A striking social media trend involving Turkish Gen-Z has captured global attention, prompting widespread discussion about faith and tradition. Young Turks are posting viral videos that playfully re-imagine Namaz, the Islamic prayer, leading to significant reactions from Muslim communities worldwide.
Emerging in late 2025, these TikTok videos feature participants engaging in prayer-like gestures with an unconventional demeanor. The clips often show individuals smiling during prostration (sajda) or executing sudden, dramatic falls, a departure from the sanctity usually associated with this core Islamic practice. The viral nature of these videos, one of which garnered over a million views rapidly, has amplified the debate.
Online communities have expressed considerable concern, with many questioning the implications of these videos for religious values and urging for dialogue within families. Comments highlight a perceived disconnect from traditional Islamic teachings and a plea for divine guidance.
Several theories attempt to explain the origin of this trend. One widely discussed idea is that it is influenced by a scene from the Turkish TV drama ‘Kurtlar Vadisi,’ which portrays an imam passing away during prayer. Another prominent interpretation suggests it represents a form of protest or questioning against the increased mandatory religious education in Turkish schools, reflecting a desire for freedom of religious expression.
The trend also unfolds against Turkey’s historical backdrop of secularism. Statistical evidence further supports the idea of changing religious attitudes among the youth. Recent surveys show a decrease in the number of young people identifying as religious and a notable increase in those identifying as non-religious, particularly within the younger adult demographics.
This viral trend serves as a powerful commentary on how younger generations are interacting with their religious and cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world. It points towards a generation seeking to define their own spiritual paths and explore new forms of religious expression, potentially sparking a broader reevaluation of faith in contemporary society.