Religious Minorities In Turkey: Alevi, Armenian... May 2026

: Their faith is a distinct and mystical interpretation of Islam, fusing elements of Shia Islam, Sufism, and ancient Anatolian traditions.

: In practice, the Turkish state officially recognizes only Greeks, Armenians, and Jews as minorities under this treaty. Religious Minorities in Turkey: Alevi, Armenian...

The state does not officially recognize Cemevis as places of worship, often categorizing them as "cultural centers," which deprives them of public funding and benefits. : Their faith is a distinct and mystical

: Large communities like Alevis , as well as Syriacs, Roman Catholics, and Protestants, are not formally recognized as minorities, which limits their access to certain institutional rights and state funding. Major Minority Groups 1. The Alevis: The Largest Minority fusing elements of Shia Islam