Turkey has a complex history when it comes to religious freedom and the persecution of Christian minorities. Once the center of the Byzantine Christian Empire, Turkey is now over 98% Muslim and has very strict laws restricting Christian practice. Christians in Turkey face discrimination hostility and even violence because of their faith. This article examines the history, current climate, and future outlook for Christian persecution in Turkey.
A Brief History of Christianity in Turkey
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Christianity has ancient roots in Turkey (formerly the Asia Minor region of the Roman and Byzantine empires). Many important biblical events occurred in Turkey.
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The early church spread rapidly in Turkey, All 7 churches of Revelation were located there,
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After Constantine legalized Christianity, the faith exploded. The Council of Nicaea was held in Turkey in 325CE.
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The capital was moved to Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) in 330CE. The city became the center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
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The Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453, ending the Byzantine Empire. Restrictions on Christians increased over the Ottoman period.
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The Armenian Genocide from 1915-1917 attempted to eliminate Armenian Christians, killing up to 1.5 million.
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The modern Republic of Turkey was established in 1923. Discrimination against Christians continued.
Forms of Christian Persecution in Modern Turkey
The Christian population of Turkey has declined to less than 0.2% of the total population today. Christians suffer persecution in the following ways:
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Legal Discrimination – It is very difficult for churches to register legally and own property. There are regulations against training clergy.
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Societal Hostility – Christians face harassment from families, friends, employers, and their local community for leaving Islam. Violence is not uncommon.
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Hate Crimes & Attacks – Christian leaders have been attacked and killed. Churches have been firebombed by extremists. As one example, an Islamist killed 3 Christians at a publishing house in 2007.
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Religious Freedom Restrictions – Proselytizing is technically legal but often punished. Christians face arrest on trumped-up charges of “insulting Turkishness”.
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Forced Religious Identification – Religion is listed on ID cards. Christians are sometimes categorized as Muslims by the government against their will.
Why Are Christians Persecuted in Turkey?
There are complex cultural and political reasons why Christians face persecution in Turkey:
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Christianity is viewed as a Western threat to Turkish national identity which is Islamic in character. Christians are seen as traitors.
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A history of conflict between Christians and Muslims dating back centuries perpetuates resentment and distrust.
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Militant Islamic extremism is rising. Groups like Al-Qaeda target Christians as easy objects for violence.
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Islamist leaders promote intolerance of religious minorities and social hostilities against Christians.
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The government wants to minimize Western influence. Curbing Christianity is one way of achieving this nationalist goal.
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Authoritarian policies aim to make society conform to one Muslim identity. Diversity is seen as dangerous.
Notable Cases of Persecution
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In 2006, a Catholic priest was murdered in a church. The perpetrators were never found.
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In 2007, 3 Christian employees of a publishing house were bound and murdered by Islamists.
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In 2007, 3 Protestants were tortured and murdered at a Christian publishing house. The killers were arrested.
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In 2010, Bishop Luigi Padovese, the Apostolic Vicar of Anatolia, was beheaded by his driver shouting “Allahu Akbar”.
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American pastor Andrew Brunson was imprisoned from 2016-2018 on false charges of aiding terror groups.
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In 2020, the Turkish government seized or denied use permits to over 30 Christian places of worship.
The Outlook for Turkey’s Christians
While some persecution incidents make international news, most go unreported. Christians in Turkey expect conditions to deteriorate based on current trends:
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President Erdogan and his AKP party are Islamizing Turkey, leaving less room for diversity.
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Turkish nationalism is equated with Sunni Muslim identity, marginalizing Christians.
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The government restricts foreign Christian workers and missionary activity.
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Legal processes to confiscate Christian properties are accelerating.
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Anti-Christian media coverage is increasing, causing societal discrimination.
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Younger Christians are emigrating due to limited economic opportunities and social hostility.
How Can We Help Persecuted Christians in Turkey?
Concerned citizens globally can support persecuted Christians in Turkey through:
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Advocacy – Lobby elected officials to pressure Turkey for reform regarding religious freedom.
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Humanitarian Aid – Donate to organizations that provide medical care, food, shelter, and education.
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Scripture Distribution – Fund the printing and delivery of Bibles and Christian literature.
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Legal Assistance – Many groups provide legal help to persecuted Christians facing charges.
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Economic Empowerment – Poverty exacerbates persecution. Initiatives provide job training & microloans.
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Awareness Raising – Share stories on social media. Write op-eds. Host film screenings.
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Prayer – Christians in Turkey ask for prayer above all else. Pray protection over them.
Christians in Turkey have suffered discrimination and hostility for centuries. Persecution incidents are increasing under the authoritarian rule of President Erdogan as militant Islam rises. The small number of Christians remaining in Turkey need the support of the global church to survive and thrive despite these challenges. Bringing an end to the persecution of Christians in Turkey must be an international priority.
Frequency of Entities
Turkey: 37
Christians: 35
Persecution: 15
Christianity: 5
Legal Discrimination: 1
Societal Hostility: 1
Hate Crimes & Attacks: 1
Religious Freedom Restrictions: 1
Forced Religious Identification: 1
National Identity: 2
History of Conflict: 1
Islamic Extremism: 1
Notable Cases: 1
Outlook: 1
Support: 1
Advocacy: 1
Humanitarian Aid: 1
Scripture Distribution: 1
Legal Assistance: 1
Economic Empowerment: 1
Awareness Raising: 1
Prayer: 1
Türkiye (Turkey)Restricted Back to List
The gospel spread throughout what is now Turkiye in the first century, and the region remained under Christian rule for centuries, beginning in the fourth century. Now, however, fewer than 1 percent of Turks are Christians. Turks are proud of their nation, which has seen rapid industrial growth and modernization. Unfortunately, Islam is considered by most Turks to be part of their national identity; it is hard for them to imagine leaving Islam even if they know little about its teachings and do not practice its tenets. Christians in Turkiye have limited freedom of worship. While there are few Turkish churches, believers boldly share Christ with their countrymen. Ongoing changes in Turkiye’s government have limited missionary activity and increased pressure on the small Christian community.
96 percent of Turks are Sunni Muslims who view Islam as a core part of their identity, even though most are not devout. Fewer than 1 percent of Turks are Christians.
Believers face a range of challenges from family members, neighbors, employers and the government. It is not uncommon for the government to assign police officers to a pastor or church for “protection” from threats by Islamic leaders. This is a way to monitor the activities of pastors and churches.
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Christians Persecuted in Turkey (2010)
FAQ
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