In brief
Following the death of influential preacher Fethullah Gulen, we examine the bitter fallout between him and President Erdogan, a conflict that led to a deadly coup attempt and a decisive shift towards authoritarianism in Turkey.
In Turkey, a profound rift has marked the political landscape, particularly following the recent death of Fethullah Gulen, a pivotal figure in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ascent to power. Initially allies, with Gulen's widespread support facilitating Erdogan's leadership, their relationship soured into a rivalry rife with accusations and conflict.Around the early 2000s, as Erdogan took on the role of prime minister, Gulen's followers were integral to the government, media, and judicial sectors, positions critical for the consolidation of Erdogan's power. However, by 2013, tensions boiled over when Gulenist prosecutors initiated corruption probes against members of Erdogan's inner circle, igniting allegations of a "judicial coup" orchestrated by Gulen.In response, Erdogan initiated a purge of Gulen's connections, targeting media enterprises and educational institutions closely tied to Gulen's ideology. The situation escalated dramatically when a faction aligned with Gulen attempted a military coup in July 2016. Erdogan mobilized supporters, countering the coup attempt on the streets while enlisting loyalty from military and intelligence circles to detain its backers.The events surrounding this coup attempt catalyzed Erdogan's transition towards more authoritarian governance, enabling him to eliminate dissent and consolidate power further. As Turkey now grapples with this enduring legacy of division and suppression, the echoes of this dramatic political evolution continue to resonate across the nation.
