Turkey has deported or denied re-entry to over 350 foreign Christians and their families since 2020. These actions were carried out under two internal security codes, N-82 and G-87, issued by the Ministry of Interior. Legal experts and human rights groups argue that these codes are used without formal charges or evidence, raising concerns about religious freedom in the country.
Impact on Protestant Churches and Christian Leaders
The widespread use of these security codes has left Protestant congregations without foreign pastoral leadership. Many of these communities, especially in urban centers, depend heavily on non-Turkish pastors. ADF International reported that the bans have affected citizens from the U.S., U.K., Germany, South Korea, and several Latin American and European countries.
Legal Challenges and Court Rulings Raise Alarm
In June 2025, Turkey’s Constitutional Court rejected the appeal of nine foreign Christians contesting their N-82 designations. The ruling publicly identified them, prompting local media to portray them as hostile missionaries. Online reactions included death threats and calls for violence, alarming international observers. Meanwhile, the Wiest v. Türkiye case before the European Court of Human Rights involves a U.S. citizen banned from returning after living legally in Turkey for three decades.
Growing Restrictions on Religious Freedom in Turkey
While Turkey’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, rights groups claim that Christians face growing restrictions. ADF International noted that Protestant seminaries are unrecognized, the Halki Seminary remains closed, and Bible education is prohibited. These limitations stand in contrast to state-supported Islamic theological education.
Churches Face Vandalism and Loss of Worship Spaces
Beyond administrative bans, Christian congregations report physical threats and property damage. Churches in Kayseri, Bahçelievler, and ?zmir experienced repeated vandalism and threats throughout 2024. The Bursa Protestant community was reportedly stripped of access to its worship facility. Supporters of the government claim these measures protect national security, while critics warn they suppress minority faiths under vague pretexts.
Source:
Turkey Expels Foreign Christians, Calling Them ‘National Security Threats’
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