The Kazakhs, a Turkic people, are the second largest Muslim people group of Central Asia. In times past, they may have been the most influential of the various Central Asian ethnic groups. Most of the Kazakhs live in Kazakhstan. Large communities can also be found in Mongolia, Ukraine and Russia. Smaller numbers are now living in Germany. The Kazakhs developed a distinct ethnic identity in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Several of their clans formed a federation that would provide mutual protection. As other clans joined the federation, its political influence began to take on an ethnic character. During the nineteenth century, the Russians acquired Central Asia through a steady process of annexation. They eventually claimed the entire territory of Kazakhstan. Tragically, about half of the Kazakh population was killed during the Russian Civil War of the 1920s and 1930s. During this time, many fled to China and Mongolia.
Most Kazakhs live in Kazakhstan, but a few have migrated to Western European countries like Germany.
Since the collapse of Soviet Communism, Kazakhs have been searching for their identity. Traditionally, they were nomadic shepherds; however, under Soviet rule, much of their land was seized and used for collective farming. As industry developed, their economy and culture became dependent entirely on the Russians. Today, however, there is a widespread movement to redevelop their own cultural identity. That process gets interrupted when they move to a very different environment like Germany. They have a new language to learn and careers to pursue. There is less energy spent on the "who am I?" questions.
Because of their nomadic pastoral lifestyle, Kazakhs kept an epic tradition of oral history.
Kazakhs embraced Islam during the sixteenth century and still consider themselves Muslim today. Changes in Kazakh society (mainly from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle) and an attempt by the Soviets to suppress religious freedoms have led the people to adopt Islam more closely. However, their Islamic practices have been combined with traditional folk religions. Kazakhs, be they in Kazakhstan, Russia or Germany are Muslim, but secularized. The mosque is a place to meet others and have weddings. Islam is part of their religious identity but they seldom know much about it.
No matter where they live, Kazakhs need freedom and abundant life that only Jesus Christ can offer.
Bible resources exist in Kazakh, the heart language of Kazakh people in Germany. The JESUS Film, and GRN audio resources also exist. The entire Bible was printed in 2011. Pray that these materials will be distributed far and wide among Kazakh people in Germany. Pray for a Holy Spirit-driven spiritual hunger among these unreached people. Pray that those reached and discipled would have authentic encounters with God, and that they would share truth with their friends and families.
Scripture Prayers for the Kazakh in Germany.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
