ICC Note:

Middle East Concern mobilizes prayer for Turkish Christians and reports on the four main provisions and the limitations of a Turkish government decree concerning property confiscated from officially recognized non-Muslim religious groups.

9/6/2011 Turkey (Middle East Concern) – On 27th August the government published a decree concerning property confiscated from officially recognised non-Muslim religious groups (specifically, the Jewish, Armenian and Greek Orthodox communities).

The decree has four main provisions. First, the restitution of property registered in 1936 and subsequently confiscated. Second, the return of the management of cemeteries. Third, the restitution of deeded properties (such as monasteries and schools) which were never recognized by the authorities as religious sites. Fourth, just financial compensation in cases where property has been sold, demolished or disposed of by Turkish state parties. There is a one year period for claims to be submitted.

This is a positive development and has been welcomed by Turkish Christians. However, there are significant limitations.

For example, this decree only applies to properties confiscated after 1936 when trusts were called to list their assets. A significant proportion of property belonging to Armenian Christian groups were lost before this time and so are not covered by the decree.

In addition, a number of confiscated properties have been given away by the Turkish state. The wording of the decree excludes payment of compensation in cases where the State did not benefit financially.

Asia News quotes the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I as expressing his delight at the news and his hope that the theological school of Halki (forcibly closed in 1971) will be returned and reopened. Not being allowed to operate a seminary within the country has caused a number of serious challenges.

Turkish Christians rejoice in this development and request our prayers that:

•    The decree will be implemented promptly and efficiently
•    There will be agreement on fair compensation for properties that have been sold by the authorities
•    The Orthodox seminary at Halki will be reopened
•    There will be further improvements to religious freedom in Turkey.