Christian persecution intensifies after coup in Turkey

Once home to Christianity, Turkey has less than 120,000 Christians today.

As Turkey recovers from a massive coup attempt, it is Christians who pay the price.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Muslim attacks on Christians have increased, since the July 15 coup attempt.

Since the coup, there has been a resurgence of Sunni religious fervor. Turkish Imams have daily recited the Selah prayer, which is used to announce a death. The prayer is a rallying call for fellow Sunnis, petitioning them to strengthen their religious resolve.

That increased resolve is being expressed as militant behavior. Recently, a Protestant church set up in a storefront had its glass smashed out by Turkish protestors loyal to the national regime. That regime is headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan is relatively secular, but he is also practical and he knows that Islamic religious fervor is on the rise. It's natural for him to position himself as a friend to the nation's Sunnis.

He also has some authority because mosques are supported by the government. That government support means the Imams share pro-government messages with the people, usually provided by a government agency.

While Turkey has long been regarded as moderate and modern, the nation appears ready to regress. Frenzied Muslims have attacked Christian churches before, even killing members. A year ago, a Catholic priest was shot in the head as he knelt in prayer, his 16-year-old killed shouting "Allahu Ackbar!" as he committed the atrocity.

Christians are becoming convenient scapegoats.

At one time Turkey was the heart of the Christian world. The Hagia Sophia was originally a Christian church. Today there is talk of turning it from a museum into a mosque.

Christians are coming under increased threat as Turks backlash against the coup attempt and all outsiders.

At one time, Turkey was home to over two million Christians. Today, there are just 120,000 left.

There are more Christians in Iran.

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