Turkey’s younger generation, known as Gen-Z, is making waves across the Muslim world with a series of viral videos that offer a provocative take on Namaz, the traditional Islamic prayer. This emergent trend on social media platforms, notably TikTok, began in December 2025, challenging conventional perceptions of religious observance among the nation’s youth.
The videos feature young Turks engaging in prayer-like actions with an unusual levity. Participants are seen smiling during prostration (sajda) or performing sudden, unexpected collapses, a stark contrast to the solemnity typically expected during this foundational pillar of Islam. The attention-grabbing nature of these clips, with one surpassing a million views in just a week, has reverberated far beyond Turkey’s borders.
Muslims globally have responded with a mixture of concern and curiosity. Online discussions are rife with calls for parental guidance and spiritual reflection, underscoring a perceived generational gap in religious practice and devotion.
Experts are exploring the motivations behind this unique trend. Some propose it stems from a cultural reference within the popular Turkish series ‘Kurtlar Vadisi,’ where a character’s death during prayer is depicted. Others interpret it as a form of youthful dissent against the growing emphasis on religious education in schools, indicating a desire for autonomy in matters of faith.
The broader socio-political context of Turkey, historically shaped by secularist principles, is also a key consideration. Furthermore, recent demographic data reveals a significant shift in religious affiliation among young adults. Surveys indicate a declining percentage of youth identifying as strictly religious and a rising number embracing non-religious identities, especially among those aged 18 to 24.
This digital phenomenon offers a compelling glimpse into the evolving relationship between youth, tradition, and religion in Turkey. It suggests a generation grappling with how to reconcile inherited practices with personal beliefs and modern influences, potentially redefining religious expression for the 21st century.