Turkey: Situation of Christians and Armenians in Turkey

A study conducted by the Economist states that there is no social and economic equality in Turkey and that "strong nationalistic feelings have meant wide social and economic discrimination against Kurds [and] Armenians". [ The Economist: World Human Rights Guide (London: Economist Publications., 1986) p. 287.] Another study states that "Kurds and Armenians remain prohibited topics, even in books." [ Raymond D Gastio Freedom in the World: Political Rights and Civil Liberties 1987 (New York: Freedom House, 1988) p. 398.]

According to the Encyclopedia of the Third World, only those who speak Turkish, practice Islam, and owe their allegiance to the Republic of Turkey are considered Turks and "members of ethnic minorities are treated as second-class citizens and are excluded from full participation and acceptance in Turkish life." The same source states that "Armenians ... seem destined to remain distinct and unassimilable." [Encyclopedia of the Third World (New York: Facts on File, 1987) p. 2007.] It is reported that there are about 70,000 Armenians in Turkey. [ Ibid., p. 2008.]

One observer notes that even groups that raise the topic of Turkey's national minorities are harassed by the authorities. [Christopher Hitchens: "Minority Report" in The Nation (16 April 1988) p. 523.] The Turkish government reportedly recognizes the Armenian minority but subjects it to "all kinds of administrative harassment." [ ECOSOC, Commission on Human Rights: "Rights of Persons Belonging to national Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities " (Index Number: E/CN.4/1988/NGO/73; 6 April 1988).]

 While research does not indicate any politically motivated killings of Armenians in Turkey, the founder of the Armenian Secret Army was assassinated in Athens in April 1988. The Greek police questioned Turkish exiles in the city in connection with this killing. [ "Greeks Question Exiles on Killing of Armenian" in The New York Times (1 May 1988).] For a list of Armenian dissident groups in Turkey and abroad, see attached information from Revolutionary and Dissident Movements.

 In 1965, the number of Christians in Turkey was put at 254,000. [ Encyclopedia of the Third World, p. 2009.] One study states that there is freedom to practice any religion in the country, but that there is "some official obstruction of non-Muslim religious activities." [ World Human Rights Guide, p. 288.] Another study states that "Religious expression is free only if religion is not related to law and way of life." [Freedom in the World, p. 398.]

 One report states that non-Moslem religious groups have been able to operate churches, monasteries, and charitable foundations, and it acknowledges that the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne provides them with the right to maintain separate schools, but these groups have "repeatedly complained about government policies and procedures concerning the operation of community schools, the formation of parish councils, and the regulation and repair of church property." [ Encyclopedia of the Third World, p. 2009.]

 Members of the Jehovah's Witnesses and certain Protestant groups have been prosecuted under Article 163 of the penal code, which bans "leadership or membership of an association for the purpose of converting the state to religious principles and beliefs or propaganda for that purpose." [Amnesty International: "Turkey: Prosecution of Religious Activists" (AI Index: EUR 44/74/87; Distr: SC/CO/GR/PO; November 1987) pp. 1 and 8.] All those prosecuted were either released or had their sentences later abrogated. [ Ibid., p. 8.] A Greek Orthodox school teacher reportedly lost her job and faces a jail sentence for "abusing and insulting religious institutions and practices". [Ibid., p. 8.]

Footnotes