5 Muslim-Majority Countries That Implement Compulsory Military Service

ANKARA – Military service in Muslim-majority countries reflects different approaches to national defense and the cultivation of civic character.

In many countries, military service is considered a rite of passage, an important transition in a young man’s life, which not only prepares them to defend the country, but also teaches values ​​such as discipline, cooperation, and patriotism.

With diverse social and political backgrounds, each country has its own unique conscription system and traditions, which often reflect their history and national security needs.

In the Middle East, for example, conscription is often closely tied to the need to maintain military readiness in a region rife with geopolitical tensions.

The following are various Muslim-majority countries that implement mandatory military service:

1. Iran

Countries like Iran have long implemented mandatory military service, seeing it as an important component in building military strength and nurturing nationalist fervor.

Duration: Military service in Iran usually lasts 18 months.

Criteria: All men who have reached the age of 18 are required to undergo military service.

Objective: Aims to train and prepare citizens to defend the country and improve discipline and physical abilities.

2. Turki

Countries like Turkey, which are at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, use conscription as a means to strengthen national identity and prepare young people to face complex security challenges.