Christianity faced great difficulties in gaining respect among the Turks. The Turks often viewed Christians as despicable and contemptible, considering them the lowest in the world and “the worst of men.” Because of this prejudice, it was very hard for the Christian faith to gain a good reputation among them.
The presence of images and pictures in Christian churches also caused misunderstanding. The Turks, not trained in the subtle distinctions of Christian theology, often mistook the use of religious images for idolatry. This misunderstanding made it even less likely that Turks would treat Christians with respect or take their teachings seriously.
Even educated Christians sometimes struggled to explain their faith clearly. The complex theological explanations and exceptions taught by Christian scholars were difficult for Turks to understand, and often only added to the confusion. In this environment, Christians were rarely able to overcome the prejudice of being considered immoral or untrustworthy by the Turkish population Istanbul Private Tours.
Propagation of Mahometan Faith
In contrast, the Mahometan faith spread more easily among the Turks. It required no complicated explanations or subtle distinctions. The teachings were simple and direct, and combined with political and military power, they were able to attract followers quickly. The material rewards promised in heaven, the sense of unity within the community, and the support of the rulers made Mahometanism strong and appealing, especially compared with the challenging and misunderstood doctrines of Christianity.
Obstacles for Christians
Until Christians could overcome the charge of idolatry and find a way to communicate their faith clearly, it was unlikely that they would be received with greater respect or authority. The Turks’ prejudice and misunderstanding made it difficult for Christianity to spread in their lands, regardless of the moral or spiritual quality of its teachings.
The situation shows a clear contrast: while Christianity struggled against prejudice and misunderstanding, Mahometanism used simple doctrines, rewards, and political power to propagate itself efficiently. This difference highlights the cultural and religious challenges that shaped the spread of these faiths in the Ottoman Empire and surrounding regions.