Different Religions in North Cyprus

North Cyprus presents a predominantly Islamic landscape, yet it holds historical and contemporary pockets of religious diversity. According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom, sociologists estimate that as much as 97% of the population is Sunni Muslim. The Alevi Culture Association further estimates the presence of approximately 10,000 Alevis, who are primarily descendants of immigrants from Turkey.

The remaining population includes several established Christian denominations. The State Department report notes that roughly 290 members of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus and 48 Maronite Catholics reside in the area. Other active communities include Russian Orthodox, Anglican, Baha'i, Jewish, and Jehovah's Witnesses. Additionally, the Turkish-speaking Protestant Association (TSPA) estimates its membership between 1,200 and 1,500. This diversity is further augmented by a transient population of over 94,000 foreign university students from more than 140 countries.