Overview: Christianity In Turkey
Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country located in both Europe and Asia, wedged between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. According to a 2016 survey by the Pew Research Center, 99 percent of the population is Muslim, while the remainder is a mix of Christians, Jews, and adherents of other religions. While much of the population of Turkey is Muslim, Christianity has a long history in the region, and the nation continues to be home to a small but vibrant Christian population.
History of Christianity in Turkey
Christianity first arrived in Turkey with the Apostles in the 1st century. Early in the history of Christianity, churches in the region associated with several of the Apostles became important centers of theology and mission. In the 4th century, Christianity became the dominant religion in the Eastern Roman Empire thanks to the efforts of Emperor Constantine. Christianity’s attractiveness was largely due to its ability to incorporate local customs, festivals, and rituals. Throughout the centuries, the church in Turkey suffered persecutions and hardships, often linked to the broader political climate.
By the 19th century, the region had become increasingly hostile to Christians and non-Muslims, and many Christians, facing persecution and discrimination, fled the region. This situation has persisted, and has accelerated to a great extent in the last couple of decades, fueled by political turmoil and a wave of nationalism and religious intolerance.
Current State of Christianity in Turkey
Currently, there is a large and vibrant Christian community in Turkey. According to the 2011 Turkish census, Christians account for 1.19 percent of the population, and many of those are from the Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks – the nation’s historic Christian communities. In addition to these historic communities, there are also significant numbers of Christians from other backgrounds such as Kurds, Caucasians, Poles, and converts from Islam.
Most of the Christians in Turkey live in the urban areas, mainly in the western part of the country. The nation’s largest concentration is in Istanbul, where there are an estimated 250,000 Christians. Other populous cities with significant Christian populations are Izmir, Ankara, and Adana. Most Christians in Turkey belong to the Eastern Orthodox Church, but there are also Protestant, Catholic, Assyrian, and Armenian churches in the country.
Growth & Challenges of Christians in Turkey
Despite the challenges faced by Christians in Turkey, the numbers continue to grow, primarily due to immigration from Middle Eastern countries. For example, at the start of the war in Syria in 2011, Turkey welcomed millions of Syrian refugees, many of whom were Christian. Some of these refugees have since found employment and opportunity in Turkey, while others have continued to seek refuge in other countries.
Despite this growth, Christians still face discrimination in Turkey, which can make it difficult for them to find employment and opportunity. According to a 2020 survey by Open Doors, a non-profit organization focused on helping the persecuted church, 66 percent of the respondents said that they feel discriminated against because of their faith, and 59 percent said they feel socially isolated.
The survey also found that 65 percent of the respondents said that their church is monitored by the government, and 58 percent reported difficulties in obtaining permission to build a church or to repair existing properties. These difficulties are compounded by the lack of legal recognition, which prevents Christians from officially registering their churches, owning land, and receiving rights and benefits.
The Growing Diversity of Christianity in Turkey
Despite the difficult conditions, Christianity continues to grow in Turkey, spurred by the arrival of immigrants from around the world and the spread of Christian teachings through media and other channels. As a result, the face of Christianity in Turkey is becoming increasingly diverse. In addition to the traditional Eastern Orthodox and Syriac Christian groups, there are now growing numbers of Protestant and charismatic churches, as well as congregations of Catholics and evangelicals.
For example, there are now a number of Protestant churches in Istanbul, such as the Istanbul International Community Church and the New Life Fellowship Church. These churches are open to people from all backgrounds, and their services are often held in multiple languages to serve the needs of the multi-cultural population. This diversity has led to a more robust spiritual atmosphere in the city, with many churches actively working to serve the wider community by providing social services, counseling, and teaching.
This diversity has also been given a boost by the arrival of missionaries from abroad. For example, Operation Mobilization, a mission organization active in Turkey since 1976, has worked to create a network of churches across the country, and there are now a number of international Christian organizations working to spread the Gospel in the region.
Conclusion: The Future of Christianity in Turkey
Despite the challenges faced by the Christian community in Turkey, the future of the faith in the region is looking increasingly positive. Christianity has a deep history in the region, and the current growth in diversity is a sign that the faith is alive and well. In the future, it is likely that the Christian population in Turkey will continue to grow as more people become attracted to the faith.
The Impact of Media on Christianity in Turkey
In the past decade, the internet has made it easier than ever before to spread the Christian message in Turkey. The widespread availability of the internet has led to an explosion of Christian media, with websites, podcasts, and YouTube channels dedicated to the faith. In addition, Christian books, music and films are more readily available than ever before, making it easier for people to explore and embrace the Christian faith.
This availability of Christian media has had a profound impact on the Christian community in Turkey. With the internet, churches now have access to powerful tools for outreach and evangelism, and many churches have embraced new media such as social media and streaming services to reach a wider audience. Additionally, Christian media has made it easier for people to explore the faith, and the wider availability of Christian resources has helped to bring new believers into the fold.
The Growth of the Christian Church in Turkey
The rise of Christianity in Turkey has led to a corresponding growth of the Christian church in the nation. With more people embracing the faith, the church has had to adapt to the changes, and many churches have embraced new modes of ministry and evangelism to reach out to the growing Christian population.
For example, some churches have shifted their services to accommodate the growing demographic of young people, with a focus on outreach and ministry. Additionally, many churches now offer weekly Bible studies and small group activities, as well as youth and children’s programs, to help foster a deeper understanding of the faith. As the church adapts to the changing demographics, the church will continue to play an important role in the spiritual life of the nation.
Opportunities for the Christian Church in Turkey
In the last few years, the Christian church in Turkey has seen tremendous growth. As a result, there are now many exciting opportunities for the church to engage in mission and outreach, both within the nation and to the growing number of refugees from the Middle East. Churches now have the opportunity to make an impact by offering practical assistance such as food, clothing, and medical aid, as well as spiritual counseling and support for those in need.
Additionally, churches now have the opportunity to reach out to the large and diverse student population, many of whom come from a variety of backgrounds and may not be familiar with Christianity. By creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere, churches can make a difference in the lives of students and create an environment that encourages exploration and growth.
The Impact of Missionary Groups on Christianity in Turkey
In addition to the growth of the church in Turkey, another notable trend is the increasing presence of missionary groups in the nation. Groups such as Operation Mobilization, the World Missionary Movement, and World Vision are actively working to spread the Gospel in Turkey, and have made significant progress in reaching out to the unreached in the region.
Missionary groups have had a profound impact on the Christian community in Turkey, providing much-needed support and resources for churches and ministries. By investing in projects and initiatives to reach out to the unreached, missionary groups have contributed to the growth of the Christian movement in the nation, and have given more people the opportunity to explore the Christian faith.
Outlook: The Future of Christianity in Turkey
The future of Christianity in Turkey is looking increasingly positive, thanks to the influx of immigrants from the Middle East, the rapid growth of the church, and the increased presence of missionary groups in the nation. As Christianity continues to spread and gain adherents, churches in Turkey will have the opportunity to play an important role in the spiritual life of the nation.
In the future, churches in Turkey will have the opportunity to grow and expand, with an emphasis on reaching out to the unreached and fostering a vibrant and diverse spiritual atmosphere. By embracing new models of ministry and outreach, the church in Turkey will have the opportunity to make an impact in the nation and to create a lasting legacy of faith.
