Turkey: Church property returned as elections loom

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Turkey | 22 June 2018

As reported by World Watch Monitor (WWM) on 1 June 2018, the Turkish government has returned 55 title deeds to the Syriac Orthodox Church in Mardin Province, located in the troubled southeastern region of Turkey. Although the Syriac community expressed joy at the return of the properties, they still hope to have a further 55 title deeds returned. These were confiscated through Turkish state land reforms over the past six years, as reported a year ago by WWM on 17 July 2017. Michael Bosch, persecution analyst at World Watch Research, comments: "This move by the government has to be seen in connection with the upcoming elections on 24 June 2018. Although the return of the properties received little attention within Turkey, it is a matter of concern for the European Parliament. It was only in February 2018 that the EU adopted a resolution condemning the confiscation of the church properties, as reported upon by Barnabas Fund on 15 February 2018. The move is consequently to be understood as a gesture towards the Western countries at a time when the Turkish governments is keen to organize political rallies in many Western European countries". Michael Bosch continues: "In the meantime, Turkey proceeds with military operations in Syria in an alleged final blow against the Kurdish forces (PKK) as reported by Al-Monitor on 15 June 2018. This step is definitely aimed at showing the Turkish people - in the last few days before the elections - that Erdogan is the strong leader protecting the country. Erdogan needs to make this message clear as opposition leaders are trying to gain momentum. However, Erdogan"s ruling AKP-party already changed the election rules in their favor, according to Al-Monitor reporting on 15 March 2018. Even if Erdogan did lose the presidential or parliamentary elections, there is very real fear that he would find other ways to remain in power. The judiciary has been replaced with AKP-loyalists, for example, which could open up possibilities for cancelling the election results. Nevertheless, for the first time in more than 15 years, Erdogan faces real opposition. This loss of support has been helped by the Lira dropping in value over the last months. Many are hoping that the elections will bring change - including change for religious freedom and liberty in Turkey in general."