Those who had the chance to study and develop an interest in reading Latin literature from the perspective of the Roman Empire ‘firing order’, will remember the modus judicandi properties and implications of Roma Locuta causa finita — translating, in principle and procedure, into “when Rome speaks, that’s it.” Roma, here, means the Emperor. In Africa, indigenous knowledge complements: “tikina mulumuna” – literally meaning, the Emperor’s word has no relative or next of kin. It’s a stand-alone. It is absolute. Any reason for taking further administrative steps becomes not only irrelevant but risky.
On Sunday, 20th October 2024, influential and globally respected Turkish spiritual leader and Islamic scholar Fethullah Gulen (83) died in self-exile in the United States, where he had lived for about 25 years. In reaction two days later, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Gülen, his former ally, had suffered a “dishonorable death” and likened him to a “demon in human form.” He vowed the Gulen movement would be “completely eliminated.”
Indeed, if wishes were horses, everybody would ride —even beggars. Come Thursday, 24th October, contrary to what could have been the expected outcome of Erdogan’s rhetoric, news datelined Augusta, New Jersey, said “a crowd surged forward to (a) grave, straining to get one more chance to pay their respects (to the fallen Gulen).” This was after an outdoor service … that drew thousands of people…” Which “demon in human form” could attract global respect? Gulen cannot be condemned for the 2016 coup allegations against Erdogan. Instead, he will be remembered as a religious leader who encouraged his followers to devote themselves to God and charitable good works.
To say the least, Erdogan’s vow to eliminate the Gulen movement completely stands for a presidential daydream. Why?
ONE: Thousands of people cannot come out for nothing. The Augusta file revealed heavy police presence, family, friends, and followers filling a small stadium in northern New Jersey for a prayer service, which was conducted largely in Turkish, with Islamic prayers and readings in Arabic from the Quran. Pallbearers either studied under Gülen directly or attended a school inspired by his movement. His casket was draped in a green-and-gold covering inscribed with verses from the Muslim holy book. Mourners pressed in to grab a handful of soil to throw into the grave.
TWO: Gulen’s longtime associate, Usame Tunagar, told mourners: “We all feel like we’ve lost a father… We all feel like as if we are orphaned. There is right now a huge void in our lives. Gülen will live on through his books and sermons, and through the thousands of schools and other institutions worldwide started by his followers. What is alive is his legacy.” Can Erdogan eliminate this completely?
THREE: Twenty-two-year-old grand-niece of Gülen, whose father was a close associate of the religious leader for 50 years, Mina Turkyolu, said she remembers Gülen as having a “warm and big heart.” She said she remembers sitting on his lap as a small child and Gülen giving her chocolate. But she said she was always mindful of his position. “Even though we are family, anyone you would ask, he’s never really been considered as family. He’s always been more of a holy and noble person that you’ve always looked up to. So he’s always been an inspiration for all of us, for millions of people,” she said. Can Erdogan obliterate this inspiration?
FOUR: Mustafa Yilmaz (46), who taught chemistry at Gülen-affiliated schools abroad and in Turkey until 2016, when he fled his home country amid Erdogan’s crackdown and was granted asylum in Canada, traveled from Toronto to New Jersey for Gülen’s funeral, which he called an “important task for me to be here… We’re always going to follow what he left us,” he said. What are Erdogan’s plans against this?
FIVE: Through his philosophy of blended Sufism with strong advocacy of democracy, education, science, and interfaith dialogue, Gulen enabled the establishment of a loosely Hizmet (service) network of charitable foundations, professional associations, businesses, and schools in more than 100 countries, including 150 taxpayer-funded charter schools throughout the United States. In my part of East Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania, best schools have been established by Gulen-affiliated organizations. FEZA is a household name of a schools network that knows no faith, color, tribe, or political affiliation. Can Erdogan close all schools established by Gulen followers around the world?
SIX: U.S. Speaker of the Freedom House Mike Johnson extended his condolences to NBA star Enes Kanter, one of Gülen’s prominent supporters and an outspoken critic of the Turkish regime. In his heartfelt message, Johnson expressed his sorrow, writing: “Hey, brother. Apologies for my delayed response. I’ve been traveling to campaign nonstop. I’m so sorry to hear about this loss. I’m walking into an event but will circle back to this at my next break. I am praying for you and all the family and friends of Mr. Gulen. – Mike” Can Erdogan remove this loss concept from people’s minds?
SEVEN: Maybe, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Tushar Gandhi, put it better when he said: “Another voice of peace has been silenced. A great loss for humanity.” How does this tally with Erdogan’s concept of a “dishonorable death” and a “demon in human form?” Could Erdogan have been looking at Gulen from the mirror of his own rule and life?
Contrary to the dreams of Erdogan, Gülen’s legacy as a spiritual leader and advocate for global education and peace will continue to be remembered. His death, in fact, flagged off moments of reflection. Gulen never went off the rail of truth. He never bowed to tyrants. In his own words after Erdogan accused him of leading the July 15 coup attempt, he categorically stated: “Even if they sentenced me to death, I would gladly go to the gallows. Even if they killed me 50 times a day and brought me back to life, I would never apologize to a tyrant.”
R.I.P. Hocaefendi Muhamed Fethullah Gulen. Greetings to Bediüzzaman Said Nursi.
