Fethullah Gulen: Legacy and succession

It was around this time of year in 2022 when I visited Fethullah Gulen's sanctuary in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania in the United States. I didn't know whether I would get to see the influential Turkish spiritual leader as we were shown around the gardens and buildings where he lived in self-exile with a group of students and followers. We were offered tea and Turkish delight (twice) and shown to the guest rooms in case we wanted to pray or rest. Even as we sat down in the lounge where he usually received guests four hours later, we were told that he may be going straight back to his own room after taking his customary walk, mandated by his doctors.

We knew he'd be coming after all when a small group of young students practically ran into the room and arranged themselves on the floor around his prominently positioned massage chair. He came moments later, propped up by...