Skip to main content

Iraqi Kurdistan government seized, sold Gulen schools

The Kurdistan Regional Government, at Turkey's request, has sold educational institutes affiliated with the cleric Fethullah Gulen and seized other Gulenist-run institutions.
U.S. based cleric Fethullah Gulen at his home in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. July 29, 2016.  REUTERS/Charles Mostoller - RTSKAK8

BAGHDAD — A private company has reportedly taken over Gulenist schools in Iraqi Kurdistan. According to the Dwarozh news website, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Education Minister Bishwan Sadeq said a private Kurdish company, the Khoshnaw Group, bought the secondary schools and colleges Sept. 19. There has thus far been no official or legal objection or protest registered against the move.

Fethullah Gulen — a Turkish cleric and former ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who is now living in the United States — has been accused by the Turkish government of orchestrating the July 15 failed coup. Last month, as per an agreement with Turkey, the KRG began seizing control of educational institutions run by Gulen and has gradually expanded its reach to economic and medical institutions as well. Most recently, Dowran, a Gulen-owned radio station, was taken over. Some institutions, like the schools, are being sold to the private sector, while others remain under government control. Arrests of administrative workers in Gulenist institutions have also been reported and the movement has been banned.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.