99% of the Turkish population is Moslem. However, everyone in Turkey has freedom of religion and beliefs. The first phases in the introduction of secularism were the abolition of the Caliphate and the Ministry of Sheria and Pious Foundations on March 4th, 1924, followed by the introduction of separate educational and judicial systems, the hat reform, the closure of dervish retreats and religious sects, the acceptance of a Sunday weekend holiday rather than the Moslem Friday and finally the adoption of the principle of secularism in the constitution on 1937. In secular Turkey, all religious affairs are carried out by a central government organisation affiliated to the Prime Ministry, namely the Department of Religious Affairs.
Religious Monuments
| Akdamar Church |
| Aya Irini |
| Ayasophia |
| Hacibayram Mosque |
| Kariye Church |
| Saint Claus |
| Selimiye Mosque |
| Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque |
| Süleymaniye Mosque |
| Sümela Monastry |
| The Dark Church |