Turkey
Religious beliefs in Turkey
Islam is the major religion in Turkey. About 97.4% of the Turkish population is Muslim, a majority of whom belong to the Sunni branch of Islam. A sizable minority is affiliated with the Alevi sect. The rest of the population practices various forms of Christianity (Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, Syriac Orthodox, Chaldean Catholic, Church of the East), Judaism and Yezidism. There are many atheists as well.
Turkey is a strongly secular country and the military has often guarded the secular system, even getting involved in politics to do so. The state has no official religion and the constitution recognizes freedom of religion for individuals. It also states that religion cannot be a part of the political process or education so religious parties and faith-based schools are banned. However, religious sensibilities are generally represented through conservative parties.
Turkey prohibits by law the wearing of religious headscarf and theo-political symbolic garments for both genders in government buildings, schools, and universities.
