The article underscores the role of mosques in Turkey as influential institutions that promote patriotism and national unity among worshippers.
In Turkey, mosques play an essential role beyond religious worship by promoting patriotism and national unity through regular sermons and prayers that emphasize loyalty to the homeland. By supporting soldiers, condemning terrorism, and praying for Muslim communities under threat, mosques instill a lasting love of country among attendees. This continuous reinforcement of patriotic values nurtures a shared sense of responsibility towards protecting the nation, complementing educational efforts and highlighting the civic role mosques hold alongside their religious significance.
Note to the reader: This is a political science and international relations analysis, not a religious article.
Two days after the October 23 TUSAŞ attack, I was heading to the mosque for Friday prayers. The imam’s voice carried from afar, and as I drew closer, I heard him praying for the martyrs and cursing the terrorists. The congregation joined in, saying “Amen.”
The sermon’s theme was “Defending the Homeland is Sacred.” It opened with a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): “Standing guard for a day and a night to protect the homeland is better than fasting for a month and praying all night. Even if a believer’s soul leaves his body while standing guard, his deeds remain rewarded, and Allah continues to provide for him.”
The imam emphasized how the homeland was defended against powerful forces in Malazgirt, Çanakkale, and the War of Independence, noting that tyrants and oppressors never prevailed. He warned that current threats, from both within and outside, would similarly fail. Citing verses and hadiths, he illustrated that a Muslim’s faith includes loving and defending one’s homeland.
This sermon, delivered on October 25, 2024, is one of many that highlight the sacred duty of defending the homeland. The Directorate of Religious Affairs publishes such sermons on its website, with hundreds focusing on patriotism and themes of love for the homeland. If we could view all sermons not yet uploaded, the number would likely be in the thousands.
Besides Friday sermons, many imams routinely condemn terrorism and promote love of country in their weekly addresses, especially during times of crisis. They also pray for other Muslim communities under oppression, recently offering prayers for Gaza and condemning Israeli aggression.
A 2014 study found that about 15 million citizens attend Friday prayers. If that figure holds, this means that a fifth of the population – nearly half of the male population – hears sermons on patriotism weekly. These individuals join in prayers for soldiers and for oppressed Muslims globally, saying “Amen” in unison to condemnations of enemies of faith and state. This is not just a one-time act; it occurs repeatedly.
Reflecting on this, I realized that mosques play a unique role in nurturing national loyalty. Schools instill patriotism through textbooks and teachers, but that education ends after graduation. Mosques, however, continue this work throughout people’s lives, from childhood to old age, reinforcing the significance of faith, afterlife, and the protection of one’s country.
Thus, mosques are more than places of worship, and imams more than religious leaders. They educate the community on patriotism, just as schools do. This implicit yet powerful duty fosters unity and strengthens the instinct to protect the nation’s integrity.
Many of us may not recognize that the mosques we attend have this role. Perhaps the Directorate of Religious Affairs could raise awareness of this aspect, so that when questions about its budget arise, people understand the broader impact of mosques. Countless people may have been discouraged from hostility or violence against their own country because of the teachings they receive here. And all of this invaluable guidance is offered free of charge.
If a day comes when the homeland is in peril, those who stand with the imam will also stand behind the state. They will willingly sacrifice their lives, children, and belongings for the country, as they’ve been taught to do.
We can conclude that mosque-goers will remain loyal to the nation. While there may be exceptions, a community grounded in faith-based love for the homeland will not betray its state. The real threat lies with those who seek to manipulate national values under a guise of religion. Mosques should be cherished and protected for their role in upholding national unity.
