Fethullah Gülen
1941–2024 (age 83)
cleric and educator
Biography
Fethullah Gülen was a Turkish Islamic cleric, educator, and theologian who founded the Gülen movement, a global network of educational institutions and civil society organizations. His teachings emphasized interfaith dialogue, education, and peaceful coexistence, influencing millions of followers across more than 160 countries.
Gülen spent his later years in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, where he continued to advocate for educational reform and cross-cultural understanding. His legacy remains significant in discussions of modern Islamic thought and the role of faith-based organizations in promoting social development.