Erdogan Calls Gulen’s Death “Dishonorable,” Vows to Continue Fight Against Gulenist Movement

Turkish President Erdogan Reacts to Death of Exiled Cleric Gulen

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has responded to the death of exiled cleric Fetullah Gulen, describing it as “dishonorable” and comparing Gulen to “demons in human form.” Erdogan vowed to continue fighting against the Gulenist movement, despite the passing of its leader.

Gulen, once an ally who aided Erdogan’s rise to power in 2003, became a bitter rival following a breakdown in their alliance. The relationship soured after government actions against Gulen-run institutions and corruption allegations pursued by Gulen’s followers against Erdogan’s government.

The tension between Erdogan and Gulen reached its peak in 2016 when Erdogan accused the cleric of orchestrating a military coup attempt. The failed coup resulted in numerous casualties and had a significant impact on Turkey’s political landscape. Gulen consistently denied involvement, and his supporters dismissed the charges as baseless.

Following the coup attempt, Turkey demanded Gulen’s extradition from the United States, where he had been living in self-imposed exile. However, the U.S. government did not act on the request, citing insufficient evidence to support Turkey’s claims.

In response to the perceived threat, Erdogan’s government launched an extensive crackdown on the Gulen movement. This resulted in mass arrests, firings, and purges from the military. Additionally, numerous Gulen-linked schools, businesses, and media organizations were closed within Turkey, while international pressure was applied to Gulen-affiliated organizations operating outside the country.

In his final remarks on Gulen’s passing, Erdogan stated that the cleric would be held accountable for his actions, referencing “divine justice” for Gulen and his followers. The President’s strong words underscore the lasting impact of the Gulen-Erdogan conflict on Turkish politics and society.

As Turkey processes this significant development, the future of the Gulenist movement and its relationship with the Turkish government remains uncertain. The death of Fetullah Gulen marks the end of a chapter in Turkey’s recent political history, but the repercussions of the movement he founded continue to reverberate through the nation.