The Rise and Fall of Adnan Oktar: A Cautionary Tale of Neo-Ottoman Intolerance

The Rise and Fall of Adnan Oktar: A Cautionary Tale of Neo-Ottoman Intolerance

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

Adnan Oktar, also known as Harun Yahya, is a name familiar to many who have explored alternative Islamic views. His books, television programs, and internet presence painted a version of Islam that emphasized peace, coexistence, and dialogue with Christians and Jews—an ideology starkly at odds with the dominant Islamist narratives of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Turkey. Oktar’s promotion of creationism and his opposition to Darwinism also gained him followers, particularly among Muslims seeking harmony between religion and science. Yet, Oktar's efforts came to a dramatic halt in 2018 when Turkish authorities arrested him and over 200 of his associates on charges ranging from sexual assault to running a criminal organization.

This incident highlights the ongoing battle within the Islamic world: those who seek to reform Islam versus those who weaponize it for power. Erdoğan's neo-Ottomanist ambitions have little room for alternative voices like Oktar, especially those that could challenge the political Islam Erdoğan espouses. As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim who has witnessed firsthand the destruction wrought by political Islam, Oktar’s story resonates deeply. It serves as a grim warning of what happens to those who dare to defy the dominant Islamist narrative.

Adnan Oktar’s Vision of Islam

Oktar emerged in the 1980s as a young, ambitious preacher in Turkey. Through books, TV broadcasts, and social media, he advocated a pacifist, pan-Islamic vision. He was particularly well-known for his work "The Atlas of Creation," which argued against evolution and for the compatibility of Islam with scientific discovery. His interfaith outreach often extended to Christian and Jewish communities, promoting a harmonious coexistence in sharp contrast to the often divisive rhetoric of mainstream Islamism.

Such ideas may seem commendable, but they were viewed as heretical by many in Erdoğan’s increasingly authoritarian regime. Oktar’s promotion of peace and dialogue ran counter to Erdoğan’s neo-Ottoman aspirations, which seek to position Turkey as a global Islamic superpower by championing political Islam and militarism. Erdoğan’s ideology leaves no room for narratives that weaken his grip over Turkey's Islamic identity.

The Fall of Harun Yahya

In July 2018, Turkish police raided Oktar's Istanbul-based operations, arresting him and hundreds of his followers. The charges ranged from fraud and sexual assault to forming a criminal organization. The Turkish media and judiciary—both heavily influenced by Erdoğan’s regime—ensured that Oktar’s reputation was thoroughly destroyed. In 2021, Oktar was sentenced to 8,658 years in prison, an absurd figure meant to send a clear message to any would-be reformers of Islam in Turkey.

It is worth questioning the veracity of the charges against Oktar. While some allegations may hold truth, the timing and manner of his arrest suggest political motives. Turkey under Erdoğan has systematically silenced dissenters, whether they are journalists, academics, or religious figures. Oktar’s crime was not just the alleged misconduct but the audacity to challenge Erdoğan's vision of a neo-Ottoman Islamic empire.

Erdoğan’s Neo-Ottomanism and the Dangers of Political Islam

Erdoğan’s Turkey seeks to revive the Ottoman Empire's former glory by imposing a hegemonic Islamic identity domestically and exporting it internationally. Oktar’s ideology, which blended peaceful Islam with modern science and interfaith cooperation, directly undermined Erdoğan’s efforts to monopolize Islam as a tool of political control.

As someone who once worked within the Islamic community, I recognize the dangers of any ideology—Islamic or otherwise—that merges religion with state power. Oktar's persecution mirrors countless other cases in the Muslim world, where reformers and dissenters face imprisonment or worse for challenging the status quo.

Lessons for the West and the Christian World

The story of Adnan Oktar is not just a cautionary tale for Muslims but also for the West. Erdoğan’s neo-Ottomanism, supported by political Islamists globally, seeks to extend its influence into Europe and beyond. It is vital for Christians, particularly conservative ones, to remain vigilant against such encroachments.

As a Christian Conservative LDS, I believe Oktar’s peaceful message, flawed though it may have been, was an attempt to push Islam towards dialogue rather than domination. Unfortunately, his downfall is a reminder that any effort to reform Islam or resist its political manifestations will face fierce opposition.

For Christians, Oktar’s story underscores the need to stand firm in our faith while extending compassion to those within the Muslim world who seek peace and reform. It also calls us to support policies that protect religious freedom and challenge regimes like Erdoğan’s, which use religion as a tool for oppression.

Conclusion

Adnan Oktar’s rise and fall is emblematic of the ideological battles within Islam and the dangers posed by political Islamists like Erdoğan. As an ex-Muslim and a Christian Conservative LDS, I see his story as both a warning and a call to action. We must continue to stand against the neo-Ottoman ambitions of Erdoğan and others like him, ensuring that freedom, truth, and the Christian values upon which Western civilization was built remain protected.

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Citations

1. "Adnan Oktar sentenced to 8,658 years in prison." The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com
2. “The Rise and Fall of Adnan Oktar.” BBC News. https://www.bbc.com
3. Çandar, Cengiz. “Erdoğan’s Neo-Ottomanism and Its Implications.” Brookings Institute. https://www.brookings.edu
4. “Turkey Arrests Adnan Oktar and Hundreds of Followers.” Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com
5. "Erdoğan’s Vision for a Neo-Ottoman Empire." Foreign Policy. https://www.foreignpolicy.com