08/30/2022 Turkey (International Christian Concern) – The Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople penned a letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan outlining the dissatisfaction and frustration among the Armenian Christian community over the newly released foundation regulations. To manage their work, non-Muslim religious communities must register as a foundation in Turkey.

After eight years, Turkey released new regulations that allow Christian communities to elect new leaders and board members. The Armenian Patriarch, Sahak II Masalyan, historically communicates cordially with Turkish authorities. However, his latest letter outlines the growing frustration among the Armenian community and threats to boycott the electoral procedures.

Critics negatively viewed the updated constituencies’ territories for election, as well as health care foundations being under the control of the Ministry of Health. Currently, there are 167 non-Muslim religious foundations registered, including Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, Syrian, Chaldean, Bulgarian, Georgian, and Maronite communities. These include the management of churches, real estate, cultural centers, and healthcare facilities.

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