32 replies to this topic

[Abi]

I know what you mean Aston it would be nice to know a bit more about PA and his/hers plans but then I'm nosey, but only in a nice way

I think PA maybe a bit shy, but hopefully they will join in a bit more gradually.

[swabs]

Dont worry abi your not alone, I too am nosey in a good way. I think it helps to understand everyone a bit better and who they are.

I really hope PA that even if you cant find a church close to where you are looking to live, it doesnt put you of moving to Turkey as it is such a wonderful country xx

[pureawsome3]

I made this post because I knew that Turkey is overwhelmingly Muslim, however I do know that Turkey is secular.

[Vic801]

I get the feeling that Turkey is overwhelmingly Muslim like the UK is overwhelmingly C. of E.

[Abi]

i think what you have to bear in mind is that whilst 90 odd % of the Turkish population is classed as Muslim it doesn't mean that all of them are devout Muslim and pray 5 times a day every day. Within that figure there will be people who don't actually believe in Allah at all, some that pray 5 times a day or some that just pray some times.

Like Vic said the UK population would overwhelmingly be classed as followers of the Church of England but the percentage of actual true believers of that religion would be somewhat different.

I would say, and is only my opinion that if you came to Turkey you wouldn't have a problem following your faith if you found a Christian church near you. But...whilst Turkey is secular it wouldn't be a good if a Christian thought it would be a good idea to spread the word to try and convert people to their faith.

[sunny]

I agree with the above posts but with the reservation of it very much depends on where in Turkey you plan to go as some areas are much more conservative than others and possibly/probably less tolerant. Also I would emphasise what Abi said about trying to convert people and preach about Christianity. Maybe it wouldn't bother a lot of people but it would certainly offend others and put you at risk.

[clinky]

I tried to convert my previous flat mate to Marmite. It didn't work.

Currently working on the wife....twice i've added it to the breakfast table...twice it's been shunned.

[Vic801]

Yes, Abi, "90 odd % of the Turkish population is classed as Muslim" but only because it is bureaucratic box-ticking. I found it hilarious when Mr P went to change the number plates on the car and he was told to fill in the form with a drop-down box for his religion. I was intrigued to know what on earth he could have chosen. Catholic, he said. I fell about laghing - You, Catholic???!! Well, I did do my First Communion. Yes, but that was more than 40 years ago and you haven't put a foot in a church since.

Just out of interest, I can't remember whether it was on my last UK passport renewal, but I do remember that it was an obligatory question on my original passport application, to state your religion. Is it still an obligatory question?

[swabs]

I agree with you abi, Im sure that you will be able to practice easily and comfortably when moving to turkey but i wouldnt wave it in peoples faces.

From what i see and have found Turkish people and Turkey its self is/are a proud nation!! I do know that in many places they have christian churches, i have heard there are some in istanbul and many over places.

Where i live in Side, I have never seen one,i find many of the people living here that are turkish are muslim, some of the people coming over for seasons from the east i have found are a mix of christian and turkish, its strainge as kurdish people have different catagories of the religion that im still understanding. xx

[Vic801]

Quote

But...whilst Turkey is secular it wouldn't be a good if a Christian thought it would be a good idea to spread the word to try and convert people to their faith.

I think that the Turkish constitution prohibits proselytism, I'm not sure on that - anybody can confirm? I know it is illegal in Greece.

[swabs]

I think that people should believe in what they want to believe in and follow what they want, if people decide the want to convert or change then they will do so on there own xx

[emu88]

clinky, on 10 February 2012 - 10:57 AM, said:

I tried to convert my previous flat mate to Marmite. It didn't work.

Currently working on the wife....twice i've added it to the breakfast table...twice it's been shunned.

Haha, same here. Peanut butter is another one, and beans on toast prompts a response of shock.

Vic801, on 10 February 2012 - 11:47 AM, said:

I think that the Turkish constitution prohibits proselytism, I'm not sure on that - anybody can confirm? I know it is illegal in Greece.

I don't know, would be interesting to find out, I shall see if I can. Damn well should be!

[sunny]

Religious proselytism is legal except when it is with a proven political motive.

Religious Freedom

The constitution guarantees religious freedom and forbids discrimination and persecution. Government usually respects religious freedom but places restrictions in religious minorities, especially radical Islamists. Registration of religious groups usually occurs under the category of an association to gain certain rights to limit potential harassment. Proselytism is not illegal but socially unacceptable and sometimes dangerous. Christians and other religious groups are allowed to teach and talk to others about their faith. Non-Muslims faced pressure and threats from the Muslim majority resulting in diminished religious freedom for these groups. Religious education in public schools is required.