Omar Thinks: Gulen
On October 20, Muhammad Fethullah Gulen passed away. He was in his early eighties. I never formally met him nor involved, or a member of the social movement born from his work. But I do recognize the importance of his work and presence in the lives of thousands if not millions around the world.
Turkey has a tumultuous political history. At one point, a major coup or some type happened every decade. The military presence in politics and society was very apparent. In the early seventies, Gulen started his work as an imam in his local community. His message: be the best Muslim you can be. I heard about his cassettes making their way around Turkey. His voice spoke to a religious or conservative demographic in Turkey.
Side tangent. Turkey’s demographics are vast. From Kemalists, those attached to Mustafa Kemal, the republic’s founder, to nationalists, to religious, there’s something for everyone. In the seventies and eighties, it was difficult to practice religion. Gulen’s work was and is a lifeline for people trying to figure it out. He tried to build bridges between the text and the context, helping his fellow Turks finding success in society as professionals without sacrificing their Islam.
Naturally, others heard about this and attached themselves to the movement. Its reach was felt far and wide. The focus was on education and finding a place in modern life where each person can contribute. Science played an important role. He encouraged those who listened to build bridges across religious lines.
As the decades progressed, the global community likely outgrew him. At what point does a movement outlive the founder? Will it die after him or her? Will it splinter or drift away to something else? Is there a plan to keep the ship afloat or on course? These are some questions that come to mind. As I traveled the country, especially in the northeast where I’m from, I’d meet Muslims from all walks of life. It wasn’t until recently where I met people who had these conversations, and I appreciated them. It showed that whatever happens, an upcoming generation has thoughts and ideas for their movement that outgrew its founder.
I would be remiss if I didn’t get political. As the nineties came, Turkey was introduced to a young and charismatic politician, Recep Erdoğan. He entered the Turkish political arena with his wife who wears the hijab, Islamic headscarf. This was unheard of. He did wonders for the image of Muslims in Turkey and around the world. Turkey’s economy improved greatly. It’s standing in the world was rising. As Arab leaders held on to their thrones, Erdoğan was someone fresh.
In June 2016, Turkey changed forever. A bit past its usual date, I walked past a TV visiting my grandmother, God bless her, along with my father. I quickly glanced at the CNN headline and a shot over a bridge across Istanbul. As I entered my grandmother’s room, I took out my phone and look at that, a coup in progress. My father and I were surprised. I talked with a maternal cousin and could hear people marching in the background. Erdoğan called for the people to rush into the street and meet those plotting against their country.
Turks of all types came out together as one. But who was behind it all? During the previous decade, Gulen and Erdoğan would become acquaintances to say the least. It was inevitable. As 2016 approached, their relationship was on the rocks. Was Gulen an easy target, especially since he stayed out of politics? Possible. I’m no political analysts and only learned of this after the fact. Was Gulen actually behind it all? The old footage of his speech the silver bullet? It doesn’t convince me. But I’m not in charge. For the following eight years, people connected to Gulen’s movement, community, ideas, or anything else was under the eye of Ankara. What followed was and is a tragedy, pushing parts of Turkish society to the seams.
After news of Gulen’s death spread, comments ranged from sadness and sympathy to joy of his passing due to the government accusation. I pray for healing amongst Turks. They’re beautiful people in every which way. The AP has a solid article on Gulen’s passing.
I do know this. Muhammad Fethullah Gulen tried. He comes at a heightened time in Turkish society and helped his fellow Turks find the best in themselves. Social moments are dynamic. For better or worse, his movement grew a life of its own, using its founder as its moral and spiritual compass. Politics is thorny. Looking back, I understand why he was hesitant. Looking forward, I pray for stability in Turkey. I hope that wherever you are reading this that you call to your humanity and remember someone who despite it all, tried to make things right in the face of it all. That’s the least we can all do.