End of an era: Fethullah Gülen passed away

After a long self-exile in the US, pro-Gülenists sources stated that Fethullah Gülen was dead. His massive global movement has already been crushed in the post-2016 coup attempt. Still, there are many followers all around the world. If his movement did not get in a fight with Erdoğan, his funeral would be greeted by millions. But not now!

Several major criticisms of Fethullah Gülen and his movement are listed below. I was always uneasy with the movement’s ideological blend of zealous Sunnism and Turkish nationalism. Growing up, I was disappointed that the movement always sided with the government against any oppositional politics.

1. Secretive infiltration of state institutions:
   The Gülen movement is accused of secretly infiltrating key Turkish institutions, including the police, intelligence agencies, and judiciary[1]. Critics allege that Gülenists created a “deep state” within the Turkish bureaucracy and used their positions to persecute political enemies[1].

2. Authoritarian and cult-like structure:
   Some describe Gülen as a guru-like figure who tolerates no dissent within his movement[3]. Former members report strict control over followers’ lives, including pressure to marry within the movement and restrictions on media consumption[3].

3. Alleged coup involvement:
   The Turkish government has accused Gülen of masterminding the failed 2016 coup attempt, though Gülen denies this[5]. Some view this accusation skeptically, noting that a violent coup does not fit the movement’s typical methods[5].

4. Educational network as a front:
   Critics allege that Gülen’s extensive network of schools worldwide serves as a front for expanding the movement’s influence and recruiting new members[3][4]. There have been investigations into financial mismanagement and other irregularities at Gülen-affiliated charter schools in the US[4].

5. Hidden agenda:
   Some accuse the movement of having a secret agenda to gradually Islamize society and eventually establish Islamic rule, despite its outward emphasis on interfaith dialogue and modern education[3].

6. Political meddling:
   The movement has been accused of using its influence within state institutions to interfere in Turkish politics, most notably in the 2013 corruption investigations against the AKP government, which Erdoğan viewed as an attempted coup by Gülenists[2][5].

7. Lack of transparency:
   The movement is criticized for its opaque structure and secretive methods, making it difficult to determine the extent of its influence and activities[1][3].

These criticisms have led to Gülen being labeled as the leader of a “parallel state” by his opponents in Turkey, and his movement being officially designated as a terrorist organization by the Turkish government[5].

Citations:
1. ECFR – The Good, the Bad, and the Gülenists
2. Wikipedia – AKP–Gülen Movement Conflict
3. Spiegel International – Gülen Movement Accused of Being a Sect
4. Vox – The Gülen Movement Explained
5. Middle East Eye – Dissecting Turkey’s Gülen-Erdogan Relationship
6. SETA – The Evidence Against Fethullah Gülen Behind the Coup Attempt