The Tuerke, who are ethnically and linguistically distinct from all other peoples in Central Asia. Their name is a generic term for all Turkic peoples. They are also known as the Ili Turki, named after their location. They speak the Illi Turke language and live in China and Kyrgyzstan.
Although the Tuerke possess their own set of customs, they are gradually replacing them with those of the Kazaks, Uzbeks and Kyrgyz. The Tuerke are fond of dancing and telling folk tales. In keeping with Islamic regulations, Tuerke women are required to wear veils; these are not the full-face veils worn in the Middle East.
Tuerke people are completely Muslim who believe that Allah spoke through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith. They believe that to live a righteous life, they must utter the Shahada (a statement of faith), pray five times each day facing Mecca, fast from sunup to sundown during the month of Ramadan, give alms to the poor, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, slandering, and making idols. They gather for corporate prayer on Friday afternoons at a mosque, their place of worship.
No Bible resources exist in the Tuerke people living in Kyrgyzstan, although full resources have been produced in Russian. Tuerke need to know about the lifesaving provision of Lord Jesus so they can live with him in eternity.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give Tuerke people such a spiritual hunger that they will find Him no matter what it takes. Pray for workers to go to Tuerke family and village leaders to tell them what Jesus can do for their communities. Pray for Tuerke disciples who will make disciples, who in turn will make even more disciples.
Scripture Prayers for the Tuerke in Kyrgyzstan.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
