Turkish President Erdogan Inaugurates First Syriac Church in Istanbul, Celebrating Interfaith Harmony
Photo: Reuters
In a momentous occasion marking an important step in the direction of religious diversity and interfaith harmony, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inaugurated the first Syriac church in Istanbul on Sunday. The event was a testament to the coexistence of different communities within the secular and predominantly Muslim republic of Turkey, which was founded in 1923. President Erdogan was present to personally oversee the inauguration of the church, which has been constructed for the Syriac Christian community, an ancient Christian sect that has its roots in the territories of modern-day Turkey and Syria. This event is historically significant as it is the first time a church has been officially opened since the founding of the Turkish Republic. In his address at the ceremony, President Erdogan lauded the coexistence of various religious and ethnic communities in Turkey, emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity. He stated, “This church is a symbol of our country’s centuries-old culture of coexistence. We do not only tolerate the diversity among us but also appreciate and cherish it.”
The construction of the Syriac church comes amidst a backdrop of international concerns about religious freedom in Turkey. Critics have often pointed out the dire state of religious minorities in the country. However, this move by the Turkish government appears to be a step towards improving its record on religious rights and fostering a more inclusive society. The church, named Mor Efrem Syriac Orthodox Church, is located in the Yesilkoy neighborhood in Istanbul. The decision to build the church was taken in 2015, and it serves as a place of worship for the approximately 17,000 Syriac Christians residing in Istanbul. The Syriac community, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, has had a significant presence in what is now modern Turkey for centuries. However, their numbers have dwindled over the decades due to various factors, including migration and unrest in the region. The inauguration of the Syriac church in Istanbul is a notable event in the recent history of Turkey. It sends a powerful message about the importance of respecting and acknowledging religious diversity in a country that has been traditionally dominated by one faith. This move by President Erdogan and the Turkish government is expected to foster a sense of belonging among the Syriac community and other religious minorities in Turkey. Furthermore, it contributes to the broader discussion on religious freedom and tolerance in today’s world. While the inauguration of the Syriac church is a positive step, it remains to be seen how it will affect the overall state of religious freedom in Turkey. Critics argue that more comprehensive measures are needed to ensure the rights of religious minorities in the country. The inauguration of the first Syriac church in Istanbul under the auspices of President Erdogan is a significant event, marking a milestone in the country’s journey towards religious diversity and inclusion. It is a testament to the potential for peaceful coexistence of different faiths in a predominantly Muslim society and serves as a beacon of hope for religious minorities. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, unity in diversity can thrive and prosper.
By Cora Sulleyman
