It doesn't sound like religious extremism as much as a very extreme reaction to perceived political oppression. It's hard to make a call at this point, but since these guys didn't apparently hurt or kill anyone, they are automatically not as bad as the monsters who do hurt and kill people.
I'm sure after a few days or weeks enjoying the hospitality of the Turkish penal system, we (or the Turkish government) will know everything there is to know about these guys, why they did what they are doint, if they are part of an organized resistance, plans for future attacks, etc.
Too bad our congress wants to block such valuable means of acquiring intelligence
