Turkish-Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has passed away at 86 in the United States, as announced by the Gülen-affiliated website Herkul.
Gülen, who had been dealing with several health issues, died on Sunday evening while receiving treatment at a hospital, according to a post on X from Herkul on Monday.
Known for his emphasis on education and promoting interfaith dialogue, Gülen inspired millions in Turkey and globally.
Gulen’s movement – known as “Hizmet” which means “service” in Turkish – sought to spread a moderate brand of Islam that promotes Western-style education, free markets and interfaith communication.
Tushar Arun Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and author of the several best seller books, wrote on his official Twitter profile “Rest in peace Fetullah Gulen in his exile from his beloved country. Another voice of peace muted a great loss to humanity!”
The Turkish government accused him of orchestrating the failed July 2016 coup, a charge he strongly denied. Over the past decade, Gülen’s followers in Turkey and abroad have faced a significant government crackdown, particularly after the failed coup.
“It is well documented that the Turkish judicial system is not independent, so the warrant for my arrest is another example of Erdogan’s drive towards authoritarianism and deviation from democracy,” Gulen said at the time.
Gülen had been residing in the U.S. since 1999.
