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.

The nations of the world have been coming together to offer whatever aid is possible. However, political turmoil in the region has hindered the provision of greatly needed relief for many of those in need. The Syrian government continues to battle with Kurdish rebels, who control much of the area affected by the destruction. As a result, aid workers systematically encounter roadblocks from the Syrian government while trying to bring needed help to those who are suffering. Likewise, in Türkiye, the Kurdish people form a significant percentage of those in the affected area. However, the ongoing conflict between Kurdish separatist groups and the Turkish government, which has been occurring for many years now, further compounds the situation.

Before this latest crisis struck the region, the government of Türkiye, led by President Erdogan, has caused numerous problems for Christian ministries. Governing leaders have emphasized that the country is Muslim, despite the consistent presence of Christianity for 2,000 years. In their attempts to cope with turmoil in the Middle East, Christian refugees have frequently fled to Türkiye, believing it to be a safe location. However, once there, these believers have often faced horrific conditions and the threat of deportation to dangerous areas. For further information on the challenges facing Christians in Türkiye, go to our country report.

A recently sourced report features the testimonies of five Christian families who fled to Türkiye from Iran to escape persecution. The families, totalling 17 people, have recently been arrested and taken to "removal centres" to be deported. These detained believers presently have no access to hot water and are receiving very limited resources. Food is often withheld, and the few meals they do receive are infested with insects and worms. Individual members of these families have also been separated from one other. Over the years, detained Christians were often subjected to increased pressure because of their faith and at risk of near-certain punishment or death if forced to return to Iran.

Please pray for the people of Türkiye and Syria who must now cope with the exponential loss and resulting suffering in the aftermath of this major earthquake. Pray that urgently needed aid will reach all those needing it and that political controversies will be set aside in order to help these victims. As the government of Türkiye contends with yet another national crisis, and takes into consideration that political elections are scheduled to take place in May, pray that the authorities will cease their oppressive actions against Christians living in the nation, as well as refugees who are currently facing deportation. In addition, please pray that God's provision, peace and protection will sustain the five detained Christian families during their time of need.

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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.

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.