Turkish media see 'mentality of the Crusade' behind alleged coup leader
August 10, 2016
Turkish journalists have charged that Fethullah Gülen, the exiled Islamic reformer who has been named by the government as the inspiration for last month's abortive coup, has the "mentality of the Crusades" and may be secretly working for a Christian takeover.
One journalist, noting that Gülen had once met with Pope John Paul II, raised the exotic possibility that the Muslim preacher had been named a cardinal in pectore, and is an agent of the Catholic Church.
Gülen is now living in the US. Turkey has demanded that he be extradited to face charges in connection with the coup; American authorities are unlikely to comply.
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Further information:
- "Trojan Horse of the Crusaders", "Cardinal in pectore": the fanciful accusations of the Turkish press against Fethullah Gulen (Fides)
- Turkish government blames reformist Muslim group for failed coup (CWN, 7/25)
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