The relationship between Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Fethullah Gulen is a complex and fascinating one, deeply intertwined with the political and social landscape of Turkey. For years, these two figures were allies, their respective movements, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by Erdoğan and the Gülen movement (also known as Hizmet), working in tandem to reshape Turkish society. However, this alliance eventually fractured, leading to a bitter and consequential power struggle that continues to reverberate through Turkish politics today. This article delves into the history of their relationship, the reasons for their fallout, and the impact their conflict has had on Turkey.

The Rise of Allies

In the early years of Erdoğan's AKP, the Gülen movement provided crucial support. The movement, with its extensive network of schools, businesses, and media outlets, helped the AKP gain influence and legitimacy. Gulen's followers, who held positions in the judiciary, police, and bureaucracy, were instrumental in implementing the AKP's reform agenda. Both Erdoğan and Gulen shared a common goal: to challenge the established secular elite and promote a more conservative, religious-oriented society. This shared vision facilitated a strong alliance that lasted for several years. The partnership was mutually beneficial; Erdoğan needed the Gülen movement's organizational capabilities and reach, while Gulen's followers gained access to positions of power and influence within the government.

During this period, the alliance between Erdoğan and Gulen was often praised as a model of cooperation between religious and political forces. They worked together on various initiatives, including reforms to the education system, the expansion of religious freedoms, and the pursuit of closer ties with the Muslim world. This collaboration was seen as a way to modernize Turkey while preserving its cultural and religious identity. However, beneath the surface, tensions were brewing. The Gülen movement's growing influence within state institutions raised concerns among some members of the AKP, who feared that the movement was becoming too powerful and independent.

The Cracks Begin to Show

The first major sign of discord between Erdoğan and Gulen appeared in 2010, with the Mavi Marmara incident. The Mavi Marmara was a Turkish-flagged ship attempting to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of several Turkish activists, led to a breakdown in relations between Turkey and Israel. Erdoğan strongly condemned Israel's actions, while Gulen was more critical of the Turkish government's handling of the situation. This difference in opinion highlighted a growing divergence in their foreign policy perspectives. The Mavi Marmara incident was a turning point in the relationship between Erdoğan and Gulen, signaling the beginning of the end of their alliance.

Another source of tension was the Ergenekon and Balyoz cases. These were high-profile trials targeting military officers, journalists, and academics accused of plotting to overthrow the government. While the AKP initially supported these trials as a way to rein in the military's influence, concerns grew about the fairness and transparency of the proceedings. Critics argued that the Gülen movement, with its influence in the judiciary and police, was manipulating the cases to target its rivals. These concerns further strained the relationship between Erdoğan and Gulen, as they disagreed on the handling of these sensitive legal matters.

The Fallout

The breaking point came in 2013 with the Gezi Park protests. These protests, which began as a demonstration against the redevelopment of Gezi Park in Istanbul, quickly escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations. Erdoğan accused the Gülen movement of instigating the protests to undermine his government. The government's heavy-handed response to the protests drew criticism from international organizations and human rights groups. The Gezi Park protests marked a significant turning point in Turkish politics, leading to increased polarization and a further deterioration of the relationship between Erdoğan and Gulen. This was the straw that broke the camel's back, leading to an open and bitter conflict between the two former allies.

In December 2013, a major corruption scandal erupted, implicating several high-ranking government officials, including members of Erdoğan's inner circle. Erdoğan accused the Gülen movement of orchestrating the corruption investigation as a coup attempt. He responded by launching a massive crackdown on Gulen's followers, dismissing thousands of police officers, judges, and prosecutors believed to be affiliated with the movement. This marked the beginning of an all-out war between Erdoğan and Gulen, with both sides using all available resources to undermine the other. The corruption scandal deepened the political crisis in Turkey and further polarized society.

The Aftermath and the 2016 Coup Attempt

Following the corruption scandal, the Turkish government designated the Gülen movement as a terrorist organization, accusing it of attempting to overthrow the state. The government launched a widespread crackdown on Gulen's followers, arresting tens of thousands of people and seizing assets belonging to the movement. Many schools, businesses, and media outlets affiliated with the Gülen movement were shut down. The crackdown on the Gülen movement has had a significant impact on Turkish society, leading to widespread fear and self-censorship.

The failed coup attempt in July 2016 further exacerbated the situation. The Turkish government blamed the Gülen movement for orchestrating the coup attempt, a charge that Gulen has vehemently denied. In the aftermath of the coup attempt, the government launched an even more extensive crackdown on Gulen's followers, arresting or dismissing over 100,000 people from their jobs. The crackdown has targeted not only those suspected of direct involvement in the coup attempt but also journalists, academics, and civil society activists critical of the government. The post-coup crackdown has raised serious concerns about human rights and the rule of law in Turkey.

The Turkish government has also sought to extradite Fethullah Gulen from the United States, where he has been living in self-imposed exile since 1999. The United States has so far refused to extradite Gulen, citing a lack of sufficient evidence linking him to the coup attempt. The extradition request has become a major point of contention between Turkey and the United States, straining relations between the two NATO allies. The issue remains unresolved, and it is unclear whether the United States will eventually agree to extradite Gulen.

Impact on Turkey

The conflict between Erdoğan and Gulen has had a profound impact on Turkey. It has led to increased political polarization, a decline in the rule of law, and a deterioration of human rights. The crackdown on the Gülen movement has silenced dissent and created a climate of fear. Many people in Turkey are afraid to express their opinions, fearing that they could be targeted by the government.

The conflict has also had a negative impact on Turkey's economy. The political instability and uncertainty have deterred foreign investment and led to a decline in tourism. The government's crackdown on businesses affiliated with the Gülen movement has also disrupted economic activity. The Turkish economy has been struggling in recent years, and the conflict between Erdoğan and Gulen has only made things worse.

Furthermore, the conflict has damaged Turkey's international reputation. The government's authoritarian tendencies and its crackdown on dissent have drawn criticism from international organizations and human rights groups. Turkey's relations with many Western countries have deteriorated, and the country's prospects for joining the European Union have dimmed. The conflict between Erdoğan and Gulen has isolated Turkey on the international stage.

Conclusion

The Erdoğan-Gulen saga is a cautionary tale about the dangers of political alliances based on expediency rather than principle. What began as a mutually beneficial partnership ultimately devolved into a bitter and destructive power struggle. The conflict has had a devastating impact on Turkey, leading to increased political polarization, a decline in the rule of law, and a deterioration of human rights. The long-term consequences of this conflict are still unfolding, but it is clear that Turkey will be dealing with the legacy of the Erdoğan-Gulen feud for many years to come. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of checks and balances, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental freedoms in a democratic society. It also highlights the fragility of political alliances and the potential for former allies to become bitter enemies. The future of Turkey will depend on its ability to overcome the divisions and heal the wounds caused by this conflict. Whether Turkey can achieve this remains to be seen, but it is clear that the Erdoğan-Gulen feud will continue to shape the country's political landscape for the foreseeable future.