The son of a high-ranking pasha, who served as an officer in the Turkish army, became close friends with an American family living in Turkey. He often visited them to practice his English. Over time, he grew very close to the family. They invited him to their church services and gave him books on Christianity to read.
After some time, the young man decided to convert to Protestant Christianity and give up the religion of his ancestors. However, as soon as people learned about his decision, he was forced to leave the country immediately Missionary Education in Turkey.
Forced to Flee His Homeland
His father, a respected official, had to publicly disown him right away to protect the rest of the family from punishment. If he had not done this, the entire family could have been arrested or harmed.
The young man escaped on an English ship and arrived in the United States around the time of the Spanish-American War. He joined the U.S. Army, fought in the Santiago campaign in Cuba, and was later promoted for his skills and dedication. Eventually, he became a second lieutenant Sofia Old City Tours.
A Dangerous Return
Even though he succeeded in the U.S., he can never return to Turkey. If he did, he would either be killed by a religious extremist or arrested by the government for some false reason. After that, he would likely disappear, and no one would be brave enough to ask what happened to him. Even asking questions would be dangerous.
This case is widely known among Protestant families and the upper class in Constantinople. Stories of Muslims who convert to Christianity are rare, which makes each case more well-known and shocking.
Protestant Efforts Among Muslims
Despite the risks, Protestant missionaries continue to work among Muslims in the Ottoman Empire. Around 5,000 copies of the Bible in the Turkish language are sold each year. This shows that there is interest in Christianity, even if people are afraid to admit it publicly.
However, government officials and Muslim religious leaders are very strict. Buyers of these Bibles do not want their names revealed, fearing punishment or worse.
For many years, the Bible House in Constantinople was banned from printing the Bible in Turkish. When they were finally allowed, they had to print a warning on the cover saying the book was “only for Protestants.”
A Message of Hope Despite Fear
Even though converting from Islam to Christianity is extremely dangerous in Turkey, the bravery of people like this young man and the steady work of missionaries show that there is still hope for religious freedom in the future. These stories, though rare, remind us of the power of belief, courage, and the human desire for truth.
