The History of Christianity in Turkey

Christianity in Turkey has a profound and ancient history, deeply intertwined with the origins and spread of the religion itself, followed by centuries of transformation shaped by empires and demographic shifts.

© WFMEH 30/07/2014

Christianity took root very early in what is now Turkey, historically known as Asia Minor. Within two decades after Jesus Christ, the gospel spread to cities such as Antioch (in southeastern Turkey), where followers were first called Christians[1]. The Apostle Paul, Peter, and John were all linked to churches in Asia Minor, and many New Testament books were written to or from this region[1]. Important early Christian centers included Ephesus, where Paul and John preached, and Antioch, one of the earliest Christian communities[1].