Although sexuality is a natural part of human life, it remains one of the greatest taboos in Turkey. Cultural norms and religious teachings often categorize sexuality as either “shameful” or “sinful,” creating a significant atmosphere of pressure for young people. The inability to talk about sexuality within families, schools, and society in general prevents youth from accessing accurate information; this results in misconceptions, myths, and anxieties being passed down from generation to generation (Çok, 2019). This paper examines the psychological effects of religious and cultural taboos on young people in Turkey and discusses what can be done to overcome these challenges.
In Turkey, sexuality is often viewed as an unspoken, even forbidden subject. Families tend to label discussions of sexuality as “shameful,” while the education system lacks comprehensive sex education. This culture of silence prevents young people from accessing reliable information, pushing them toward unhealthy sources such as the internet, peer rumors, or pornography (Topçu & Özcan, 2020). As a result, young people lack accurate knowledge about sexual health, contraception, and their bodies, leading them to act based on misconceptions. From our observations, myths such as “the first sexual experience must be painful” or “sexual desire belongs only to men” are still prevalent among youth, and these reflect the direct outcome of silence around sexuality.
Defining sexuality as “sinful” in the religious context and as “shameful” in the cultural context instills feelings of guilt and shame in young people. Women are particularly affected by this pressure, as the societal notion of “honor” is largely constructed around the female body (Kandiyoti, 1987). This situation leads young women to suppress their desires, struggle to discover their sexual identity in a healthy way, and find it difficult to express themselves in relationships. For men, a different type of pressure exists: the burden of “proving one’s manhood,” which often pushes young men toward risky sexual behaviors at an early age. This dynamic represents one of the most fundamental obstacles to young people freely expressing themselves as individuals. Unless sexuality can be discussed openly, the chains of shame and pressure surrounding youth will remain unbroken.
The taboo of sexuality deeply affects young people’s mental health. Research shows that the inability to discuss sexuality increases the risk of anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression (Çok, 2019). Growing up with feelings of guilt and shame also makes it harder for young people to communicate effectively with their partners, leading to a lack of trust and dissatisfaction in relationships. Suppressed sexuality not only harms individual mental health but also has long-term consequences for marriages and family relationships. The greatest danger is that this pressure evolves into a “culture of silence” that young people carry throughout their lives. Adults who are unable to talk about sexuality often struggle to communicate openly with their spouses and children, thus passing the taboo on to the next generation.
For young people to experience sexuality in a healthy way, these taboos must first be questioned. Questioning them does not mean rejecting religious or cultural values; rather, it means enabling young people to grow up with both cultural harmony and scientifically grounded knowledge. Comprehensive and scientifically based sexuality education in schools could help youth replace feelings of guilt and shame with awareness and responsibility (UNESCO, 2018). Similarly, encouraging families to engage in open conversations with their children about sexuality is crucial for mental health and well-being.
Change must come not only through education but also through how sexuality is portrayed in media, art, and public discourse. Young people should be exposed to narratives of sexuality beyond the narrow definitions of “shame” and “sin” not only in classrooms but also in television series, literature, and social media. When sexuality education begins within the family, young people are more likely to challenge taboos and make conscious decisions. This approach could also help prevent the rising phenomenon of “teen mom” from occurring unconsciously and without proper awareness.
The framing of sexuality as “shameful” and “sinful” by cultural and religious norms in Turkey prevents young people from accessing accurate information and creates significant psychological pressures. The culture of silence reinforces guilt and shame, leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, and unfulfilling relationships. However, when awareness is raised and scientific sex education is supported, youth can develop confidence, knowledge, and the ability to form healthier relationships. For society to experience genuine change in this area, a new culture based on dialogue and understanding must replace one rooted in taboo and silence.
References
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Çok, F. (2019). Sexual health and sexual education in Turkey: Problems and solutions. Journal of Reproductive Health, 23(2), 145–153.
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Kandiyoti, D. (1987). Emancipated but unliberated? Reflections on the Turkish case. Feminist Studies, 13(2), 317–338.
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Topçu, S., & Özcan, B. (2020). Sexual myths and attitudes among Turkish university students. Journal of Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 17(4), 555–566.
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UNESCO. (2018). International technical guidance on sexuality education. UNESCO Publishing.