Fethullah Gülen, a prominent Turkish cleric and advocate of interfaith dialogue and education, died on October 21, 2024 in a Pennsylvania hospital at the age of 86. Known for his emphasis on peace, tolerance and service to humanity, Gülen dedicated his life to fostering dialogue between religions and promoting moderate interpretations of Islam. His death ends a remarkable chapter in Turkish history and global Islamic thought.
Gülen’s legacy is shaped by his efforts to encourage altruism, education and interfaith understanding. He founded the Gülen movement, or “Hizmet” (meaning “service” in Turkish), which built a global network of schools, universities and charities promoting these values. The movement emphasized that education and ethical leadership are essential to a peaceful and just society. Gülen’s teachings have resonated with millions of people, not only in Turkey but across the world, as his message reaches diverse communities through the network of schools and initiatives.
Despite his peaceful ideology, Gülen has become a very polarizing figure in Türkiye. Once aligned with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, their relations deteriorated in 2013 and Gülen was subsequently accused of orchestrating the failed 2016 coup attempt, accusations he denied until his death. This led to his movement being attacked by the Turkish government and many of his supporters facing heavy persecution, hunts and kidnappings. Turkish representatives have also interfered in the political affairs of other countries by demanding that Hezmet supporters not make peaceful public statements in front of parliaments and official venues. However, Gülen remained a staunch supporter of non-violence, consistently advocating dialogue and mutual respect to resolve disputes.
Throughout his life, Gülen was recognized for his commitment to peace, having received awards for his efforts to foster harmony between different cultures and faiths. His work has extended to institutions such as the Vatican and Jewish organizations, demonstrating his dedication to bridging gaps between often-conflicting communities. His moderate stance toward Islam, coupled with his interest in science, education, and civic responsibility, made him a revered figure among his followers.
Gülen’s death leaves behind a complex legacy, marked both by admiration for his peaceful contributions and by the controversies that darkened his final years. Nonetheless, he will be remembered by many as a spiritual leader who sought to create a more compassionate, more educated, and more harmonious world.
A movement of Service
The Gülen movement, also known as Hizmet (meaning “service” in Turkish), stands out as a global initiative focused on education, interfaith dialogue and social service. At its core, the movement seeks to promote the values of tolerance, peace and cooperation between diverse cultures and religious communities. Founded by Fethullah Gülen, the movement grew rapidly, notably through the establishment of schools and educational institutions across Turkey and in more than 100 countries around the world.
Focus on education and altruism
One of the most positive aspects of the Gülen movement is its emphasis on education. Gülen saw education as a way to transform society for the better, advocating for schools that integrate academic excellence with moral values. Schools affiliated with the movement, known for their focus on science, technology and mathematics, have provided quality education to students from diverse backgrounds, regardless of nationality or nationality. religion. This educational initiative is driven by the belief that well-rounded and educated individuals contribute positively to the peace and progress of society.
Movement schools not only focus on academic learning, but also emphasize character building, with an ethical dimension that encourages students to become compassionate and socially responsible individuals. These schools often promote interfaith understanding and multiculturalism, making them influential in conflict-prone areas by fostering mutual respect and dialogue between different communities.
Promoting interreligious dialogue
A central pillar of Gülen’s teachings is his dedication to interfaith dialogue. He consistently encouraged open discussions between different religious traditions, including Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Gülen himself initiated dialogue with religious leaders around the world, including the Vatican and Jewish organizations, with the aim of creating understanding and collaboration across religious divisions. His efforts were particularly significant at a time when many parts of the world were grappling with religious conflict.
This commitment to dialogue is reflected in various conferences and forums organized by the movement, where people of different faiths come together to discuss issues of common concern such as peace, justice and mutual coexistence. Through these initiatives, the movement has helped break down stereotypes and foster a spirit of cooperation, praised by scholars and leaders around the world.
Social services and philanthropy
Beyond education and dialogue, the Gülen movement has made important contributions in the field of social services. Various philanthropic activities supported by the movement include disaster relief, health care, and assistance to disadvantaged communities. The movement’s charities, both in Turkey and around the world, have been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, helping those affected by natural disasters and economic hardship. Their work ranges from providing scholarships to disadvantaged students to providing medical aid in countries facing crises.
This altruistic element of the movement aligns with Gülen’s belief in serving humanity and meeting the practical needs of society through compassion and generosity. He has helped thousands of people improve their lives and access opportunities for personal development that otherwise may not have been available to them.
Advocacy for peaceful coexistence
The Gülen movement is based on the idea that religious, cultural and ideological differences should not be sources of conflict but rather opportunities for understanding and collaboration. This philosophy has led the movement to advocate for peaceful coexistence, particularly in conflict-prone regions, where tensions between ethnic and religious groups often boil over into violence. By promoting dialogue and mutual respect, the movement seeks to create environments where diverse groups can live together in peace.
The movement has often been praised in international circles for its efforts against extremism. Its schools and institutions serve as models of moderation, where students are encouraged to think critically and embrace values of tolerance. This position has made the movement an influential voice in promoting a balanced interpretation of Islam that aligns with modern democratic values.
Overall, the Gülen movement’s contributions to education, interfaith dialogue, social service, and the promotion of peace have left a lasting impact on Turkey and the global community. Despite significant political challenges and opposition, particularly in Turkey, the movement’s positive initiatives have garnered respect around the world for their commitment to fostering understanding and improving society through peaceful means. Fethullah Gülen’s vision of an educated, compassionate and tolerant society continues to inspire many people, even after his passing.
Originally published in The European Times.
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