Examination of Threats to Religious Sites in Turkey

This report examines threats to religious properties in Turkey, including places of worship, religious institutions, and cemeteries. While the number and severity of violent attacks targeting religious sites—such as bombings and other terrorist methods—has decreased over the last decade, there has not been a similar decline in incidents of vandalism and the destruction of religious properties. This research demonstrates denominational differences in the types of threats and attacks faced by various religious communities in Turkey and similarly evaluates the geographic variation that characterizes attitudes towards these communities and their religious sites. The report indicates that reporting and prosecuting these incidents poses a significant challenge for religious communities. Although efforts by the Turkish government and local authorities to restore select religious heritage sites represent an important positive step, such projects remain limited.