Religion

Selimiye Mosque, Edirne

99% of the Turkish population is Muslim. However, by constitution, everyone in Turkey has freedom of religion and beliefs. The first phases in the introduction of secularism were the abolition of the Caliphate and the Ministry of Sheria and Pious Foundations on March 4^th, 1924. This was followed by the introduction of separate educational and judicial systems, the dress reform, the closure of dervish retreats and religious sects, the acceptance of a Western weekend holiday rather than the Muslim Friday and finally the adoption of the principle of secularism in the constitution in 1937. In secular Turkey, all religious affairs are carried out by a central government organization affiliated withthe Prime Ministry, namely the Department of Religious Affairs.

In Turkey you will find Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Armenian churches as well as Synagogues and everyone is free to practice the religion of his choosing. Istanbul has many areas where people of very different religions have lived side-by-side for centuries with their practices and customs and continue to do so.

Again, it is necessary to add that Turks have a personal way of following Islam when compared to most Muslim peoples. A great number of Muslim Turks will enjoy a nice alcoholic beverage, smoke cigarettes and make the most of the "good things in life", though taking care not to do these during religious occasions such as Ramazan or the Kandil. This is, of course, an unofficial declaration on your researchers part. Ramazan is the holy month when for thirty days a good Muslim lets nothing pass through his or her lips from sunrise to sunset. This means no eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum or even licking a postage stamp. Swearing is also prohibited. The idea is to live as purely, peacefully, correctly as possible and to respect yourself and your neighbors, while being thankful for all that one has.

Do not be surprised to find your favorite little restaurant closed during the Ramazan.

Also See:

History	Major Cities
Geography & Climate	Language
Religion	Political System
Currency	Work Hours & Holidays
Population	Conversion Table

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