Fethullah Gülen is a Turkish Islamic scholar, preacher, and social activist. He is the founder of the Gülen movement, a global network of schools, universities, and other educational institutions that promote interfaith dialogue and peace. Gülen has been accused by the Turkish government of being behind the failed 2016 coup attempt, but he has denied any involvement. Despite the accusations, Gülen remains a respected figure in many parts of the world, and his message of peace and understanding continues to inspire people around the globe.
Gülen was born in Erzurum, Turkey, in 1941. He studied Islamic theology and law at the University of Istanbul, and later became a teacher and preacher. In the 1970s, Gülen began to speak out against religious extremism and violence, and he called for a more tolerant and pluralistic society. His teachings attracted a large following, and in the 1980s, he founded the Gülen movement.
The Gülen movement is a global network of schools, universities, and other educational institutions that promote interfaith dialogue and peace. The movement also operates a variety of humanitarian aid organizations, including hospitals, orphanages, and soup kitchens. Gülen has emphasized the importance of education and service to others, and he has urged his followers to live their lives in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
Gülen has been praised by many world leaders for his work promoting peace and understanding. In 2008, he was named one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" by Time magazine. However, Gülen has also been a target of criticism, particularly from the Turkish government. In 2016, the Turkish government accused Gülen of being behind the failed coup attempt, and he was charged with treason. Gülen has denied any involvement in the coup, and he has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Despite the accusations against him, Gülen remains a respected figure in many parts of the world. His message of peace and understanding continues to inspire people around the globe, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential Muslim scholars of our time.