The combination of rising religious nationalism and a growing emphasis on Islamic values by the government is intensifying the pressure on believers in Türkiye. 

Foreign Christians continue to be forced to leave the country or banned from returning, including those with Turkish spouses and children. Historical Christian communities are monitored regularly and subjected to controls and limitations by the government.

Although conversion from Islam to Christianity is not legally forbidden, anyone who is not a Muslim, or who converts to a different faith, is seen as a disloyal Turk. Christians are viewed as a negative Western influence, and those who choose to follow Jesus—whether from Islam or secularism—can face pressure from their families and communities to recant their faith. Even Christians from minority ethnic backgrounds, such as Greeks and Armenians, are feeling the pinch in the form of various legal and bureaucratic challenges. And given that religious affiliation registered on the electronic chip inside ID cards, it’s easy for employers, particularly those with connections to the state, to discriminate against believers. 

Türkiye is also home to converts from countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. On top of pressure from Turkish society and government officials, these believers face pressure from their own families and communities. Many are fearful of making contact with local churches because of the risk of discovery by community members.