How are Christians persecuted in Türkiye?
- Converts from Islam face discrimination and harassment, as well as threats of attack from family members and extremist groups.
- Access to state employment is limited for Christians and, even in private sectors, employers can discriminate against them.
- Churches are subject to tight government surveillance and control, sometimes leading to their closure.
- Discrimination especially destabilises Christian men’s ability to earn money and support their family and community.
Why are Christians persecuted in Türkiye?
- Turkish identity is viewed by many as being synonymous with being Muslim. Anyone who converts from Islam to another faith is seen as a traitor of the nation and their family.
- Some areas of Türkiye are rife with ethnic conflicts and Christians can easily be caught in the crossfire. They could even be forced out of their homelands.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Türkiye?
- Historical Christian churches like Armenian, Greek Orthodox and Assyrian congregations are treated as ‘foreign’ and face intense, constant government surveillance. People belonging to these churches can experience land theft and attacks.
- Women who convert from Islam are especially vulnerable in Türkiye, risking house arrest, sexual abuse and rejection – even from within their families. Those who are financially dependent are in danger of being kicked out of their home.
- Church leaders can receive death threats for their role.
What has changed in Türkiye in the past year?
- Persecution has worsened slightly in Türkiye, and it has risen four places on the World Watch List. The government continues its crackdown on opposition since the coup in 2016, severely restricting citizen and media freedom. Its effects are increasingly felt by Turkish Christians.
- Ethnic tensions are causing greater pressure on Syriac believers who are often caught in the middle of conflicts of this kind. They are often pushed out of their homeland by Kurdish clans and are victims of government hostility.
How can I help Christians in Türkiye?
Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Türkiye. Your support makes an enormous difference for those suffering for the gospel in their communities.
Open Doors supports Persian-speaking refugee Christian refugees in Türkiye through partners who provide persecution survival training, resources and practical support.
please pray
Lord Jesus, we raise our brothers in sisters in Türkiye before You. We pray You will help them to shine the light of Your love in their families and communities, despite any pressures they face. We ask You to bless their efforts to share the good news of the gospel. Please bring comfort to anyone who has been shunned, rejected or harassed because of their faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.
