ARABIC HYMNS IN TURKEY
This Easter, SAT-7 TÜRK is challenging the way people in Turkey, including Christians, think about the Orthodox Church and the Arabic language.
Many people around the world automatically associate the Arabic language with the Islamic faith. This statement is also true for people living in Turkey, in which 98 percent of the population is Muslim.
LIFE OF CHRIST IN ARABIC
The Mersin Orthodox Church Easter Documentary will be broadcast during Easter to challenge this automatic response. The documentary includes six beautiful Arabic songs, describing the life of Jesus Christ.
“At first people will be shocked and surprised when they hear Christian hymns in Arabic. They will be able to see how Christians express their feelings and understand the Arabic lyrics through the subtitles,” says Can Yazıroğlu, Producer of the documentary for SAT-7 TÜRK.
EASTER IN TURKEY
There are many Christian denominations and various ethnic Christian groups in Turkey, all of which celebrate Easter differently. Nevertheless, the core message that Jesus rose from the dead, remains the same.
“In this documentary I want to show what the Orthodox culture, its liturgy and rituals say about Christianity. I want Orthodox Christians to be able to explain what they do and why they do it,” shares Can.
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information on Orthodox Christianity in Turkey, and misunderstandings can be common. This documentary challenges these false preconceptions that people in Turkey may have.
CHRISTIAN UNITY
This SAT-7 TÜRK documentary serves the ministry’s aim to encourage unity among the different Christian denominations and ethnic groups throughout the region.
“There is a need for Orthodox Christians to tell others about what they believe and what they do. Most importantly there is a need to be understood,” Can continues to explain.
“With this documentary I want to contribute to an open discussion in which people don’t judge and want to learn more about others.”