Turkey’s youth are making headlines for a peculiar TikTok trend that has sent ripples across the global Muslim community. Young Turks, identified as Gen-Z, are posting videos that parody Namaz, the sacred Islamic prayer. These widely shared clips feature playful and unconventional portrayals of prayer, including smiling during prostration and abrupt falls, which have drawn both attention and criticism. The global backlash has led to discussions about the spiritual direction of Turkey’s younger generation, with many expressing apprehension. Explanations for this trend are being explored by social commentators. Some suggest it’s inspired by dramatic fictional portrayals of prayer, while others interpret it as a youthful expression of dissent against mandatory religious instruction and a move towards greater personal autonomy in faith matters. This aligns with emerging data that shows a segment of Turkish youth identifying as non-religious or less devout, suggesting a complex and evolving relationship with Islam in contemporary Turkey.
