Fethullah Gülen was a Turkish preacher, intellectual, and educator who rose to prominence as the leading figure of the Nurcu movement, inspired by the teachings of Said Nursi (1878–1960). A gifted orator and writer, he emphasised faith, education, interfaith dialogue, and social service. Through his guidance, a transnational network of schools, charities, and media outlets—often referred to as the “Hizmet” (Service) movement—was established, spanning over 160 countries and promoting both academic excellence and Islamic values. Initially supportive of Türkiye’s ruling AK Party in the 2000s, relations soured as the movement was accused of infiltrating state institutions. Following the failed coup attempt of 15 July 2016, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Gülen and his followers of orchestrating the plot, a charge he consistently denied. The aftermath saw an unprecedented crackdown: over 500,000 people were detained, and tens of thousands dismissed from roles in education, the judiciary, police, and military.

Gülen lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, USA, from 1999 until his death, where he continued to write and teach. His legacy remains deeply polarising: admired globally for promoting education and dialogue, yet condemned within Türkiye as the alleged mastermind of a divisive and turbulent chapter in its history.