Impact Middle East (IME) invests in leadership development and outreach among refugees from neighboring countries through key partnerships. Community centers serve the needs of refugee communities and visitation and hospitality welcome all, regardless of backgrounds. The team focuses on discipleship and hosts bible studies in addition to vocational and language programs. Many of those served through these programs come from lands where faith comes at great cost. IME seeks to create places of belonging for those far from home.

Understanding the Context of Turkey

General Country Information

Modern-day Turkey stands as a bridge between continents and civilizations—where Europe meets Asia and where layers of history intertwine with faith and culture. Once home to some of the earliest Christian communities, Turkey today is a diverse nation shaped by centuries of empire, trade, and tradition. Though the majority of its population identifies as Muslim, its landscape still bears the marks of its profound biblical and historical heritage. Amidst rapid modernization and political change, Turkey continues to be a land of contrasts—where ancient ruins whisper the stories of prophets, apostles, and early believers who helped shape the foundations of Christianity.

Spiritual Context

Within this ancient land, God continues to move in remarkable ways. IME partners with Afghan and Iranian believers living in Turkey who are leading discipleship and evangelistic efforts among refugee communities. Through social media ministry, church-planting, and leadership training, these believers are spreading the hope of Jesus in a region that once hosted the early church. Many refugees, having fled war and persecution, are encountering Christ for the first time—like Mustafa, who experienced miraculous healing after a dream of Jesus, or Rozana, who found faith and physical restoration after hearing His words, “Do not be afraid.” These stories remind us that even in displacement, the gospel continues to transform lives and communities with grace and power.

Biblical Heritage

Turkey is often called the “Bible’s other Holy Land,” containing some of Christianity’s most treasured sites. The Seven Churches of Revelation anchor the region’s spiritual map, revealing early lessons of faith, endurance, and repentance. In Ephesus, Paul’s preaching once stirred an entire city; in Antioch (Antakya), followers of Jesus were first called “Christians.” Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul, still stands as a reminder of missionary zeal, while Cappadocia’s cave churches and Mount Ararat—traditionally viewed as Noah’s resting place—bear silent witness to faith’s endurance through the ages. From Abraham’s journey through Haran to Paul’s travels across Asia Minor, Turkey’s soil tells the continuing story of God’s redemptive work—past, present, and yet to come.

Learn More about Turkey

*Featured image by Engin Yapici on Unsplash