftermath, thousands of suspected Gulen supporters were purged from the government and military, and Gulen’s movement was designated as the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO). Despite multiple extradition requests from Turkey, U.S. officials denied them, citing insufficient evidence linking Gulen to the coup.
The aftermath of the coup attempt marked a difficult transition for Gulen’s followers, as many affiliated schools and charities were shut down, and numerous supporters faced imprisonment or exile. Although Gulen’s movement continues to have an international presence, it operates with diminished visibility, especially in areas where the Turkish government has pressured local authorities to close Gulen-affiliated institutions. In the U.S., some of Gulen’s charter schools have faced investigations for visa irregularities and allegations of defrauding the U.S. Treasury.
Fethullah Gulen lived a life dedicated to education and influence, but never married.