HRP: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
IRF: Annual Reports to Congress on International Religious Freedom
FREEDOM OF RELIGION
IRF 2000
The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the Government generally
respects this right in practice; however, it imposes some restrictions
on religious minorities and on Muslim religious expression in government
offices and state-run institutions, including universities. The Constitution
establishes Turkey as a secular state and provides for freedom of belief,
freedom of worship, and the private dissemination of religious ideas. However,
these rights are restricted by constitutional provisions ensuring the integrity
and existence of the State, and rejecting "discrimination on the basis
of religion."
IRF 2001
The Baha'i community has
also faced problems with the police, including the January 2001 arrest
of two men (one American) for allegedly proselytizing in Sivas. The men
were released immediately, pending an investigation.
HRP 2001
At year's end, two university professors at Sivas' Cumhuriyet University
faced expulsion for allegedly ignoring official duties due to Baha'i related
activities.
BAHA'I COMMUNITY
HRP 2000
IRF 2000-01
About 99 percent of the population are Muslim, primarily Sunni. There are
several non-Muslim religious minority groups; most are concentrated in
Istanbul and other large cities. There are approximately...10,000 Baha'is....
CONFISCATION OF PROPERTY
HRP 2001
IRF 2001
In February 2001, the Baha'i community lost a legal appeal against government
expropriation of a sacred site near Edirne, and brought the case to the
High Administrative Court. The Ministry of Culture had granted cultural
heritage status to the site in 1993, but in January 2000, the Baha'i community
was notified by the Ministry of Education that the property had been expropriated
for future use by the adjacent primary school. The Ministry has deposited
funds in the Baha'i community's bank account for the expropriated property
but the Baha'i are continuing to fight the expropriation.
HRP 2000
IRF 2000
The Baha'i community currently is fighting a legal battle against government
expropriation of a sacred Baha'i site near Edirne.... The court process
is continuing, and the local administration court in Edirne recently rescinded
its temporary stay of execution, which technically allows the Ministry
of Education to implement expropriation. However, the Baha'i appeal of
the expropriation process continues.
SOCIETAL ATTITUDES
HRP 2001
IRF 2001
In January a local imam in Sivas criticized proselytizing by members of
the Baha'i faith. In his public remarks, he read a Koranic verse
alluding to those "whose killing is necessary." The Baha'i have pressed
charges against the imam.