Onur Romano
In a world where silence is often enforced by dogma, and freedom of thought is punished by fear, there are those who dare to stand in the light of reason. For years, atheists, humanists, and secular individuals fleeing persecution have walked a harrowing path—one marked by exile, danger, and the crushing weight of invisibility. Today, the Atheist Refugee Assistance Program (ARAP) of Ateizm Dernegi (Association of Atheism, Turkey) delivers a message of defiance, hope, and unyielding solidarity: The Lighthouse is here.
As the first and only legally recognized atheist human rights organization in a Muslim-majority country, ARAP has fought tirelessly to carve sanctuary from the storms of intolerance. Since 2020, ARAP has been a lifeline for non-believers escaping violence, imprisonment, and death for the “crime” of rejecting religious dogma. With supporter assistance, ARAP has translated CVs, found short and long-term accommodation solutions, secured jobs, issued official documents, provided legal aid, offered mental health support, and rebuilt shattered lives. However, the need has grown beyond initial expectations.
Today marks a monumental leap forward: In May 2025, ARAP opened The Lighthouse—a safehouse where the light of reason can burn brightly. Nestled discreetly in a city renowned for its acceptance of atheist asylum claims, this haven offers more than shelter. It is a fortress of dignity, a sanctuary where freethinkers can breathe freely, many for the first time in their lives. Ten individuals at a time can find refuge here. Some recent residents include a mother fleeing honor killings for questioning faith, a student exiled for defending science, and a writer silenced by blasphemy laws. For up to 400 days, residents rest, heal, and prepare to reclaim their futures—supported by housing, job training, legal aid, and the unwavering kinship of those who are providing services.
But The Lighthouse cannot shine alone. ARAP is calling upon human rights champions, secular allies, and defenders of conscience to join the effort:
- Helping those in peril: Connecting asylum-seekers in Turkey facing danger for their non-belief to ARAP at www.atheistrefugeesturkey.com
- Amplifying the mission: Sharing the existence of The Lighthouse with organizations, activists, and networks encountering persecuted non-believers.
- Supporting sustainability: Recommending like-minded secular/humanist NGOs in your circles to become a partner of ARAP.
ARAP Matters Now More Than Ever – Here’s Why:
- High Need: ARAP’s rigorous vetting process ensures aid reaches the most vulnerable, but demand far outstrips capacity, reflected in the program’s current 21% admission rate.
- Global Crisis: Apostasy remains a death sentence from Iran to Afghanistan, Pakistan to Yemen. Turkey, a critical refugee crossroads, is both a haven and a battleground.
- Proof of Progress: Recognized by the UN, EU, and Republic of Türkiye, Ateizm Dernegi has shattered barriers. The Lighthouse stands as the boldest testament yet to what global solidarity can achieve.
This is not charity—it is rebellion. A rebellion against the darkness of dogma, a refusal to let tyranny erase human dignity. The Lighthouse is more than walls and beds; it is a promise that no one who chooses reason over creed will walk alone.
“The world is dangerous not because of those who do harm, but because of those who look at it without doing anything.” — Albert Einstein
Act now. Visit www.atheistrefugeesturkey.com to refer cases or collaborate. Every second counts.
With resolve,
The Atheist Refugee Assistance Program (ARAP)
Ateizm Derneği | Association of Atheism, Türkiye
Sponsors: Atheist Alliance International (USA), Center for Inquiry Transnational (USA), The David P. Silverman Charitable Fund (USA), Ateizm Derneği International Foundation (Canada), Ateizm Dernegi (Turkey).
Confidentiality assured. The Lighthouse’s location is protected to safeguard residents.