Is Christianity allowed in Istanbul?

It's not illegal to leave Islam and become a Christian, but most people who convert face strong pressure from their families to change their minds. They may be threatened with divorce, loss of inheritance and being disowned by their family. Christians in Türkiye face everyday discrimination for their faith.

Can I bring my Bible to Turkey?

Although it is forbidden in Turkey to hand out Christian literature, visitors are allowed to take anything that is displayed for them including a Bible or a gospel tract. In 2020, 9,500 copies of the New Testament were distributed in this way. Because the demand is so great, there is a shortage of Bibles in the church.

Are there Turkish people who are Christians?

Christianity in Turkey has a long history, dating back to the early origins of Christianity in Asia Minor and the Middle East during the 1st century AD. In modern times the percentage of Christians in Turkey has declined from 20 to 25% in 1914, to about 2% in 1927, to 0.2–0.4% today.

Are Christians allowed in Hagia Sophia?

Yes, Christians and non-Muslims can enter the Hagia Sophia. While it operates as a mosque, it remains open to visitors of all faiths. However, visitors are expected to respect Islamic customs, such as removing shoes and dressing modestly.

Is it illegal to share the gospel in Turkey?

While Turkey is officially a secular state, there is a strong Islamic influence, and it is illegal to share the gospel with anyone under 18.

Is it safe to be Christian in Turkey? | EWTN News In Depth

Is Turkey friendly to Christians?

Christians in Türkiye face everyday discrimination for their faith. Foreign Christians with Turkish spouses and children have been banned from entering or re-entering the country. Religion is recorded on the Turkish ID card, making it easy to discriminate against Christian job applicants.

Can you publicly kiss in Turkey?

Public displays of affection are not commonly accepted in Turkey. It's best to avoid excessive hugging or kissing in public spaces. Examples: Holding Hands: Acceptable, but avoid more intimate gestures in public.

Are Christians allowed into mosques?

Yes. The Holy Quran does not prohibit anyone from visiting a mosque (provided they are not there to cause trouble) as it is a House of God that can and should be used for the worship of God by all.

Can Jews visit Hagia Sophia?

In any case, and to the surprise of many, she kept her name(Ayasofia, in Turkish), since in reality the term Saint Sophia did not refer to any Christian saint, but to the Divine Wisdom (which is its translation from Greek). So if you want to visit Hagia Sophia, you can do it whatever your creed.

Can Muslims enter Hagia Sophia for free?

Free prayer area entrance is available to Muslim tourists at Hagia Sophia only during prayer times. The gate faces Sultanahmet Square (old gate).

How strict is Islam in Turkey?

Islam in Turkey is Strict

Non-Muslims are not expected to follow Muslim religious practices. This means women, including foreign tourists, do not need to cover their hair. Tourists also do not need to observe fasting hours during Ramadan.

Are there Jews in Turkey?

As of 2022, the Jewish population in Turkey is around 14,500. In the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake, the leaders of the Jewish community of Antakya were killed, the Antakya Synagogue was badly damaged, and the entire Jewish community, numbering 14 members, was evacuated from Antakya.

Is Turkey mostly atheist?

According to the state, 99.8% of the population is initially registered as Muslim. The remaining 0.2% are Christians and adherents of other officially recognised religions such as Judaism. According to a 2025 report from Pew Research Center, 95% of Turkey self-identified as Muslim.

Can I wear a cross in Turkey?

While Turkey is a majority Muslim country, religious freedom is protected. Can you wear a cross in Turkey? Yes, you can wear a cross in Turkey.

What does the Bible say about Turkey?

Another book of the bible mentions Turkey with the name of Adramyttium, the book is: Acts 27:2 "We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us."

What can't I bring to Turkey?

What is closed in Istanbul on Monday?

When planning your itinerary, keep in mind the closures for these top sites: Closed Monday: Archaeological Museums, Ayasofya, Dolmabahçe Palace, Great Palace Mosaics Museum. Closed Tuesday: Topkapı Palace and Harem. Closed Wednesday: Chora Museum, Rumeli Fortress.

What does hagia mean?

hagia in American English

(ˈheidʒiə) plural noun. Eastern Churches. the Eucharistic elements before or after the consecration.

Is there Uber in Istanbul?

Yes. Sign in online or open your Uber app to request a ride in Istanbul, and let your driver take you where you want to go. (You might see other Istanbul transportation options available in your app, too.)

Do Muslims accept Christianity?

Muslims view Christians to be People of the Book, but may also regard them as committing shirk because of the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation. Christians are traditionally classified as dhimmis paying jizya under Sharia law.

Can you enter a mosque on your period?

The majority of jurists of the four Schools of Fiqh are of the view that it is not permissible for a menstruating woman to enter and stay in the mosque .

Are Christians allowed to pray with Muslims?

Prayer is a common ritual and practice in Christianity and Islam. In reality prayer can be a common ground for both religions as Christians and Muslims can be together in a self-consciously religious way for example at funerals, naming ceremonies, weddings and praying for peace.

Can I stay with my girlfriend in a hotel in Istanbul?

Can I stay with my girlfriend in a hotel in Istanbul? Yes, it is forbidden to ask if you are married or not in Turkey. Of course, you can share the room with your loved one!

Do and don'ts Istanbul?

Is swearing illegal in Turkey?

Accordinly, any person who attributes an act, or fact, to a person in a manner that may impugn that person's honour, dignity or prestige, or attacks someone's honour, dignity or prestige by swearing is sentenced to a penalty of imprisonment for a term of three months to two years or a judicial fine.