The Economist: Does religious freedom really exist in Turkey?

An article appeared in The Economist this week questioning religious freedom in Turkey. The article discusses whether or not there really is freedom of religion or if it is just a theory that isn't actually in practice. It says an American couple living in Kayseri have been sent death threats because they are "Christian". It also talks about a Protestant pastor who lives in Izmit being threatened with a "menacing letter" and waking up one day to find a red swastika painted on his door. The opening paragraph talks about a disagreement between Kurds and Syrian Orthodox Christians living near to Midyat over a stone that is being used by the Kurds as a mosque, however, the Syriacs claim it to be theirs and want it back. A Protestant pastor from Ankara is quoted as saying, "Protestants are the most persecuted group in Turkey." The writer does on the otherhand say that this statement may be an exaggeration. The article stresses that these problems must be solved in order for Turkey to join the ranks of the EU. Reminding readers of the recent landmine that exploded under a Syriacs car in the southeast. Turkey changed some laws and allowed for non-Muslim religious foundations to buy land, however, with the recent attacks the writer says, "Turkey has still got a long way to go." The article also talks about land in Bardakci that the government plans to sell, although the Syriacs claim it to be theirs and have petitioned to Ankara with no response yet. "Some say that this as a sign of the "reform fatigue"bedeviling the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan ever since he won the date of October 3rd for the start of EU membership talks. Others detect a mounting campaign against Christians by Islamist forces within Mr Erdogan's party." The writer also mentions the issue of the Greek Orthodox Halki seminary on Heybeli island that was shit down in 1971 as something that Erdogan has not dealt with : "Mr Erdogan still resists calls to reopen the Greek Orthodox Halki seminary on Heybeli island off Istanbul that was shut down in 1971. Allies say his hands are tied so long as he is unable to deliver on pre-electoral pledges to his pious constituents, especially to ease the ban on the Islamic headscarf in government offices, schools and universities. European diplomats counter that, by denying Christians their rights, Turkey is strengthening its growing army of detractors within the EU." Â