What does persecution look like in Turkey?

Christians in Turkey experience incredible pressure from very strong—and increasing—religious nationalism in Turkey. The government continues to target even foreign Christians in its borders, along with the foreign spouses of Turkish citizens. It’s not technically illegal for Muslims to convert to Christianity, but any Muslim who does decide to follow Jesus comes under immense strain from their families and communities, who often demand the convert return to Islam. These believers are sometimes forced to lead a double life and hide their conversion. Even Christians who did not convert from Islam are hardly regarded as full members of Turkish society and encounter all kinds of legal and bureaucratic obstructions. All Christians have limited access to state employment and experience discrimination in private employment, especially in jobs with ties to the government.

Meet Hans-Jurgen Louven, who was forced to leave Turkey

“The only reason I can think of for [forcing me to leave] is that we are people of faith, and at times we have shared our faith with the local people.”

What has changed this year?

Even though it’s decreased in score, Turkey continues its status as a place where Christians can expect to encounter significant opposition for their faith. Increasingly, Turkish identity is tied to Islam, so anyone outside of that brand of religious nationalism encounters suspicion and discrimination. All Christians are under pressure in Turkey, but converts from Islam are certainly the most vulnerable, along with Christian refugees from countries like Iran, Iraq and Syria.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

The persecution against converts from Islam is greatest in the rural areas of Turkey. That’s why many believers who were Muslim choose to live in cities where they have more freedom. Christians in more historical Christian traditions—groups like the Armenian and Assyrian (Syriac) churches—face higher pressure and hostility in Turkey’s southeastern region.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Turkey?

Open Doors raises worldwide prayer support for persecuted believers in Turkey.

Population statistic: Johnson T M and Zurlo G A, eds., World Christian Database (Leiden/Boston: Brill, accessed April 2021).