Hotspot Nations

HOTSPOT: TURKEY

By Lauren Sedemeester
16/10/2025

Turkey is well known for its rich history and iconic sites, such as the Hagia Sophia and Ephesus, its diverse blend of cultures, vibrant bazaars, delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, and the distinctive landscape of Cappadocia. It is a nation of strategic importance, straddling Europe and Asia, and remains historically and culturally significant, often attracting global attention. As a Hotspot Nation, Turkey’s political, economic, and religious landscape is complex, influencing both regional and international dynamics.

Strategic Importance of Turkey

Turkey’s strategic importance lies in its control of the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits—key maritime routes linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean—giving it major influence over regional trade and security. As NATO’s second-largest military power, it balances alliance commitments with ambitions for regional independence. In Syria, Turkey has moved towards cooperation, supplying energy to support reconstruction, while in Libya it continues to support the Tripoli-based government through military and logistical aid. Its “Blue Homeland” doctrine underlines its maritime ambitions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea, supported by the 2019 maritime deal with Libya. Alongside its military strength, Turkey presents itself as a “smart power”, using diplomacy, culture, and platforms like the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to connect regions in a divided world.

Domestic Developments

Turkey’s domestic landscape is shaped by President Erdoğan’s centralised system, introduced after the 2017 constitutional reforms that expanded presidential powers. Politics are deeply polarised: younger and urban voters tend to back the opposition, while rural areas largely support the ruling coalition. As our INcontext contact noted, there is little middle ground, and many are cautious about speaking openly in an increasingly authoritarian climate.

Political Crackdowns and the Istanbul Arrest

A recent controversy arose when Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, was arrested on corruption and terrorism charges just days before his expected presidential nomination. The move drew widespread criticism as politically motivated. Protests were swiftly banned, nearly 1,900 people detained, and several journalists—both local and foreign—targeted, including the BBC’s Mark Lowen, who was briefly detained and later deported. “Not only was the mayor arrested,” our contact noted, “but so too were various journalists. Certain foreign journalists were kicked out and unable to cover events. Protests were banned, which says a lot.” The government insists the arrests were lawful, but many see them as part of a broader clampdown on dissent, deepening social divisions and fuelling public caution, especially online.

Economic Pressures and Youth Emigration

Turkey continues to grapple with economic strain. Persistent inflation, currency volatility, and structural weaknesses weigh on growth, despite government efforts to boost trade, tourism, and energy projects. One other area of growth in Turkey’s economy is in the defence industry, where exports surged to about USD 7.15 billion in 2024—an increase of roughly 29% from the previous year. Inflation remains in the mid-30% range, and “minimum wage is still very low,” a contact explained. “Compared to the cost of living, many people are struggling to make a sensible living.” Around half the workforce earns minimum wage or close to it, while housing and food costs keep rising. While skilled young people continue to emigrate in search of better opportunities, the influx of refugees and migrants from Syria, Russia, and Ukraine has pushed up rents in major cities, our contact noted. Socially, Turkey walks a fine line between its secular roots and growing religious conservatism. Minority groups, including small Christian communities, continue to face bureaucratic obstacles, visa difficulties, and occasional pressure from society or the state.

Foreign Policy and Global Role

Turkey follows a carefully balanced foreign policy, maintaining relations with the US, EU, Russia, and China. It works closely with Russia on energy and nuclear projects, while cooperating with the US on defence and regional security. Turkey is active in regional conflicts, supporting the Syrian interim government and playing a key role in Libya and the Caucasus as both a mediator and a strategic actor. Beyond its military influence, Turkey extends its reach through culture and diplomacy, promoting its values through the diaspora, the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, and Turkish student programmes overseas.

Religious Landscape in Turkey

Christianity in modern-day Turkey dates back to early Asia Minor, with cities such as Constantinople as historic centres of faith. Over the centuries—especially after the Ottoman conquest—the Christian population declined through conflict, population exchanges, and emigration. Today, Christians are a tiny minority—around 257,000 people, or 0.3% of the population, and less than 0.1% among the ethnic Turks. Though constitutionally secular, the state increasingly promotes Islam in public life.
Christian communities—Orthodox, Armenian, Catholic, and Protestant—face legal and administrative restrictions, including limits on ministry work, recognition, and residency permits. Minority faiths also experience societal suspicion, discrimination, and limited protection. The country’s Christian heritage remains visible in historic sites like Hagia Sophia, whose reconversion from museum to mosque has sparked debates over heritage, identity, and the place of Christians in modern Turkey.

A Christian Perspective

Despite their small numbers, Christian communities demonstrate resilience through ministry, disaster response, and educational programmes. “What gives me hope,” the contact shared, “is when I look at the incredible job that the leaders of the church in Turkey are doing.” He reflected on the 2023 earthquakes: “When I look at how the church in Turkey responded to the earthquakes … that was incredible, and it has changed the way many people perceive the church, certainly in the southeast.” “I’m encouraged as I look at the number of young Christian leaders and the character that they show,” he added. Equally encouraging has been the response of the global church: “Rather than just coming in and doing everything, [they’re] seeing our Turkish brothers and sisters lead the way and the global church coming behind it. I think that was incredibly significant.” As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up,” encouraging local believers to persist in their service despite challenges. Asia Minor is a spiritual heartland, central to early Christian councils and rich in Christian heritage. Today, this contrast between historical significance and minority status offers opportunities for prayer, hope, and engagement—through supporting local believers, fostering interfaith dialogue, and promoting contextual mission.

Standing with Local Believers

Turkey remains a country of deep historical and spiritual significance for Christians. Local churches continue to serve, teach, and care for others despite legal, social, and bureaucratic challenges. The global Christian community is encouraged to pray for religious freedom, support local believers, and engage in ways that strengthen and encourage faithful witness in Turkey.

Please join us in prayer:

Pray for the protection, encouragement, and growth of Christian communities in Turkey.
Pray for wisdom and discernment for church leaders and believers navigating legal and social challenges.
Pray for peaceful dialogue and understanding between different religious and ethnic groups.
Pray for Turkey’s leaders to make just decisions that uphold human rights, religious freedom, and social stability.

Sources:

https://apnews.com/article/c339f71bf029f36b1091ee31c9f0171a

https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-africa-libya-turkey-e4bbea58437ed3d57ece429cc1c6c282

https://apnews.com/article/turkey-syria-military-cooperation-agreement-weapons-equipment-eb0f17f99c15b413cafdac997bbdf346

https://asylumineurope.org/reports/country/turkiye/content-temporary-protection/housing/

https://carleton.ca/eetn/2025/strategic-autonomy-and-the-deepening-turkiye-russia-relationship/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Homeland_%28Mavi_Vatan%29

https://joshuaproject.net/countries/TU

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18274/tu

https://nordicmonitor.com/2025/09/turkish-government-urged-to-give-intelligence-training-to-state-funded-students-abroad/

https://stockholmcf.org/turkish-minimum-wage-covers-just-a-quarter-of-basic-living-costs/

https://visitturkey.in/christianity-in-turkey-a-journey-through-time/