1 in 8 Christians Worldwide Persecuted ‘Because of Faith in Jesus’

Turkey's involvement in the Syrian Civil War, specifically under Islamist President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has raised significant concerns for Christian communities in Syria. In December, the al-Qaeda offshoot Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) emerged victorious in the war, which led to dictator Bashar Assad's escape, largely due to the support from the Turkish government. This new Islamist regime poses risks as it has rejected secular governance, even though it has pledged to protect ethnic and religious minorities. Observers fear that Erdogan's ambitions may lead to increased marginalization and persecution of Christians in the region, particularly aligning with historically hostile Islamist factions. The situation requires vigilant international oversight to safeguard the rights of Christians and prevent further persecution. Moreover, Turkey's strategy in Syria is not only politically motivated but also reflects Erdogan's broader ambitions of enhancing Turkey's regional influence, which may compromise minority rights. Erdogan's neo-Ottoman vision instills fear among Christian populations, emphasizing the need for global attention to this emerging crisis. As external influences and political dynamics evolve, it becomes crucial to monitor the interaction between Turkey, HTS, and other Islamist groups, given their potential threat to vulnerable communities like Syrian Christians, who have historically faced various forms of oppression based on political shifts and foreign interventions. Without strategic and proactive measures from the international community, these groups may promote an environment where Christians feel increasingly endangered and unsupported in their own homeland.