Modern Turkey abolished the institution of state religion and the Caliphate since its founding in 1923 to become a secular republic. Nevertheless, more than 99% of the population is officially Muslim, with most of them being Sunnis. In Istanbul alone, one can see big mosques everywhere, often within walking distance of each other. There are thousands more throughout the country, many of which were built during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods and are still active today.
Several religious festivals are celebrated:
- the holy month of Ramadan, including the last three days' celebration
- the Feast of the Sacrifice (of Isaac)
- Mirac Kandili to celebrate Prophet Mohammed's nocturnal journey to Jerusalem and ascension to heaven.
Other religions represented in Turkey are Orthodox and Armenian Christians, Catholics and Protestants, as well as Judaism, but the percentage of the population practising them has been in decline in recent years.
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