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Turkish Islamic Preacher Fethullah Gülen Dies in Exile
Turkish Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen has died in his voluntary exile in the United States, as reported on Monday by several Turkish channels including the state broadcaster "TRT" and "NTV," among other local media. Ankara accuses Gülen of being responsible for the failed coup attempt the country experienced in 2016, an allegation he has repeatedly denied.
The Turkish state broadcaster "TRT" reported on Monday that Gülen, who has been residing in the United States, passed away, citing accounts from social media platforms and websites close to his movement.
The broadcaster indicated that Gülen, whom President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accuses of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt, died "last night in the hospital."
"NTV" and other local media outlets also reported this news. The reports have not been independently verified.
Gülen founded a powerful Islamic movement both in Turkey and abroad, but has spent the last few years accused of orchestrating a coup against President Erdoğan. He has categorically denied these accusations.
Additionally, the Gülen-affiliated but banned website "Herkul" announced the preacher's death "on October 20."
Fethullah Gülen, the figure behind the Gülen movement, also known as "Hizmet" (meaning "service"), has been living in Pennsylvania, USA, since 1999. Turkey stripped him of his citizenship in 2017.
Erdoğan was previously allied with Gülen's movement, but it turned into a bitter enemy following the coup attempt on July 15, 2016. Since then, Turkish authorities have conducted extensive arrest campaigns targeting hundreds of his supporters.
