Uncovering Persecution: USCIRF Sheds Light on Turkey’s Religious Freedom Landscape

By CAP Freedom of Conscience July 2024

The recent detailed report, from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom sheds light on the challenges surrounding freedom in Turkey. It reveals a relationship between the state and different faith groups depicting a nation struggling with issues.

Covering the period from July 2022 to June 2023 the report emphasizes the difficulties encountered by minorities in Turkey. It exposes limitations faced by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and Jehovah’s Witnesses community unveiling obstacles that hinder the right to religious freedom.

A significant aspect highlighted in the report is the marginalization of the Alevi community a sect facing discrimination in Turkey. The report underscores how Alevi places of worship known as Cemevis, lack recognition compared to mosques showcasing unequal treatment towards this minority group.

Furthermore it addresses challenges confronted by communities, in Turkey including Protestants, Armenians and Syriacs.

Various groups have faced a range of challenges, such, as losing their properties and dealing with restrictions on clergy training and appointments. The report brings attention to the struggles of the Syriac Orthodox community, whose standing presence in the area is under threat due to forced displacement and the destruction of their cultural heritage.

A concerning aspect highlighted in the USCIRFs report is the government’s crackdown on the Gülen movement, which is led by Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen. The report details how individuals linked to this movement have been subjected to persecution, including arrests, torture and property seizures.

The report also sheds light on Turkeys landscape, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) have power leading to an environment of intolerance and suppression of dissent. The USCIRF points out that government actions aimed at limiting the influence of groups have negatively impacted religious freedom in the country.

In light of these findings the USCIRF has urged the U.S. Government to take a proactive approach in addressing violations of religious freedom, in Turkey.

The commission has suggested that the State Department label Turkey, as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to its severe violations of religious freedom. The USCIRF report serves as a reminder of the obstacles faced by minorities in Turkey and emphasizes the critical need for the global community to prioritize safeguarding this essential human right. With Turkey navigating political landscapes the demand for increased accountability and reform is expected to grow louder in the future. Despite these discoveries the USCIRFs proposals provide a glimmer of hope for those dedicated to protecting the freedoms of all Turkish citizens. By urging the U.S. Government to take measures and with efforts from human rights organizations and civil society groups there is potential, for a more inclusive and tolerant Turkey where diverse religious beliefs are embraced and preserved.