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(Created page with "{{Country | country_name = Republic of Türkiye | continent = Asia, Europe | region = Anatolia, Southeast Europe | historical_region = Asia Minor | area_sq_km = 783562 | population = 83000000 | catholic_population = 30000 | catholic_percentage = 0.04 | catholicism_status = Minority religion, Islam dominant (99%) | official_languages = Turkish | capital_city = Ankara | date_catholicism_introduced = 1st century AD | ecclesiastical_provinces_count = 2 | dioces...") |
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'''Turkey''', officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a transcontinental nation spanning 783,562 km² across Anatolia in West Asia and Southeast Europe, with a population of | '''Turkey''', officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a transcontinental nation spanning approximately 783,562 km² across Anatolia in West Asia and Southeast Europe, with a population of about 83 million as of 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey: Country Summary |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/turkey/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2022-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Its official language is Turkish, and its economy relies on manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The [[Catholic Church]], with approximately 30,000 Catholics (0.04%) as of 2022, is a small minority in a predominantly Muslim country (99% Islam), with Catholicism introduced in the 1st century AD during the apostolic era.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Turkey |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/TR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> The Church’s historical significance is profound, with sites like the [[Hagia Sophia]] and devotion to [[Saint John the Evangelist]] and [[Saint Polycarp]] shaping Turkey’s Christian heritage. | ||
== Geography == | == Geography == | ||
Turkey spans 783,562 km², straddling Asia and Europe, bordered by [[Greece]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Georgia]], [[Armenia]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Iran]], [[Iraq]], and [[Syria]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/turkey/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date= | Turkey spans 783,562 km², straddling Asia and Europe, bordered by [[Greece]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Georgia]], [[Armenia]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Iran]], [[Iraq]], and [[Syria]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey: Geography |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/turkey/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2022-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Its diverse climate ranges from Mediterranean to continental, supporting agriculture and tourism. Major cities like [[Istanbul]], [[Ankara]], and [[Izmir]] host Catholic communities, with Istanbul’s [[Hagia Sophia]] and [[St. Anthony of Padua Church]] serving as key religious sites. The country’s strategic location has historically facilitated Christian pilgrimage routes to [[Ephesus]] and [[Antioch]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Asia Minor |author=New Advent |publisher=Robert Appleton Company |year=1913 |isbn=}}</ref> | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
Turkey’s history spans ancient civilizations, the Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire, with modern statehood established in 1923 after the Ottoman collapse.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ | Turkey’s history spans ancient civilizations, the Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire, with modern statehood established in 1923 after the Ottoman collapse.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Turkey |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Turkey |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-15 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Christianity, including Catholicism, emerged in the 1st century AD in Asia Minor, with early Christian communities in [[Antioch]], [[Ephesus]], and [[Smyrna]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Christianity in Turkey |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Turkey |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> The Catholic Church faced decline under Ottoman rule and secular policies post-1923 but persists through Latin, Armenian, and Chaldean rites. | ||
== Demographics == | == Demographics == | ||
Turkey’s population is approximately 83 million, with 99% Muslim, primarily Sunni.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/turkey/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date= | Turkey’s population is approximately 83 million as of 2022, with 99% Muslim, primarily Sunni.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey: People and Society |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/turkey/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2022-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Catholics number approximately 30,000 (0.04%), including Latin, Armenian, and Chaldean communities, concentrated in Istanbul and eastern regions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Turkey |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/TR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Ethnic groups include Turks (70–75%), Kurds, and minorities like Armenians. Secularization and emigration challenge Catholic growth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Turkey |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/06/15/religion-in-turkey/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> | ||
== Catholic church == | == Catholic church == | ||
The [[Catholic Church in Turkey]] comprises two ecclesiastical provinces and eight dioceses, serving approximately 30,000 Catholics, led by | The [[Catholic Church in Turkey]] comprises two ecclesiastical provinces and eight dioceses, serving approximately 30,000 Catholics, led by Archbishop [[Martin Kmetec]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Turkey |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/TR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> The Church includes Latin, Armenian, and Chaldean rites, with parishes in Istanbul, Izmir, and eastern Turkey. It operates schools and charities through [[Caritas Turkey]]. | ||
=== Structure === | === Structure === | ||
The Church is organized into two ecclesiastical provinces, aligned with Istanbul and Izmir.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic | The Church is organized into two ecclesiastical provinces, aligned with Istanbul and Izmir.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Turkey |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/TR.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Dioceses include: | ||
* **Province of Istanbul**: | * **Province of Istanbul**: | ||
* [[Archdiocese of Istanbul]] (Istanbul) | * [[Archdiocese of Istanbul]] (Istanbul) | ||
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== Introduction of Catholicism == | == Introduction of Catholicism == | ||
Catholicism was introduced in the 1st century AD by apostles like [[Saint Paul]] and [[Saint John the Evangelist]], with early Christian communities in [[Antioch]] and [[Ephesus]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Christianity in Turkey |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Turkey |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> The Church grew under the Byzantine Empire, with [[Constantinople]] as a major Christian center. | Catholicism was introduced in the 1st century AD by apostles like [[Saint Paul]] and [[Saint John the Evangelist]], with early Christian communities in [[Antioch]] and [[Ephesus]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Christianity in Turkey |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Turkey |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> The Church grew under the Byzantine Empire, with [[Constantinople]] as a major Christian center. | ||
== Key historical events == | == Key historical events == | ||
Milestones include the establishment of early Christian communities in the 1st century, the [[Council of Nicaea]] in 325 AD, and the conversion of the [[Hagia Sophia]] into a cathedral in 537 AD.<ref>{{Cite web |title= | Milestones include the establishment of early Christian communities in the 1st century, the [[Council of Nicaea]] in 325 AD, and the conversion of the [[Hagia Sophia]] into a cathedral in 537 AD.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hagia Sophia: A Historical Overview |url=https://www.gordonconwell.edu/blog/hagia-sophia/ |publisher=Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary |date=2020-07-29 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> The Catholic presence declined under Ottoman rule, with a revival post-1923 through the re-establishment of dioceses.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Constantinople |author=New Advent |publisher=Robert Appleton Company |year=1913 |isbn=}}</ref> | ||
== Catholicism status == | == Catholicism status == | ||
The [[Catholic Church]] is a minority religion in Turkey, with Islam dominating (99%).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/turkey/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date= | The [[Catholic Church]] is a minority religion in Turkey, with Islam dominating (99%).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey: People and Society |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/turkey/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2022-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Turkey’s secular constitution grants religious freedom, but societal Islamization limits Catholic influence. The Church maintains a presence through interfaith dialogue and historical significance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religious Freedom in Turkey |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/turkey/ |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2022-06-02 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> | ||
== Predecessor states == | == Predecessor states == | ||
Turkey emerged from the [[Ottoman Empire]], dissolved in 1922, which succeeded the Byzantine Empire and earlier Anatolian civilizations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ | Turkey emerged from the [[Ottoman Empire]], dissolved in 1922, which succeeded the Byzantine Empire and earlier Anatolian civilizations like the Hittites.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Turkey |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Turkey |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-11-15 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> The Ottoman era shaped Turkey’s multicultural and religious landscape. | ||
== Successor states == | == Successor states == | ||
Turkey remains a modern state with no successor states since its establishment in 1923.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/turkey/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date= | Turkey remains a modern state with no successor states since its establishment in 1923.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey: Country Summary |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/turkey/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2022-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> | ||
== Cultural influence == | == Cultural influence == | ||
=== Festivals and traditions === | === Festivals and traditions === | ||
Catholics celebrate [[Christmas]] and [[Easter]], often in small communities, with Latin and Eastern rite liturgies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Traditions in Turkey |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/turkey |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2022-08-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Pilgrimages to [[Ephesus]] and [[Antioch]] are significant. | Catholics celebrate [[Christmas]] and [[Easter]], often in small communities, with Latin and Eastern rite liturgies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Traditions in Turkey |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/turkey |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2022-08-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Pilgrimages to [[Ephesus]] and [[Antioch]] are significant for Catholics. | ||
=== Education and charity === | === Education and charity === | ||
The Church runs schools in Istanbul and supports charitable work through [[Caritas Turkey]], aiding refugees and the poor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Turkey |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/turkey/ |publisher=Caritas |date=2024-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> | The Church runs schools in Istanbul and supports charitable work through [[Caritas Turkey]], aiding refugees and the poor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Turkey: Our Work |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/turkey/ |publisher=Caritas |date=2024-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> These efforts align with [[Catholic Social Teaching]]. | ||
=== Art and architecture === | === Art and architecture === | ||
Catholic heritage is reflected in the [[Hagia Sophia]], originally a cathedral, and churches like [[St. Anthony of Padua Church]] in Istanbul.<ref>{{Cite web |title= | Catholic heritage is reflected in the [[Hagia Sophia]], originally a cathedral, and churches like [[St. Anthony of Padua Church]] in Istanbul.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religious Tourism in Turkey |url=https://www.advantour.com/turkey/religion.htm |publisher=Advantour |date=2023-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> | ||
== Notable Catholic sites == | == Notable Catholic sites == | ||
=== Pilgrimage sites === | === Pilgrimage sites === | ||
The [[House of the Virgin Mary]] in Ephesus and [[St. Peter’s Church]] in Antakya attract pilgrims globally.<ref>{{Cite web |title= | The [[House of the Virgin Mary]] in Ephesus and [[St. Peter’s Church]] in Antakya attract pilgrims globally.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Threats to Religious Sites in Turkey |url=https://www.uscirf.gov/reports/2023-turkey-religious-sites |publisher=U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom |date=2023-05-10 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> These sites are central to Catholic devotion. | ||
=== Historical churches === | === Historical churches === | ||
The [[Hagia Sophia]] (537 AD) and [[St. Paul Church]] in Tarsus are significant historical sites.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Report on International Religious Freedom: Turkey |url=https://www.state.gov |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2020-05-12 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> | The [[Hagia Sophia]] (537 AD) and [[St. Paul Church]] in Tarsus are significant historical sites.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Report on International Religious Freedom: Turkey |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-report-on-international-religious-freedom/turkey/ |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2020-05-12 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> | ||
== Saints and blesseds == | == Saints and blesseds == | ||
=== Patron saints === | === Patron saints === | ||
[[Saint John the Evangelist]] and [[Saint Polycarp]], celebrated for their apostolic work in Ephesus and Smyrna, are Turkey’s patron saints.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saints of Turkey |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive |publisher=Vatican |date=2023-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> | [[Saint John the Evangelist]] and [[Saint Polycarp]], celebrated for their apostolic work in Ephesus and Smyrna, are Turkey’s patron saints.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Turkey |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf |publisher=Vatican |date=2023-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> | ||
=== Associated saints and blesseds === | === Associated saints and blesseds === | ||
Saints include [[Saint Paul]], born in Tarsus, canonized in the 1st century, known for missionary work; [[Saint John the Evangelist]], died in Ephesus, canonized in the 1st century; and [[Saint Polycarp]], martyred in Smyrna in 155 AD.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saints of Turkey |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive |publisher=Vatican |date=2023-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Blessed [[Pierre Claverie]], beatified in 2018, served as a missionary in Turkey. | Saints include [[Saint Paul]], born in Tarsus, canonized in the 1st century, known for missionary work; [[Saint John the Evangelist]], died in Ephesus, canonized in the 1st century; and [[Saint Polycarp]], martyred in Smyrna in 155 AD.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Saints of Turkey |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/2023-02-10.pdf |publisher=Vatican |date=2023-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Blessed [[Pierre Claverie]], beatified in 2018, served as a missionary in Turkey.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Beatification of Pierre Claverie |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2018-12/pierre-claverie-beatification.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2018-12-08 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> | ||
== Challenges to Catholicism == | == Challenges to Catholicism == | ||
The Church faces secularization, societal Islamization, and restrictions on religious properties.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Turkey |url=https://www.state.gov |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2022-06-02 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Responses include interfaith dialogue and advocacy for religious freedom | The Church faces secularization, societal Islamization, and restrictions on religious properties.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Turkey |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/turkey/ |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2022-06-02 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> Responses include interfaith dialogue and advocacy for religious freedom through [[Caritas Turkey]]. | ||
== Social and political influence == | == Social and political influence == | ||
The Church promotes [[Catholic Social Teaching]] through education and refugee aid via [[Caritas Turkey]], with limited political influence due to its minority status.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Turkey |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/turkey/ |publisher=Caritas |date=2024-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> It supports interfaith harmony in Turkey’s secular framework. | The Church promotes [[Catholic Social Teaching]] through education and refugee aid via [[Caritas Turkey]], with limited political influence due to its minority status.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Turkey: Our Work |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/turkey/ |publisher=Caritas |date=2024-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> It supports interfaith harmony in Turkey’s secular framework. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
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== External links == | == External links == | ||
* {{Cite web |title=Turkey |url=https://www. | * {{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Turkey |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/roman-curia/en/congregations/cclergy/documents/rc_con_cclergy_doc_2023_turkey.html |publisher=Vatican |date=2023-10-01 |access-date=2025-05-18}} | ||
* {{Cite web |title= | * {{Cite web |title=Annuario Pontificio: Turkey |url=http://www.vatican.va/archive/annuario-pontificio/2024/turkey |publisher=Vatican |date=2024-01-15 |access-date=2025-05-18}} | ||