Prolonged State of Emergency

Many churches in Turkey have seen a drop in attendance due to a prolonged state of emergency.
Many churches in Turkey have seen a drop in attendance due to a prolonged state of emergency.

The Turkish government has extended its state of emergency for an additional period of time, raising concerns of citizens throughout the country. The state of emergency was ordered in July, after 270 people were killed in a failed coup attempt.

Police officers have been commissioned to stand on guard during church services for the protection of worshippers. Yet, as believers feel intimidated by their presence, church attendance has dropped. The state of emergency also prevents church leaders from reaching out to people in the streets as they had formally done. To review other reports on persecution in Turkey, visit our online country profile.

Ask the Lord to strengthen the faith of the Christians in Turkey, also granting their church leaders wisdom so that effective ministry can continue to take place within their communities. May the police officers standing on guard during the various church services be stirred in both heart and spirit as they witness the believers' sincere expressions of praise and worship, and hear the timely messages preached by their pastors. Pray that God will quench any feelings of intimidation or fear by giving His people a renewed sense of assurance, peace and joy -- enabling them to unite together in celebration of His faithfulness and ongoing ministry in each of their lives.

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  • Country Information

    Population
    83,593,483 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Turkish (70-75), Kurdish (19), other minorities (7-12)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (99.8), other (0.2)

    Leader
    President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (2014)

    Government type
    Parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system derived from various European continental legal systems

    Sources: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Turkey

    Prayerfully uphold those who have had their churches and places of worship taken over by a government that does not represent their beliefs, values or ordinances. Ask the Lord to oversee the mediation process as church officials and government representatives endeavour to work out a solution that is both honouring to Him and fair to all the members of the various churches. Despite the challenges experienced by the believers of this country, may they have a sense of God's reassuring presence and peace, knowing that one day He will reign supremely and justly over the entire earth.

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Türkiye News

  • Authorities Prevent Church from Obtaining Land
    A view from Diclekent Boulevard, Diyarbakir.
    Diyarbakir, Türkiye
    Photo: Wikimedia / chansey (cc)

    The Diyarbakir Protestant Church Foundation began with members gathering in a home more than 20 years ago. In 2019, the congregants moved into a dedicated church building and became a legally recognized organization. Over the years, the ministry has grown to encompass more than 100 people – a number far too large for the limited space of the premises where they are currently meeting. As a result, these believers have been seeking suitable land so they can build a larger facility that will better accommodate their growing needs. Unfortunately, their efforts to obtain a potential property have been continually ignored or turned down by governing officials.

    Read more...

  • Gunmen Attack Worship Service
    The grounds of the church where the shooting took place.
    Santa Maria Catholic Church

    On the morning of January 28th, two gunmen entered the Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul, Türkiye. Wearing masks, the men walked into the church, shot into the air, and then killed one person. Security footage shows the gun apparently jamming just before the men left.

    Read more...

  • Asylum Seekers Face Deportation
    Ninous Italiaee with his wife and child.
    Pastor Ninous Italiaee’s family before his detainment.
    Photo: Article18

    In the wake of the recent devastating earthquake, the focus of the world lately has been on Türkiye and northern Syria where, at the time of composing this Persecution & Prayer Alert report, more than 20,000 people have died as a result of the catastrophe. In addition, tens of thousands of survivors have been left homeless amid the cold of winter. Reports from Christians in an affected area reveal the extensive suffering taking place due to the loss of loved ones and the tremendous need for surviving victims to receive blankets, food and other important necessities required to sustain life.

    Read more...

  • Foreign Christian Workers Expelled
    Joy Subasiguller - Photo: Facebook / Joy Subasiguller
    Joy Subaşıgüller and her family
    Photo: Facebook / Joy Subaşıgüller

    Last year, at least thirty-five foreign Christian workers were expelled from Turkey, as their permits had been either revoked or denied renewal. So far this year, the number of those forced to leave the country has already reached sixteen. The latest of those workers are Joy Subaşıgüller and Pastor Zach Balon, both from the United States.

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Türkiye Videos

 
Turkey: Andrew Brunson's Testimony
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Turkey: God’s Hostage, the imprisonment of Andrew Brunson
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Turkey: Malatya Martyrs
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