###

The news of Fethullah Gulen's death in the United States spread late, causing a stir among Istanbul's residents, particularly those around the Fatih district. A notable figure blamed for orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, Gulen's demise has rekindled deep-seated memories and emotions.

As people gathered near the Sarachane memorial in Fatih—a monument that honors the 251 protesters who were killed and over 2,200 who were injured during the coup attempt—the air was thick with both somber reflection and a sense of closure. This site holds great significance, depicting the protesters' purification ritual before their brave confrontation with soldiers and tanks, a symbolic act spurred by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call to defend democracy.

In the heart of Fatih, small coffee shops buzzed with discussions about Gulen's death. Ibrahim Kibar, a 29-year-old lawyer, expressed a dual sense of relief. "I'm satisfied because I believe Gulen is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent people. His death might also bring some normalcy to Turkey’s political landscape," Kibar said. He believes the coup attempt fundamentally altered Turkey's institutions and laws, leaving lasting scars.

Ahmet Faruk Yilmaz, a 29-year-old artist, echoed similar sentiments, hoping that Gulen's death would mark the end of his movement. "I don't know if his death will have a direct impact on Turkey, but it might hasten the dissolution of his cult," remarked Yilmaz, who sees this as beneficial for the country. Many of Gulen's supporters fled to Europe and the US following the coup attempt, leading to a government crackdown at home.

In another demonstration of public sentiment, Muhammet Ali criticized the US for not extraditing Gulen to face trial in Turkey. "He exploited Turkey's resources for foreign agendas," Ali stated, emphasizing that Gulen's actions fractured the Turkish political landscape and heightened polarisation.

In a nearby tea house, an academic from Istanbul University, who wished to remain anonymous, reflected on the widespread feeling of relief. "A majority of Turks celebrate this event," he said. For many young Turks, the 2016 coup was a stark awakening to the reality of political instability, something they thought belonged to the past.

Muhammed Enes, sitting with his friend, noted that Gulen's death provided a rare point of unity in today's polarized political climate. "Turks across society, from secularists to conservatives, except for Gulenists, are happy," he observed. Enes also predicted that Gulen's passing could lead to internal power struggles within his organization, potentially weakening its influence further.

The 2016 coup attempt remains a pivotal moment in modern Turkish history, and Gulen's death might just be a turning point for those still dealing with its aftermath.