Steps taken to shutter hundreds of Gülen schools across Turkey

Turkey has begun the process of shutting down hundreds of schools and other institutions administered by the Gülen Movement in the wake of last week's failed coup, a source from the Ministry of Education said on Wednesday.

The source, who spoke to Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking with the media, said that a total of 626 institutions, including 524 private schools and 102 other linked institutions, including dormitories and test preparation centers, will be closed down by the ministry.

Legal proceedings have begun against institutions linked to the Gülenist Terror Organization (FETÖ), on charges of "crimes against the constitutional order."

Turkey has also suspended more than 21,738 teachers amid the nationwide investigation into FETÖ, the name given by prosecutors to the organization under Fethullah Gülen, the fugitive former imam who lives in Pennsylvania.

Turkey's government has said the attempted coup was organized by followers of the U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gülen, who stands accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through infiltrating Turkish state institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, with the intent of forming a "parallel state."

At least 240 people, including members of the security forces and civilians, were martyred during the failed putsch, and nearly 1,500 others were wounded while protesting the failed seizure of power over the weekend.