Reflecting on the events following the “failed coup” in Turkey, seasoned journalist Antonio Ferrari of Corriere della Sera had already raised substantial and well-grounded doubts on July 16, 2016. It is with a sense of sorrow that we observe how the passing of Fethullah Gülen, who died at the age of 86 in Pennsylvania where he had taken refuge since 1999, is remembered by many merely as the orchestrator of a coup that lasted only a few hours, followed by an unprecedented crackdown by Erdoğan's regime. This narrative uncritically aligns with the version propagated by the new Sultan.

However, the late charismatic leader, founder of the expansive movement aptly named Hizmet (Service), was truly one of the most significant contemporary Muslim intellectuals. He stood light-years away from the radical Islamism that has sown and continues to sow death and destruction in the war-torn Middle East and beyond, all in the name of a distorted interpretation of the Quran's teachings.

Rooted in the centuries-old spirituality of Sufism, Gülen dedicated himself from a young age to preaching and educating the faithful. He chose a life of service over personal family life and authored dozens of books (banned in Turkey), which today constitute his most precious legacy.

Members or sympathizers of Fethullah Gülen's movement are now more active outside of Anatolia than within it, a trend that was already evident in earlier, less tumultuous times. Rather than establishing mosques, they have founded schools and cultural centers, sparking countless initiatives rooted in a spirit of openness to interfaith dialogue and mediation. These efforts may not make as much noise as others, but they are destined to leave a lasting impact.

Together with my secular, Jewish, and Christian friends and colleagues, I can personally attest to this. Moreover, I feel compelled to share how uplifting and reassuring it has been to never hear a word of bitterness or plans for revenge from any of them, despite the severe consequences many have endured due to the persecution they faced, even beyond Turkey's borders.

With a spirit of genuine brotherhood and inspired by the name they have chosen for themselves, I deliberately limit my words. Instead, I recommend those who wish to learn more to read the biography of the late Master written by Francesco Zannini, titled "Muhammad Fethullah Gülen: Un uomo, una visione, un movimento," published by La Vela in 2021.