Fethullah Gulen, the influential Turkish cleric who was accused of orchestrating the failed 2016 coup against Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, has passed away at the age of 83. Gulen, who was based in the US, founded a powerful Islamic movement in Turkey and had once been an ally of Erdogan. However, their relationship soured, leading to Erdogan blaming Gulen for the attempted coup.
The 2016 coup saw rogue soldiers taking control of warplanes, tanks, and helicopters in an effort to overthrow Erdogan’s government. The violent uprising resulted in the deaths of around 250 people as the military attempted to seize power.
Gulen’s death marks the end of a controversial and tumultuous chapter in Turkey’s political history. While some viewed him as a respected religious leader and advocate for education, others saw him as a threat to Erdogan’s authority. The accusations of Gulen’s involvement in the coup have been a source of tension and division within Turkey for years.
As news of Gulen’s passing spreads, it remains to be seen how his legacy will be remembered and what impact it will have on the ongoing political landscape in Turkey.
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Video “Gulen, the powerful cleric accused of orchestrating failed 2016 Turkish coup, dies • FRANCE 24” was uploaded on 10/21/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English