A new, comprehensive academic study is reshaping the debate over religion in Türkiye, finding that belief in God remains deeply rooted in society despite changes in religious practices.
Led by Marmara University Associate Professor Zübeyir Nişancı, the research draws on extensive data from the Türkiye General Social Survey Project, offering one of the most detailed snapshots of religiosity in the country to date.
According to the study, 94% of society believes in God. A portion of the remainder is skeptical, while approximately 4% are closer to atheism, deism or agnosticism. Nişancı noted that “atheism and deism are not as widespread as often portrayed in public debate,” emphasizing the need for careful interpretation of such trends.
Rather than signaling a decline in faith, the findings point to a more nuanced reality: belief remains strong, even as religious practice varies. About one-quarter of respondents said they believe in God but do not regularly engage in worship—something experts caution should not be misinterpreted as non-belief.
Nişancı also stressed that generational differences are complex and should not be oversimplified. “It is not accurate to say that younger generations are less religious overall,” he said.
Amid ongoing public debate, the study underscores a clear conclusion: faith continues to play a strong and enduring role in social life in Türkiye.
You can read the full report in Daily Sabah here:
