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Religious Freedom and Systemic Discrimination in Turkiye - A Decade after the Failed Coup Attempt
Journalists and Writers Foundation JWFReligious Freedom and Systemic Discrimination in Turkiye - July 2026 Since the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, religious freedom in Turkey has sharply declined. Targeted measures against followers of the Hizmet Movement and late Mr. Fethullah Gülen have fueled discrimination and social division. Instead of applying restrictions neutrally, authorities have treated religious affiliation and intellectual association as indicators of criminality. This approach has deepened polarization, led to social exclusion, and damaged community cohesion. Religious texts and writings linked to Hizmet havRead moreShow less
Religious Freedom and Systemic Discrimination in Turkiye - July 2026
Since the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, religious freedom in Turkey has sharply declined. Targeted measures against followers of the Hizmet Movement and late Mr. Fethullah Gülen have fueled discrimination and social division.
Instead of applying restrictions neutrally, authorities have treated religious affiliation and intellectual association as indicators of criminality. This approach has deepened polarization, led to social exclusion, and damaged community cohesion.
Religious texts and writings linked to Hizmet have been used as evidence in terrorism-related prosecutions, despite containing no incitement to violence. Possessing or studying such materials has led to investigations and arrests.
Official rhetoric and pro-government media have portrayed Hizmet followers as traitors or enemies within. This language has normalized social hostility, resulting in discrimination in workplaces, neighborhoods, and families. Mosques and Friday sermons are now used to reinforce political loyalty and stigmatize certain communities, turning places of worship into tools of social division—undermining both religious integrity and public trust.
Detainees associated with Hizmet face restrictions on religious practices, access to materials, and spiritual support. In some cases, discriminatory treatment has led to serious harm or loss of life. Religious freedom is fundamental for justice and social harmony. Protecting the rights of all communities ensures a more tolerant, peaceful society—today and for the future.
Read more at https://jwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JWF-Report-A-Decade-After-the-Failed-Coup-Attempt-in-Turkiye-July-15-2016.pdf
Since the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, religious freedom in Turkey has sharply declined. Targeted measures against followers of the Hizmet Movement and late Mr. Fethullah Gülen have fueled discrimination and social division.
Instead of applying restrictions neutrally, authorities have treated religious affiliation and intellectual association as indicators of criminality. This approach has deepened polarization, led to social exclusion, and damaged community cohesion.
Religious texts and writings linked to Hizmet have been used as evidence in terrorism-related prosecutions, despite containing no incitement to violence. Possessing or studying such materials has led to investigations and arrests.
Official rhetoric and pro-government media have portrayed Hizmet followers as traitors or enemies within. This language has normalized social hostility, resulting in discrimination in workplaces, neighborhoods, and families. Mosques and Friday sermons are now used to reinforce political loyalty and stigmatize certain communities, turning places of worship into tools of social division—undermining both religious integrity and public trust.
Detainees associated with Hizmet face restrictions on religious practices, access to materials, and spiritual support. In some cases, discriminatory treatment has led to serious harm or loss of life. Religious freedom is fundamental for justice and social harmony. Protecting the rights of all communities ensures a more tolerant, peaceful society—today and for the future.
Read more at https://jwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JWF-Report-A-Decade-After-the-Failed-Coup-Attempt-in-Turkiye-July-15-2016.pdf
