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Tensions between Turkey's ruling AKP and Gulenics fester - The National

Tensions between Turkey's ruling AKP and Gulenics fester

Thomas Seibert
Dec 26, 2011

ISTANBUL // Cracks have appeared between Turkey's ruling party and the movement of an Islamic preacher that has been an influential supporter of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister.

The movement led by Fethullah Gulen, a 70-year-old preacher who lives in the United States, has been a key supporter of the Erdogan government, which is led by pious Muslims and has roots in political Islam. Some critics say the Gulencis, as the supporters of Mr Gulen are called in Turkey, have gained vast influence over state institutions.

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