What is the main religion practiced in Turkey?
Turkey is predominantly Muslim, with approximately 90% of the population practicing Islam, primarily Sunni. The remaining 10% practice Sufism, Christianity, Judaism, or other faiths.
Islam, the dominant religion
Approximately 90% of the Turkish population declares itself Muslim, making Islam the overwhelmingly majority religion. Most Turkish Muslims follow the Sunni tradition, which represents the main branch of Islam in the country.
Religious minorities
The remaining 10% of the population is divided among several faiths:
- Sufism: a mystical current of Islam
- Christianity: historical presence with Orthodox, Armenian and Catholic communities
- Judaism: Sephardic community mainly in Istanbul
- Other religious minorities in smaller numbers
Key points about Turkish secularism
Although predominantly Muslim, Turkey has been officially a secular state since 1928. This secularism influences religious practice and the coexistence of different faiths on the territory.