Country profile: Türkiye
Country profile: Türkiye
Country profile: Türkiye
Country profile: Türkiye
Freedom of religion may be recognised in Türkiye's constitution but non-Muslims face restrictions, especially those not named in a 1923 treaty that includes only Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Christians, Greek Orthodox Christians and Jews. Public opinion, reinforced by the state, is that to be Turkish is to be Muslim. Many regard non-Muslims as a threat to national security.
• Despite the restrictions, Protestant churches have multiplied since the 1960s. They now total around 100, mostly small congregations. These churches have been able to register legally since 2005.
• Over the last five years authorities cancelled the residency and deported or barred re-entry to around 75 expatriate Christians who led or assisted Protestant churches.
• Church leaders have sometimes faced death threats, though the most serious violence in recent years was the murder of five young men at a Christian publishing house in Malatya in 2007.
Freedom of religion may be recognised in Türkiye's constitution but non-Muslims face restrictions, especially those not named in a 1923 treaty that includes only Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Christians, Greek Orthodox Christians and Jews. Public opinion, reinforced by the state, is that to be Turkish is to be Muslim. Many regard non-Muslims as a threat to national security.
• Despite the restrictions, Protestant churches have multiplied since the 1960s. They now total around 100, mostly small congregations. These churches have been able to register legally since 2005.
• Over the last five years authorities cancelled the residency and deported or barred re-entry to around 75 expatriate Christians who led or assisted Protestant churches.
• Church leaders have sometimes faced death threats, though the most serious violence in recent years was the murder of five young men at a Christian publishing house in Malatya in 2007.
Freedom of religion may be recognised in Türkiye's constitution but non-Muslims face restrictions, especially those not named in a 1923 treaty that includes only Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Christians, Greek Orthodox Christians and Jews. Public opinion, reinforced by the state, is that to be Turkish is to be Muslim. Many regard non-Muslims as a threat to national security.
• Despite the restrictions, Protestant churches have multiplied since the 1960s. They now total around 100, mostly small congregations. These churches have been able to register legally since 2005.
• Over the last five years authorities cancelled the residency and deported or barred re-entry to around 75 expatriate Christians who led or assisted Protestant churches.
• Church leaders have sometimes faced death threats, though the most serious violence in recent years was the murder of five young men at a Christian publishing house in Malatya in 2007.
Discrimination
Christians face significant discrimination in Türkiye as there is increasing religious nationalism in this mostly Islamic country. They are often denied visas and employment, and are viewed with suspicion.
Discrimination
Christians face significant discrimination in Türkiye as there is increasing religious nationalism in this mostly Islamic country. They are often denied visas and employment, and are viewed with suspicion.
Discrimination
Christians face significant discrimination in Türkiye as there is increasing religious nationalism in this mostly Islamic country. They are often denied visas and employment, and are viewed with suspicion.
Pray
Pray for Christians in Türkiye as they live in this unwelcoming and hostile environment. Ask that they will enjoy the same rights, opportunities and treatment as other Turks.
Quiet faith
Written by Gülsüm from SAT-7 TÜRK
Watch/read 'Quiet Faith' which reflects on Christianity in Türkiye, where it is not illegal to be Christian, but believers often face pressure from within their communities and families, especially for those who convert to Christianity from another religion.
Quiet faith
Written by Gülsüm from SAT-7 TÜRK
Watch/read 'Quiet Faith' which reflects on Christianity in Türkiye, where it is not illegal to be Christian, but believers often face pressure from within their communities and families, especially for those who convert to Christianity from another religion.
Quiet faith
Written by Gülsüm from SAT-7 TÜRK
Watch/read 'Quiet Faith' which reflects on Christianity in Türkiye, where it is not illegal to be Christian, but believers often face pressure from within their communities and families, especially for those who convert to Christianity from another religion.