Turkey: Situation of people who call themselves atheists; treatment by Islamists of persons who proclaim themselves atheists and who do not go to mosque on Friday, and of men with long hair and an earring; state protection available (2002-November 2004)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 17 November 2004 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | TUR43142.FE |
| Reference | 1 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Turkey: Situation of people who call themselves atheists; treatment by Islamists of persons who proclaim themselves atheists and who do not go to mosque on Friday, and of men with long hair and an earring; state protection available (2002-November 2004) , 17 November 2004, TUR43142.FE, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/42df61a737.html [accessed 3 November 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
No information on the situation of people who call themselves atheists could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints for this Response. However, the following information may be of some use.
Religious Freedom indicated on its Website that atheists represent approximately 0.1 per cent of the Turkish population (30 June 2001). This information could not be corroborated by the other sources consulted by the Research Directorate. An article published in the Turkish Times cited the collaborative work of an Islamic Turk and an atheist Turk, who have different philosophies, but who both defend the right of the other to express his point of view (1-15 Dec. 2002).
According to the International Religious Freedom Report 2004, published by the United States Department of State, "the level of religious observance varies throughout [Turkey], in part due to the strong secularist approach of the Government" (15 Sept. 2004, Sec. 1), but the government generally respects the right to freedom of religion guaranteed by the constitution (15 Sept. 2004, Intro.). However, the government imposes some restrictions on Muslim religious expression; for example, wearing Muslim religious dress is prohibited in government buildings, universities, schools, and offices (International Religious Freedom Report 2004 15 Sept. 2004, Intro.). Human Rights Watch (HRW) corroborated this fact, indicating that women who wear headscarves cannot study or teach in institutions of higher education (June 2004). The International Religious Freedom Report 2004 reported that, "according to [the human rights organization] Mazlum-Der, the military has charged individuals with 'lack of discipline' for activities that include performing Muslim prayers or being married to women who wear headscarves" (15 Sept. 2004, Sec. 2).
The report also indicated that "persons wishing to convert from Islam to another religion sometimes experienced social harassment and violence from relatives and neighbors" (International Religious Freedom Report 2004 15 Sept. 2004, Intro.). "Some members of non-Muslim religious groups claim that they have limited career prospects in government or military service, particularly as military officers, judges, or prosecutors" (ibid.).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Human Rights Watch (HRW). June 2004. "Summary." Turkey: Academic Freedom in Higher Education, and Access to Higher Education for Women who Wear the Headscarf.
International Religious Freedom Report 2004. 15 September 2004. United States Department of State. Washington, DC.
Religious Freedom Page. 30 June 2001. "Summary of Religious Bodies in Turkey."
Turkish Times [Washington, DC]. 1-15 December 2002. "How an Atheist Helps Protect Islamists in Turkey."
Additional Sources Consulted
Unsuccessful attempts at contacting two academics and a student who specialize in Turkish religion, as well as the human rights organizations Mazlumder and Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT).
Internet sites, including: Amnesty International (AI), European Country of Origin Information Network (ECOI), Freedom House, Turkish Daily News, World News Connection (WNC).
