In brief
In a dramatic series of events, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's alliance with Fethullah Gulen, a powerful preacher, evolved into a bitter rivalry that would reshape Turkey's political landscape, leading to an authoritarian grip over the nation following the 2016 coup attempt.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Fethullah Gulen’s relationship, once rooted in mutual support, has now become a critical chapter in Turkish history. Gulen, who passed away this week, was instrumental in providing Erdogan the political support needed to rise through the ranks. His charismatic influence and educated followers helped populate vital positions across the Turkish government, media, police, and judiciary, ensuring stability for Erdogan in his early years of leadership.However, tensions escalated as Erdogan’s ambitions grew. A fundamental rift emerged in 2013 when Gulen-affiliated prosecutors launched corruption investigations against members of Erdogan’s inner circle, prompting the president to accuse Gulen of orchestrating a "judicial coup." This marked the turning point; Erdogan began dismantling Gulen’s media empire and education networks, stripping away the power pieces Gulen had assembled in the political chess game of Turkey.The conflict reached a violent crescendo in July 2016, when a faction aligned with Gulen attempted a military coup. Erdogan, showcasing exceptional resolve, rallied his supporters to reclaim power while securing support from military leaders who acted to arrest the coup perpetrators. The aftermath saw widespread purges targeting perceived Gulen sympathizers, allowing Erdogan to cement his control and usher in a more authoritarian future for Turkey, steering away from democratic norms amid growing polarization.
