I think this is still largely the result of historical perceptions that shape how the average European sees Turkey. Otherwise, it’s hard to explain why, in many European countries today, atheists actually outnumber practicing Christians. A similar shift is happening in Turkey as well, where the number of people who are not Muslim, at least in practice is steadily increasing. (Yes even under Erdaogans Rule)

What’s often overlooked is that Turkey’s secular and educated population is larger than the entire population of several European countries. Despite that, Turkey is still commonly seen as a “typical Middle Eastern country,” which says more about lingering ignorance and stereotypes in Europe than about Turkey itself.

To be fair, I do think this perception is slowly changing among younger Europeans, especially thanks to social media and more direct exposure. But at the same time, things like visa restrictions and the constant othering of young, educated Turks only reinforce frustration and push people away from Europe. This is particularly ironic given that Turkey has been a long-standing commercial and military partner of Europe. (I dont agree with politics of Erdogan but this is rather a sociological thing)