Turkish Refugees Find Freedom in Serbia

In Belgrade's morning sun, a Turkish man in his early 50s stands with a stack of brightly colored flyers, engaging passersby in quiet conversation. His name is Nihat Erim, and his mission is deeply personal: to spread the message of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), a faith he holds dear despite years of persecution in his homeland.

Erim is not alone. Joining him are two Turkish women, Nüket and Rojda, who also fled to Serbia after enduring harassment, threats, and physical violence in Turkey for their adherence to AROPL. Together, they represent a small but resilient group of refugees committed to proclaiming what they believe is a divine truth: that the awaited Imam Mahdi has appeared.

In Turkey, where Islam is deeply embedded in national identity, AROPL members have become a prime target of religious oppression. Known for its unorthodox interpretations of Islamic theology—such as permitting alcohol and questioning the headscarf—AROPL challenges traditional Islam, often at great personal risk to its followers.

Erim’s troubles began at Turkey’s Kapıkule border gate. There, he was among 104 AROPL members who were detained, beaten, and humiliated by Turkish authorities. "We were treated like criminals, though our only ‘crime’ was believing differently," Erim said.

For Nüket and Rojda, the story is strikingly similar. Both women were harassed by Turkish police and endured threats of imprisonment. Rojda’s brother, Hassan, was among 104 AROPL members arrested at Kapıkule during a mass crackdown.

Serbia has offered a fragile refuge for these exiles, though their futures remain uncertain. While awaiting asylum decisions, Erim, Nüket, and Rojda have embraced their roles as missionaries, taking to Belgrade’s streets to share their faith.

On TikTok, Erim broadcasts live sermons and videos, connecting with a growing global audience of AROPL believers and curious onlookers. “Social media is a lifeline,” he said. “It allows us to reach people even in places where we’re not welcome.” Meanwhile, Nüket and Rojda are focusing on face-to-face outreach. They distribute posters and flyers in central Belgrade. For Erim, Nüket, and Rojda, Serbia represents a rare opportunity to practice their faith freely, albeit in a foreign land. Despite their hardships, they remain optimistic about their mission. “Every flyer, every poster is a step toward justice,” Nüket said.

Adding his voice to this mission is Haydar, another Turkish refugee who endured imprisonment alongside the 104 AROPL members detained at Kapıkule. Haydar has courageously testified on the satellite channel The Mahdi Has Appeared about the harrowing events in Edirne, an act that has inspired many within the community. Now, he dedicates himself to spreading the call both on social media and in the streets of Belgrade. Sometimes even joined by his children, Haydar’s conviction drives him to share his faith with anyone willing to listen. “Our hardships have only strengthened our resolve,” he says. “This is about more than belief; it’s about truth and justice for all.”

Joining their efforts is Kesra, a Turkish refugee who faced severe abuse from her own family for embracing the faith. Her brother physically assaulted and threatened her, and when she fled, he filed a police report against her, further jeopardizing her safety. Kesra’s resilience has become a symbol of strength for AROPL members in exile, as she continues to stand firm in her beliefs despite the personal cost.

Hassan, Rojda’s brother, endured brutal treatment during his imprisonment with the 104 AROPL members at Kapıkule. After being savagely beaten, Hassan courageously sent pictures of his bruised body to newspapers, which published the harrowing evidence of the abuse. Despite filing a formal complaint with the public prosecutor in Turkey, his plea for justice was ignored, a grim reminder of the systemic suppression faced by AROPL members. Now in Serbia, Hassan has found refuge and joined the missionary efforts in Belgrade, determined to share his faith and advocate for the rights of those persecuted for their beliefs.

The plight of AROPL members in Turkey is emblematic of a broader crisis of religious freedom in the region. Turkish authorities have long suppressed dissenting religious groups, citing national security concerns or accusations of heresy.