Death of Fethullah Gülen: Reflecting on the Legacy of the Gülen Movement

The recent passing of Fethullah Gülen, the founder of the Gülen movement, has stirred a mix of emotions among those who knew him and were influenced by his teachings. As a once devoted supporter, I reflect on the complex legacy of the movement, which had a profound impact on Turkish society and politics.

Growing up, I was introduced to the Gülen movement through FEM dershaneler, private tutoring centers that seemed to offer world-class education. The movement's promise of guaranteed success and meritocracy was highly alluring, but I was always skeptical about its activities. Looking back, I realize that the movement's ability to shape public opinion and infiltrate Turkish institutions was rooted in its complex network of schools, foundations, and media outlets, all operating under the charismatic guidance of Gülen.

The movement's tutors were often former intelligence officials, and Gülen's ideology was presented as the key to unlocking success, without any clear evidence or verifiable proof. The uncritical reception of Gülen's ideas, particularly his claim to be guiding many Turkish slackers to exceptional performances, now seems like a farce. Yet, thousands of young people, including myself, fell under the movement's spell, believing that Gülen's teachings would bring us closer to fulfilling our dreams.

Gülen's legacy is multifaceted, marked by controversy and a relentless pursuit of power. While I still grapple with the memories of my involvement in the movement, I now see the harm it caused and the lies it perpetuated. As Turkey begins to reckon with its complex history, it's essential to acknowledge the impact of the Gülen movement and to remove the ideological venom that still lingers in the public discourse.