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98% of
the Turkish population is Moslem. However, everyone in Turkey has freedom of religion and
belief. No one can be forced to participate in religious ceremonies or rites against their
will and no blame can be attached to anyone because of their beliefs.
In secular Turkey all religious affairs are carried out by a central government organization affiliated to the Prime Ministry, namely the Department of Religious Affairs, established in 1924. The function of this organization is to carry out tasks related to the beliefs, divine services and moral principles of Islam, and to enlighten citizens on religious matters.
Despite the rapid changes in the last 30 years, "traditional" social relations are still safeguarded in the rural areas. Families in those areas still cling to their traditions. All individuals are economically dependent on the family and under the absolute rule of the father.In rural areas the prevailing order allows close relatives to live close to each other.
In the cities one finds a different and more organized type of family life.
Living standards in the cities have been effective in reducing the size of the family. The" nucleus family" type, consisting of father, mother and children only is common in the cities is also noteworthy in that the hierarchy has been replaced by a relation based on equality. Earning a living concentrates on factors outside the family, which accords every individual the opportunity of gaining economic freedom and independence. This status has put an end to the traditional mandatory unity of the family and has led new generations to leave their families and form ones of their own.
It is forbidden by law in Turkey to marry before the age of 15 in the case of females and 17 in the case of males. Early marriages are more frequent in the rural areas than in the cities, where the education, military service,acquiring a profession and other factors tend to delay marriages. In rural areas, marriages are generally in line with the wishes or approval of the families involved whereas in cities it is generally the couple themselves that make the decision to marry.
The share of agriculture and animal husbandry is high in the Turkish economy,and this is reflected in the nutritious Turkish cuisine which skilfully blends cereals, vegetables, fruit, meat and sea food to create a variety of delicious dishes.
The sources of the rich Turkish cuisine come from Central Asia. This coupled with the creativity of the Anatolian people and the high level of agriculture and animal husbandry have all gone to enrich the Turkish cuisine and bring it to one of the foremost positions in the world.