religion
Turkey is a secular state and Parliamentary Republic, meaning that the state is not governed according to religious principles and purports to be officially neutral in matters of religion and social equality. However, the following states otherwise as Turkey is a country of extreme religious discrimination.
MUSLIM / SUNNISM
Practically all funds are allocated to the Sunnis, barely any for Alevis and the few Christians remaining have faced many problems both with authorities as well as society.Turkey abolished the caliphate (Spiritual leader of Islam) in 1924, nationalized religious foundations and placed heavy restrictions upon religious education. With an estimated 78% of Turkish citizens following the Muslim faith, there are the 22% that follow other religions, such as; Christianity, Judaism and more. This states that most of the country abides by one religion, and doesn't support the few citizens that have their faith elsewhere.
CHRISTIANITY
Turkey is one of the main regions of early Christianity. It was in Antakya that the term "Christians" was used for the very first time. Many of the earliest Christian figures were born here, such as the Apostle Paul of Tarsus, Timothy, St. Nicholas (Santa Claus), etc. All of the first seven Ecumenical Councils which are recognized by both the Western and Eastern churches were held in what today is Turkey, and the Nicene Creed, which defines many of the fundamentals to Christian theology, is from what today is Iznik. However, Christianity (which has deep roots in Turkey) has been brutally diminished over the centuries, mainly by harsh campaigns in the 20th century.
JUDAISM
The history of Judaism in Turkey goes back at least 2,400 years. Today, the Jewish community counts about 25,000, most of whom live in Istanbul. This particular religion is supported by the country more than Christianity and Avelism due to its memorable history.
FACT: An old Turkish tradition says, "a stranger at ones doorstep is Gods guest for at least three days".
MUSLIM / SUNNISM
Practically all funds are allocated to the Sunnis, barely any for Alevis and the few Christians remaining have faced many problems both with authorities as well as society.Turkey abolished the caliphate (Spiritual leader of Islam) in 1924, nationalized religious foundations and placed heavy restrictions upon religious education. With an estimated 78% of Turkish citizens following the Muslim faith, there are the 22% that follow other religions, such as; Christianity, Judaism and more. This states that most of the country abides by one religion, and doesn't support the few citizens that have their faith elsewhere.
CHRISTIANITY
Turkey is one of the main regions of early Christianity. It was in Antakya that the term "Christians" was used for the very first time. Many of the earliest Christian figures were born here, such as the Apostle Paul of Tarsus, Timothy, St. Nicholas (Santa Claus), etc. All of the first seven Ecumenical Councils which are recognized by both the Western and Eastern churches were held in what today is Turkey, and the Nicene Creed, which defines many of the fundamentals to Christian theology, is from what today is Iznik. However, Christianity (which has deep roots in Turkey) has been brutally diminished over the centuries, mainly by harsh campaigns in the 20th century.
JUDAISM
The history of Judaism in Turkey goes back at least 2,400 years. Today, the Jewish community counts about 25,000, most of whom live in Istanbul. This particular religion is supported by the country more than Christianity and Avelism due to its memorable history.
FACT: An old Turkish tradition says, "a stranger at ones doorstep is Gods guest for at least three days".
ethnicity
As of 2007, the population of Turkey stood at 70.5 million with a growth rate of 1.04% per annum. It is estimated that there is now 80,700,000 individuals that live in Turkey. Turkish individuals being at 70-75% of population, Kurdish 18%, other minorities 7-12% (2008 est.). The Turkish population is relatively young with 25.5% falling within the 0-15 age bracket. There are more than 1 million people of non-Turkish descent, about 1 million of whom are foreign residents.
Ethnic groups in Turkey range from Turks, Kurds, Pontians, Arabs, Armenians, Syriacs, Circassians, Lazs, Converts from Christianity and Judaism and Roma people.
Ethnic groups in Turkey range from Turks, Kurds, Pontians, Arabs, Armenians, Syriacs, Circassians, Lazs, Converts from Christianity and Judaism and Roma people.
language
The official language of Turkey is Turkish, however there are other languages used, such as; Kurdish, Greek, and other minority languages such as the English language, which is used by 17% of the population as it is believed to be the second language in Turkey.
life expectancy
2013 Estimate
Total population: 73 -74 years
Male: 71 - 72 years
Female: 75 - 76 years
Total population: 73 -74 years
Male: 71 - 72 years
Female: 75 - 76 years
infant mortality rate
2013 Estimate:
Total: 22.23 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 23.29 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 21.12 deaths/1,000 live births
3.5% of children in Turkey are classified as underweight. This is one of the many issues that lead to early deaths of children.
Total: 22.23 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 23.29 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 21.12 deaths/1,000 live births
3.5% of children in Turkey are classified as underweight. This is one of the many issues that lead to early deaths of children.