Abstract
In this presentation, the focus is on the status of autochthonous Christians and Jews in the Republic of Turkiye. Established in 1923 with the Treaty of Lausanne following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, Turkiye is officially a 90% Muslim country. However, a significant portion of individuals classified as Muslims actually identify as non-believers. The remaining 10% of the population comprises Christians and Jews, although there are also members of other religious groups. The situation of religious communities in Turkiye is intricate and exhibits varying degrees of freedom of belief. This study zeroes in on the autochthonous non-Muslim communities, namely the Greek, Armenian, Jewish, Syriac, Chaldean, Bulgarian, and Georgian communities. These groups hold minority status as per the Treaty of Lausanne, yet their religious centers lack legal recognition. They function through civilian representatives, while the state, in practice, engages with religious leaders. The study delves into the historical aspects of religious communities as direct or indirect components of international politics, and examines the impact of the principle of reciprocity. Additionally, it draws on interviews with present-day civil society leaders to illuminate the fragility and vulnerability of religious institutions and practices in an evolving global landscape.
Presenters
Muteber YilmazcanGeneral Coordinator, Non-Muslim Minority Foundations Representation, Istanbul, Turkey
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
TURKEY, MINORITY, CHRISTIAN, JEWISH, POLITICS, RECIPROCITY, FOUNDATION, EQUAL CITIZENSHIP
