USCIRF Conversation: Threats to Religious Sites in Turkey

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

USCIRF Conversation: Threats to Religious Sites in Turkey

Tuesday, November 28, 2023
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Virtual Event

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) hosted a virtual event that discussed the findings of USCIRF’s new report examining threats to religious sites in Turkey, including places of worship, religious institutions, and cemeteries.

While the number and severity of violent attacks targeting religious sites—such as bombings and other terrorist methods—have decreased over the last decade, there has not been a similar decline in incidents of vandalism and the destruction of religious properties. The research demonstrates denominational differences in the threats and attacks faced by various religious communities in Turkey and evaluates the geographic variation in attitudes towards these communities and their religious sites. Although efforts by the Turkish government and local authorities to restore select religious heritage sites represent an important positive step, such projects remain limited.

USCIRF Commissioners David Curry and Susie Gelman were joined by the author of the report, Coordinator of the Anti-Defamation League’s Task Force on Middle East Minorities Dr. Tuğba Tanyeri-Erdemir, for this discussion. The event was moderated by USCIRF Supervisory Policy Analyst Keely Bakken and included Q&A from attendees.

Panelists

• David Curry, Commissioner, USCIRF
• Susie Gelman, Commissioner, USCIRF
• Tuğba Tanyeri-Erdemir, Task Force on Middle East Minorities Coordinator, Anti-Defamation League

Moderator

• Keely Bakken, Supervisory Policy Analyst, USCIRF

This virtual event is open to the public and media. The video recording will be posted on the Commission website. For any additional questions, please contact [email protected].