The Turkish War of Independence in 1923 resulted in the abolition of the centuries-old sultanate and the formation of a republic. Since 2002 the political system has been dominated by the AKP and its leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The AKP’s initial economic achievements have been overshadowed by an erosion in civil liberties, which gained momentum after the parliamentary republic was replaced by an executive presidential system in 2017. Turkey is a regional power with a geopolitically strategic location. The economy of Turkey is the 19th-largest in the world by nominal GDP. It has a rich cultural legacy accumulated over several millennia and is the fourth most visited country in the world.
Country Stats
Capital City: Ankara
Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
Major People Groups: Albanians 98.1%, Greeks 0.9%, other 1%
Population: 85,279,553
Ethnic Groups: 70–75% Turks, 19% Kurds, 6–11% others
Religion: 98.8% Islam, 0.02% Christianity
Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
Major People Groups: Albanians 98.1%, Greeks 0.9%, other 1%
Population: 85,279,553
Ethnic Groups: 70–75% Turks, 19% Kurds, 6–11% others
Religion: 98.8% Islam, 0.02% Christianity
Although conversion from Islam to Christianity is not legally forbidden, converts are put under pressure by their families and communities to return to Islam. If their faith is discovered, they may be threatened with divorce and the loss of inheritance rights. Although no Christians were killed during the past twelve months, several church buildings were damaged, desecrated, converted into mosques, or otherwise attacked. In Turkey, Islam is totally blended with fierce nationalism. Aggressive rhetoric from the government has resulted in distrust towards Christians, especially in inland Turkey, leading to discrimination and abuse. Women converts are most vulnerable.
How to Pray
- Pray for a radical change in deep-seated prejudices and biases against Christianity.
- Pray that Christian converts will know the surpassing love of God, even when their own families reject them.
- Pray for opportunities for Christians in Turkey to share Jesus safely.
- Pray for the Gospel to advance in power amid increased hostilities and persecution.
