by Ahmet Erdi Ozturk
Turkey has always been highly susceptible to change throughout history, politically, sociologically, economically, and geopolitically. It seems that the country is now on the brink of yet another transformation. The rule of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which has driven the country into decline in recent years, has become severely weakened both domestically and internationally. Although how this change will unfold remain a significant question, it appears to be inevitable. Numerous actors, with Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu at the forefront, seem poised to take Erdoğan’s place in this transition. While it appears that many aspects, particularly leadership, will shift, some elements that have emerged during the nearly 25-year rule of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) are unlikely to change. Chief among these is Turkey’s use of religion and religious institutions in foreign policy. Despite its secular constitution, Turkey has become—though its extent is debatable—a global religious power. However, the real question is what kind of power it truly is.
In recent years, Turkey’s foreign policy has taken a unique turn, blending religion with geopolitics in ways that both intrigue and alarm international observers. At the heart of this strategy is the use of Islam—not simply as a cultural or societal element, but as a deliberate instrument of foreign policy. Under the leadership of the AKP and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has turned religion into a form of ‘soft power’, aiming to extend its influence far beyond its borders. While soft power often conjures images of cultural diplomacy, from Hollywood movies to French cuisine, Turkey’s use of religion demonstrates that religious values and institutions can also be significant diplomatic tools. This development is particularly fascinating as Turkey is officially a secular state, yet it has increasingly leveraged Sunni Islam as a conduit for international engagement.
The Religious Pivot in Turkish Foreign Policy
Turkey’s religious diplomacy has evolved under Erdoğan’s leadership, especially over the last two decades. The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), once primarily a domestic institution, now plays a key role in projecting Turkish influence abroad. Through mosques, religious education, and humanitarian outreach, Turkey has cultivated connections with Muslim communities from the Balkans to Africa. However, this transnational religious engagement is not solely about faith—it serves a strategic purpose.
There are three primary goals behind Turkey’s use of religion as a tool of foreign policy: expanding regional and global influence, accessing difficult-to-reach regions and groups, and reshaping domestic political power dynamics.
For instance, the Diyanet’s work in the Balkans—an area with deep historical ties to the Ottoman Empire—demonstrates Turkey’s neo-Ottoman ambitions. Through mosque construction, educational programs, and political engagement, Turkey seeks to strengthen its ties with Balkan Muslims, promoting itself as a protector of Islam in the region. Similar patterns of influence can be seen across Africa and Europe, where Turkish religious institutions have expanded their footprint.
The use of religion in international politics is, of course, a double-edged sword. While Turkey’s religious outreach has been welcomed in some Muslim-majority countries, it has also raised concerns among secular states and non-Muslim communities. The instrumentalisation of religion can sometimes backfire, complicating Turkey’s relationships with its neighbours and Western allies. In Europe, for example, Turkey’s efforts to influence its diaspora through religious channels have sparked tensions. France, Germany, and Austria have expressed concerns over the Diyanet’s role in their countries, particularly as it becomes more entangled in Turkish domestic politics. Turkish mosques abroad have been accused of spreading pro-Erdoğan propaganda and even surveilling Turkish dissidents, contributing to growing suspicions about the true motives behind Turkey’s religious diplomacy. Moreover, Turkey’s involvement in Africa, often framed as humanitarian assistance, has been criticised as neo-colonialism. Critics argue that Turkey’s engagement is less about genuine religious solidarity and more about gaining strategic footholds in resource-rich regions.
A Neo-Ottoman Vision?
Much of Turkey’s current foreign policy can be traced back to a vision of neo-Ottomanism—a desire to reclaim Turkey’s role as a leader in the Muslim world, reminiscent of its Ottoman past. This ideology has been particularly evident in Turkey’s approach to the Balkans and Africa, where it has sought to revive historical connections through religion and culture. The neo-Ottoman narrative appeals to Erdoğan’s domestic base, presenting Turkey as a resurgent power reclaiming its rightful place in global affairs.
In Africa, for example, Turkey has positioned itself as a counterweight to Western and Chinese influence, offering aid and infrastructure projects alongside religious outreach. Turkish religious organisations, such as the Diyanet, have built schools, hospitals, and mosques across the continent, while Turkish Airlines and other companies have expanded their operations. This multifaceted approach allows Turkey to establish a broad base of influence, grounded in both economic and religious ties.
However, while Turkey’s religious diplomacy may strengthen its ties with certain Muslim-majority countries, it also risks alienating others. The global Muslim community is far from monolithic, and Turkey’s Sunni-centric approach can sometimes clash with the religious and cultural dynamics of the regions it seeks to influence. This is particularly true in countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, where competing religious visions create tension.
Furthermore, the international community needs to pay close attention to Turkey’s evolving foreign policy. Turkey’s religious soft power strategy, while innovative, presents both opportunities and challenges for global powers. For the European Union, the United States, and other allies, it is crucial to strike a balance between engagement and caution. Turkey remains an important geopolitical player, but its increasing reliance on religion as a tool of influence requires a nuanced approach. In this regard, policymakers should prioritise open dialogue with Turkey while closely monitoring the impact of its religious institutions abroad. Collaborative efforts in areas such as counterterrorism, humanitarian aid, and cultural exchange should be pursued, but with a clear understanding of the potential risks involved. At the same time, Europe must consider the concerns of its own Muslim communities, ensuring that religious outreach does not devolve into political manipulation.
Beyond that for countries in Africa and Asia, Turkey’s religious diplomacy presents an alternative to Western and Chinese models of engagement. Turkey’s emphasis on shared religious values can foster deeper cultural ties, but recipient countries must remain vigilant about preserving their own sovereignty and religious diversity.
The Future of Religious Diplomacy
As Turkey continues to expand its religious influence abroad, it is essential to consider the long-term implications of this strategy. Can religion serve as a sustainable form of soft power in an increasingly secular and interconnected world? Or will Turkey’s religious diplomacy ultimately create more divisions than alliances?
One thing is certain: the use of religion in foreign policy is not a fleeting trend. From the Vatican to Saudi Arabia, nations around the world have long recognised the power of faith in shaping global affairs. Turkey’s unique approach is simply the latest iteration of this time-honored practice. However, how Turkey navigates the complexities of religion, politics, and international relations in the coming years will determine whether its strategy enhances its global standing—or undermines it.
