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Turkey’s journey to Islam is a fascinating tale, interwoven with the rise and fall of empires, religious conversions, and cultural transformations While Islam is the dominant faith in Turkey today, the land has witnessed a rich tapestry of religions throughout its history Let’s delve into this captivating story, exploring the timeline of Islam’s arrival and its impact on the region.
The Pre-Islamic Era: A Land of Diverse Beliefs
Before the arrival of Islam the region now known as Turkey was a melting pot of religions. The ancient Anatolian civilizations, such as the Hittites and Phrygians, practiced polytheistic religions, worshipping a pantheon of gods and goddesses. With the rise of the Roman Empire, Christianity began to spread throughout the region becoming the dominant faith by the 4th century CE.
However, the religious landscape remained diverse, with communities of Jews, Zoroastrians, and pagans coexisting alongside Christians. This cultural and religious mosaic reflected the region’s strategic location at the crossroads of civilizations
The Arrival of Islam: A New Era Begins
Islam first arrived in Turkey in the seventh century CE, during the Rashidun Caliphate’s rule. Under the command of Khalid ibn al-Walid, the Arab armies ravaged the area, capturing Byzantine lands and bringing Islam to the Anatolian lands.
The Battle of Yarmuk in 636 CE marked a turning point, as the Byzantine forces were decisively defeated, paving the way for further Islamic expansion. By the 8th century, Islam had gained a significant foothold in Anatolia, with major cities like Damascus and Aleppo becoming centers of Islamic learning and culture.
The Seljuk Empire: Spreading Islam and Shaping Culture
The Central Asian nomadic Seljuk Turks were crucial to the spread of Islam and the development of Turkish culture. They moved westward in the eleventh century, driving the Byzantines out of vast areas of Anatolia.
The Seljuks embraced Islam and actively promoted its spread throughout their territories. They built mosques, established religious institutions, and encouraged the conversion of local populations. Islamic literature, art, and architecture flourished during the Seljuk era, leaving a profound mark on Turkish culture.
The Ottoman Empire: Islam as the State Religion
The Ottoman Empire, which emerged from the ashes of the Seljuk Empire, further solidified Islam’s position as the dominant religion in Turkey. The Ottomans, who viewed themselves as the protectors of Islam, actively promoted the faith and expanded their empire based on Islamic principles.
While there was some religious tolerance for non-Muslims during the Ottoman era, they were still viewed as second-class citizens. Their religious practices were frequently restricted, and they were subject to special taxes and regulations.
The Rise of Secularism and Modern Turkey
Turkey saw a significant change following World War I with the fall of the Ottoman Empire. The father of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, initiated a number of changes with the goal of secularizing the government and building a contemporary, Western-style country.
As part of these reforms, Islam was stripped of its official status, religious courts were abolished, and the wearing of religious attire in public places was banned. The state took control of religious institutions and education, aiming to create a society free from religious influence.
The Present Day: A Complex Religious Landscape
Turkey is still primarily a Muslim nation today, and many people’s lives are greatly impacted by Islam. But the religious landscape of the nation is much more nuanced than being categorized as “Islamic.” “.
There is a growing diversity of religious beliefs and practices in Turkey. While Sunni Islam remains the dominant faith, there are significant communities of Alevis, Christians, Jews, and other religious groups. Additionally, there is a growing number of secular and non-religious individuals in Turkey.
Turkey’s journey to Islam is a testament to the complex interplay of religion, politics, and culture. From the early Arab conquests to the rise and fall of empires, Islam has left an indelible mark on the region. Today, Turkey’s religious landscape reflects its rich history and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity.
Call to prayer in Turkey
One way that observant Muslims show their devotion is by praying throughout the day.
Every Turkish city has mosque speakers that resound the call to prayer five times a day, announcing the tenets of Islam and reminding believers to offer prayers. The first one occurs just before dawn and reminds the devout that “prayer is better than sleep. ” ”.
When they hear the call, practicing Muslims stop what they’re doing, kneel facing Mecca, and pray. Although non-Muslims are not expected to partake in this, there are some social graces you should follow when engaging with those who do:
- Avoid standing in front of anyone who is praying
- Stay silent during the call
- Respect worshippers’ personal space and don’t snap photos of them.
Every year, Muslims all over the world observe Ramadan, which is a month-long period of fasting that usually falls in May or June and is also known as Ramazan in Turkey. (The actual dates vary according to the Islamic lunar calendar. Participants fast from sunrise to sunset, consuming nothing but food and water to break their fast during the festive iftar meal.
Özkan claims that fasting “is a kind of praying,” and that people who fast intentionally “kind of starve” themselves to promote empathy. “They are trying to understand what poor people feel. Otherwise, how can we understand that?”.
No one expects visiting foreigners to fast – many Turks don’t. However, you can be mindful and avoid eating and drinking in public during the day if you happen to be traveling during Ramadan in any Muslim country, or even in a neighborhood or community where the majority of the population is Muslim. Opt for indoor seating in restaurants and if you need water, sip it discreetly. Try the special bread, dates, and other treats that are typically served during the meal by visiting restaurants at dusk.
Eating and drinking in Turkey
Even though Islam has certain dietary laws, these are unlikely to have an impact on tourists, particularly in big cities like Istanbul.
Pork is not widely available and very few restaurants serve it. Alcohol, on the other hand, is, even though Islam technically prohibits intoxicants.
That being said, Özkan suggests having “clear limits” when you are drinking in public. Remain as close to your hotel as you can, and remember that no one likes to deal with drunken, misbehaving foreigners.
How the Turks became Muslim
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