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Worship for Expatriates Living in Turkey and Istanbul<\/h2>\n

Turkey is a country that is 99.8% Muslim. That should be a consideration for anyone planning to relocate to Istanbul. The Islam religion has many traditions and practices that must be respected by the ex-pat.<\/p>\n

One example is the Kurban Bayrami, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. Kurban Bayrami is a significant four-day festival in Turkey. During this festival, sheep and goats are sacrificed in the streets. The poor citizens receive meat from these sacrifices. In most villages, there are fenced areas for the sheep and goats to be held until the time of sacrifice. There may be an excess of blood on the roads and the smell of blood. It is not for the fainthearted. Whilst we may not agree with this custom, we must respect it.<\/p>\n

The call to prayer is another daily aspect of Islam. Every mosque has loudspeakers attached to the minarets. The sounds of the ezan<\/i> or call to prayer echo from the minarets five times a day. This call reminds the faithful to attend prayer at their local mosque. At prayer time, foreigners are not allowed to visit the mosques.<\/p>\n

Hagia Sophia<\/h3>\n

This mosque is the most important in Istanbul for its history and architecture. It was first built as a church by the Roman Empire but was later converted into a mosque in 1453 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. In 1935 it became a museum. In 2020 it returned to being a mosque.<\/p>\n

The Blue Mosque<\/h3>\n

Not far from Hagia Sophia is the magnificent Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Camii. Its spectacular interior of blue tiles is a prime example of Turkish Islamic architecture. It is also famous for its six minarets.<\/p>\n

Suleymaniye Mosque<\/h3>\n

Built in 1550 by the famed architect Sinan, this mosque is another example of Turkish Islamic architecture and has four minarets. Located in Fatih, it has gardens and views over the Golden Horn.<\/p>\n

Whilst Islam is the dominant religion, Turkey is a secular country that practices freedom of religion. There is a Christian community as well as Armenian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox and Jews.<\/p>\n

Catholics<\/h3>\n

In Istanbul, there are a few Catholic churches.<\/p>\n