I lived there, cully, and was paid in Turkish Lira by my Turkish boss. The country I lived in and the country you describe are two different places. The Turkish government, BTW, only recognizes civil marriage ceremonies. Ceremonies performed in houses of worship by clerics are not legally recognized. There is a complete separation of religion from public policy. Perhaps that is what confuses folks.
And no, I don't think a snake handler sect would be allowed to practice there. Thank God.