Talk:Fethullah Gülen

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Extended-confirmed-protected edit request on 2 November 2024

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Please add to "Further reading" the following sources:

Jon Pahl (2019). Fethullah Gülen: A Life of Hizmet, Blue Dome Press. ISBN: 9781682065259

U.S. Department of State. 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Turkey (Türkiye) JFLohr (talk) 02:29, 2 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

I recognize that a Department of State report might appear out of place in a biography, but so much of the article deals with conflict between the Turkish government and the "Gulen movement," that a somewhat independent source on some aspects of that conflict might be useful. JFLohr (talk) 02:36, 2 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Partly done I've added the biography by Jon Pahl since that directly pertains to Gülen. I did not add the human rights report, because I'd rather not include things that are only tangentially relevant. Thebiguglyalien (talk) 20:36, 24 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Significant Omissions Regarding Fethullah Gülen’s Terror Links & Anti-Atatürkist Views

I would like to raise serious concerns about the Wikipedia page on Fethullah Gülen, as it currently presents an incomplete and arguably biased narrative by omitting key historical facts related to: His movement’s infiltration of Turkish state institutions and alleged terrorist connections His long-documented opposition to Atatürk and secularism.

1. Gülen’s Terrorist Connections & Undermining of Turkish Democracy While the article acknowledges that Turkey classifies Gülen’s movement as a terrorist organization (FETÖ), it fails to highlight crucial evidence that strongly suggests his movement was not just a civil society initiative but a covert operation aimed at seizing state power.

Deep State Infiltration & Strategic Takeover Attempts There is documented evidence (leaked sermons and testimonies from ex-members) that Gülen advised his followers to infiltrate state institutions secretly, saying: “Move within the arteries of the system without anyone noticing your existence, until you reach all the power centers.” This long-term strategy was successfully executed, particularly within the judiciary, police, and military, where FETÖ-affiliated members played key roles in manipulating trials, suppressing opposition, and influencing political decisions. Ergenekon & Balyoz Trials: Judicial Coup Before Military Coup The article completely ignores Gülenist involvement in fabricating evidence against hundreds of military officers and journalists during the Ergenekon and Balyoz trials (2008–2013).

These sham trials, orchestrated by Gülen-affiliated judges and prosecutors, led to the wrongful imprisonment of secular military leaders, conveniently removing obstacles to the movement’s expansion. 2016 Coup Attempt: A Terrorist Operation? While Gülen denies involvement, multiple sources, including confessions from high-ranking officers involved in the coup, confirm that the majority of the plotters had ties to his movement. The article downplays the fact that many officers responsible for the coup attempt were educated in Gülenist schools or had direct links to his inner circle. If a networked group of armed officers attempts to overthrow a government through violent means, does this not qualify as a terrorist act?

2. Gülen’s Anti-Atatürkist Ideology & Past Remarks The article also fails to address Gülen’s historical opposition to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his secular reforms, which is a critical part of understanding his movement’s long-term goals. Early Sermons & Harsh Criticism of Atatürk In his earlier sermons and books (1970s–1980s), Gülen openly criticized Atatürk and secularism, advocating for a more Islamic state. Some of his statements from that time include: "Atatürk’s reforms have stripped the nation of its Islamic roots. Secularism is an infection from the West that weakens our faith."

Why does Wikipedia not include any references to these statements, despite their historical significance? Rebranding as a "Moderate" Leader Over time, Gülen altered his public stance to appear more "moderate" and "tolerant." However, this shift seems to be a strategic move to gain international legitimacy, especially in the U.S. and Europe. If Gülen truly embraced Atatürk’s secular values, why did his movement actively undermine secular institutions for decades? Conclusion: Why the Page Needs an Urgent Revision Currently, the Wikipedia article presents Gülen as a controversial but primarily peaceful religious leader, downplaying his documented history of anti-secularism, state infiltration, and involvement in the coup attempt. At the very least, Gülen should be categorized as a terrorist-linked figure, rather than merely a political dissident. If neutrality is the goal, then these key missing facts must be added to provide a balanced historical perspective. I urge Wikipedia editors to address these omissions by: Including sources on Gülen’s early anti-Atatürk remarks and ideological opposition to secularism. Expanding the discussion on his movement’s deep infiltration of the judiciary, police, and military. Providing a more detailed and fact-based analysis of his movement’s involvement in the 2016 coup attempt.

If Wikipedia aims to present a neutral and factually complete account, these aspects must be included. Ludusian (talk) 03:55, 29 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]