Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish cleric and influential figure, has been a central character in political, religious, and educational circles for decades. Known for founding the Hizmet movement, Gülen’s influence stretches far beyond Turkey, affecting millions of people globally.
However, he has also been a controversial figure, especially due to his strained relationship with Turkey’s government, which has accused him of masterminding a failed coup attempt in 2016. Gülen’s legacy and current whereabouts have been subjects of intense speculation and interest. This article explores where Fethullah Gülen is now and delves into the life of this mysterious and polarizing figure.
Who Was Fethullah Gülen?
Fethullah Gülen was born on April 27, 1941 (although some claim he was actually born in 1938), in Turkey. Trained as an imam, he rose to prominence in Turkey in the 1970s and 1980s for his progressive teachings, which combined traditional Islamic beliefs with modern values.
Gülen advocated for a unique philosophy that integrated religion with science, democracy, education, and interfaith dialogue. This approach attracted millions of followers, forming what became known as the Hizmet movement, or “service” in Turkish.
The Hizmet movement, under Gülen’s leadership, established schools, charities, and media organizations in Turkey and around the world, promoting education, dialogue, and a peaceful coexistence of Islam with modernity. His teachings on democracy and secularism within an Islamic framework resonated with many Turks, earning him a large and loyal following both inside and outside of Turkey.
The Rift with Turkish Government
Despite his popularity, Gülen’s relationship with Turkey’s government, particularly under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, soured over time. Gülen was initially an ally of Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), but their relationship deteriorated in the early 2010s as Erdoğan began consolidating power. Gülen’s movement, which had vast influence in Turkey’s educational and judicial systems, was seen as a potential threat to Erdoğan’s authority.
In 2016, tensions reached their peak when the Turkish government accused Gülen of orchestrating a failed military coup attempt on July 15. The coup, carried out by factions within the Turkish military, resulted in the deaths of 251 people and injured thousands. Tanks rolled through the streets,
helicopters flew over Ankara and Istanbul, and bombs were dropped on government buildings. Although Gülen denied any involvement and condemned the coup attempt, the Turkish government labeled him a terrorist and demanded his extradition from the United States, where he had been living in self-imposed exile since 1999.
Where is Fethullah Gülen Now?
Fethullah Gülen currently resides in a secluded compound in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, nestled in the Pocono Mountains. He first moved there in 1999, seeking medical treatment for his heart condition. The compound, which spans 26 acres, is heavily guarded and serves as the center of the global Hizmet network.
Gülen’s residence in the Poconos has been a subject of both curiosity and controversy. While his followers view the compound as a spiritual and educational hub, others, particularly Turkish government supporters, see it as a symbol of his supposed role in destabilizing Turkey.
Gülen’s health has been deteriorating in recent years, with multiple reports of him suffering from heart disease and diabetes. Despite his reclusive lifestyle, Gülen continues to communicate with his followers through written statements and occasional video messages. His health issues, combined with his advanced age, have led to speculation about the future of the Hizmet movement, especially since Gülen never married and does not have any children to carry on his legacy.
Accusations and Extradition Requests
Since the 2016 coup attempt, the Turkish government has been relentless in its pursuit of Gülen and his followers. President Erdoğan has repeatedly called on the United States to extradite Gülen to Turkey to face charges related to the coup. However, the U.S. government has refused these requests, citing a lack of concrete evidence linking Gülen to the coup attempt. Additionally, concerns about the fairness of the Turkish judicial system have played a role in the U.S. decision to deny extradition.
Turkey’s crackdown on Gülen’s movement following the coup attempt was swift and severe. Tens of thousands of people suspected of having ties to the Hizmet movement were arrested, and more than 130,000 were purged from government positions, the military, and the judiciary. Businesses, schools, and media outlets associated with the movement were shut down. Despite this, Gülen has remained defiant, condemning what he calls a “witch hunt” against his followers and accusing Erdoğan of becoming increasingly authoritarian.
Life in the Poconos: A Quiet Exile
Despite being at the center of international controversy, Gülen’s life in the Poconos has been relatively quiet. Only a small group of close aides live with him on the compound, and visitors are carefully screened. The local community has had mixed reactions to his presence. Some residents view him as a peaceful neighbor, occasionally interacting with his followers during community events like Ramadan dinners. Others, particularly those sympathetic to the Turkish government, have protested outside his compound, calling for his extradition.
What Lies Ahead for the Hizmet Movement?
With Gülen’s health in decline, questions about the future of the Hizmet movement have become increasingly urgent. The movement, which once wielded significant influence in Turkey, has been severely weakened by the government’s crackdown. However, it still maintains a global network of schools, charities, and cultural centers, particularly in countries like the United States, Germany, and several African nations.
It remains unclear who will take up the mantle of leadership after Gülen’s death. The movement’s decentralized structure, while providing flexibility, also means that there is no clear successor. Some believe that the movement will fracture without a strong central figure, while others argue that Hizmet’s global network will continue to thrive, driven by its core values of education and interfaith dialogue.
Conclusion
Fethullah Gülen remains one of the most controversial figures in modern Turkish history. From his beginnings as a progressive religious leader to his current status as a self-exiled cleric accused of attempting to overthrow the Turkish government, his story is one of profound influence and deep controversy.
As he lives out his final years in seclusion, the future of the Hizmet movement he founded remains uncertain, but his legacy—both positive and negative—will continue to be debated for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fethullah Gülen now?
Fethullah Gülen is currently residing in self-imposed exile in a compound in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, in the Pocono Mountains. He has been living there since 1999.
Why did Fethullah Gülen leave Turkey?
Gülen left Turkey in 1999 to seek medical treatment for a heart condition. He has remained in the United States since then, partly due to tensions with the Turkish government.
What is the Hizmet movement?
The Hizmet movement, founded by Gülen, is a global network focused on education, interfaith dialogue, and social service. It promotes a modern interpretation of Islam that embraces democracy and science.
What was Gülen accused of by the Turkish government?
Gülen was accused by the Turkish government of orchestrating the failed coup attempt in 2016. He denied any involvement, and the U.S. has not extradited him, citing insufficient evidence.
What will happen to the Hizmet movement after Gülen’s death?
The future of the Hizmet movement is uncertain. While it still has a global presence, there is no clear successor to Gülen, and some believe the movement could splinter without his leadership.