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Index / Religions
  Turkey /
Religions
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| Religions *) |
Islam
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55,000,000 |
75.0% |
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Sunni
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55,000,000 |
75.0% |
Alevism
|
18,000,000 |
24.5% |
Christianity
|
130,000 |
0.2% |
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Armenian Orthodox
|
80,000 |
0.1% |
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Armenian Catholics
|
25,000 |
<0.1% |
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Roman Catholics
|
15,000 |
<0.1% |
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Chaldean Catholics
|
5,000 |
<0.1% |
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Syrian Orthodox
|
5,000 |
<0.1% |
Yazidism
|
50,000 |
0.1% |
Ahl-e Haqq
|
50,000 |
0.1% |
Judaism
|
25,000 |
<0.1% |
Baha'i
|
20,000 |
<0.1% |
*) All figures above are estimates, due to the lack of independent data. Real figures may differ substantially.
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Turkey is usually called predominantly Muslim, like 99% or more are Muslims. The fact is that Alevism, which is then made out to be a branch of Shi'i Islam, does not fit necessary definitions to be part Islam. A quarter of the Turkish population are Alevis, and with a modern world view they have been central in securing a secular Turkish state.
The Turkish state of today does not declare itself as Muslim. The few Christians are mainly Armenians who still living in Turkey even after the intensive massacres conducted by the young Turks between 1915 and 1923, where some 1 million Armenians were killed. There are some Shi'is living in the southeastern parts of Turkey, making up some per cent of the population.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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