It is indicated in a report concerning International Religious Freedoms prepared by the US Department of State that Turkey is a country respectful to religious freedoms in general sense.
WASHINGTON- In the report by the US Department of State, Turkish government is stated to be respectful to religious rights and it is emphasized that these freedoms are protected under constitution. However certain restrictions for Muslims and persons who are the members of other religions are said to continue in universities and public institutions.
In the part spared for Turkey, it is expressed that tolerance between different religions are generally present in society and that this contributes to freedom of religions. Nevertheless debates about the definition of secularism, place of the religion in society and the effect of Islamists are indicated to be going on.
The report also claims that some of the groups trying to disseminate their religions face certain obstacles and it is said that by referring to ‘turban issue’, an extensive ban on clothing in public institutions, universities and other schools continue.
In the report, it is also stated the part which is defined as ‘Islamists’ is accused by the secularists of using turban as a political tool. And the secularists are reported as concerned about if the ban on turban is lifted, then all the women may be forced to wear turban.
The opininon ‘In line with the common perception in public, Turkish identity is based on Turkish language and Islam religion’ and a claim ‘Members of religious minority groups are prevented to take a higher office in their professions’ take place in the said report.
The report also mentions the following issues:
- In Turkey, radical Islamic elements go on with their anti-semitic behaviours and those who want to convert to another religion are subject to social pressure and violence by their relatives and neighbours.
- The US government frequently handles ‘religious freedoms issue’ with Turkey in the framework of a general policy to improve human rights. There are 65.000 Armenian Orthodox Christians, 23.000 Jews and Greek Orthodox Christians -less than 2.500-
- Non-Muslim minorities are recognized by Lausanne Treaty dated 1923 but this recognition does not include the legal status of Greek Patriarch of Fener and Armenian Patriarch who are considered as ‘universal’ by the US. Also the effort of re-opening of Heybeliada Clergy School of Greek Patriarchate of Fener has been resultless.
- There are approximately 1100 Christian missioners in Turkey.
- Catholic Priest Andrea Santaro was killed in a church in Trabzon in February 2006 and Turkish Recep Tayip Erdoğan and other government authorities condemned this tragedy.
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