The aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic characteristics of those who attempt suicide in an Islamic country, the effect of religion on suicide attempts, & the frequency of DSM-III-R diagnoses in suicide attempters. Medical records of 185 cases were reviewed. The rate of repetition of suicide attempt was 43.3%. Suicide is one of the major problems among Turkish psychiatric patients, although the Islamic religion strongly disapproves of it. (29 refs.)