In a remarkable act of defiance and celebration, Ercan Biltas, a street vendor in Duzce, Turkey, has made headlines with his bold reaction to the death of FETO leader Fetullah Gulen. Biltas, a 33-year-old mobile simit seller, expressed his disdain for Gulen by hanging a sign on his food cart that read, “A traitor of the nation has perished. May the same fate await the others, inshallah.” His public display of emotion has captured the attention of many, as he also distributed sweets to passersby to mark the occasion.

Celebration Amidst Controversy

Biltas, who has been working as a street vendor in Duzce for several years, chose to commemorate the death of Fetullah Gulen in a rather unusual manner. According to Biltas, Gulen’s passing was an event worth celebrating due to the immense harm he had caused to the Turkish state. “He died a stateless man in the U.S., far from the land he spent his life conspiring against. His whole existence was centered around plotting against the Republic of Turkey. He was an enemy of our country, our religion, and our people. He left without ever facing justice for his actions,” Biltas remarked.

Along with these harsh words, Biltas offered sweets to those passing by his cart as a gesture of celebration, stating, “May all the traitors to our nation meet the same fate, dying stateless and far from home.” His actions sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with some praising his boldness while others expressed concern over such a public celebration of death. However, Biltas remains unapologetic, standing by his strong stance against Gulen and his supporters.

Reflecting on the 15 July Coup Attempt

Fetullah Gulen, the founder of the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO), is widely believed to be the mastermind behind the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, which led to the deaths of 251 Turkish citizens. The coup attempt shocked the nation and left deep scars on Turkish society, with many still reeling from the loss of lives and the threat posed to the country’s democratic institutions.

Biltas, like many other Turkish citizens, views Gulen’s death as a small victory in the ongoing battle for justice. “When I heard that Gulen had passed, my heart felt a bit lighter,” Biltas commented. “This man was responsible for the deaths of 251 of our fellow citizens. He planned the coup that tried to destroy our nation. Our martyrs gave their lives to protect Turkey from this betrayal, and I pray for their souls. We still have many traitors to deal with, and I hope they either meet the same end or stand trial in front of Turkish justice.”

Public Sentiment in Turkey

The death of Fetullah Gulen has stirred mixed emotions throughout Turkey. While many share Biltas’s sense of relief, others remain cautious in their reactions, wary of how Gulen’s death might impact the ongoing legal processes against his followers. The Turkish government has been relentless in its efforts to eradicate FETO’s influence from Turkish institutions, conducting large-scale purges and arrests of suspected members since the coup attempt.

Biltas’s public celebration is just one of many demonstrations of the deep-rooted anger that many Turkish citizens feel towards Gulen and his supporters. The wounds left by the 2016 coup attempt are still fresh for many, and any development related to Gulen is sure to evoke strong reactions from the public. Biltas himself has become a local symbol of anti-FETO sentiment, with some citizens in Duzce praising his courage for openly condemning the group and its leader.

Strong Words, Strong Reactions

Not everyone has supported Biltas’s actions, however. Some have criticized the public celebration of anyone’s death, even that of a widely despised figure like Gulen. Yet, Biltas remains resolute in his beliefs, arguing that Gulen’s death represents a form of divine justice. “We are not celebrating death for the sake of it,” Biltas explained. “We are celebrating the end of someone who caused great harm to our country and our people. It’s about justice. He escaped legal consequences here, but in the end, he couldn’t escape death.”

Despite the criticisms, Biltas’s act has resonated with many Turks who still harbor deep resentment toward Gulen. For them, his death represents a symbolic end to a painful chapter in Turkey’s recent history. “This isn’t just about Gulen,” Biltas said. “It’s about every traitor who has tried to undermine our country. We must remember the martyrs of July 15 and continue to fight for justice against all enemies of Turkey.”

A Continuing Battle for Justice

Even with Gulen’s death, Turkey’s battle against FETO is far from over. Thousands of suspected members remain in custody, and the government’s efforts to root out the organization’s influence continue. For Biltas and others like him, the death of Gulen is only a small victory in a much larger fight. “We have to stay vigilant,” Biltas warned. “There are still many who share his ideology and wish to see our country fall. We must remain strong and united in the face of these threats.”

As Biltas’s story continues to spread, it is clear that the legacy of the July 15 coup attempt and the actions of Fetullah Gulen will remain a contentious issue in Turkish society for years to come. For many, like Biltas, the death of Gulen offers some solace, but it also serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to secure Turkey’s future.

In the meantime, Biltas will continue his work as a street vendor in Duzce, offering simit and his thoughts on national pride to those who pass by. For him, Gulen’s death is a step toward healing, but the journey to justice is far from complete.