Religion in Snow

The topic of religion is found throughout the book Snow. The main character, Ka, is often asked whether he is an atheist because of his lack of involvement with religion. Necip and Fazil, young children in Kars, often interrogate Ka about his religious beliefs. "'Are you an atheist.' asked Fazil, with imploring eyes. 'And if you are an atheist, do you want to kill yourself'" (91). Ka, however says that the snow reminds him of God, and it creates peace for him. "What brings me close to God is the silence of snow" (65).

Religion also plays a role in the death of young women in Kars. They had been raised to keep themselves covered, and later when they were told to remove their scarves, they could not deal with the guilt. They thought suicide was the only answer. "'The three of us are in love with girls who have put everything at risk for the sake of their faith. The secular press calls them covered girls. For us they are simply Muslim girls, and what they do to defend their faith is what all Muslim girls must do'" (90).