Introduction / History

Through the centuries the Kyrgyz people have been affected by the Turkish world and the Russian Empire. In the 20th century they were engulfed by the Russian-dominated USSR, yet their language and culture is far more affected by the 600 year Turkish-dominated Ottoman Empire.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Turks in Kyrgyzstan live in Bishkek, the capital city. This small Turkish community gets together for cultural events and to socialize with other Turks. Though Kyrgyz is a Turkic language, it is not intelligible with modern Turkish.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Turks are nominally Sunni Muslim, believing in one god (Allah), and an eternal heaven and hell. "Sunni," is derived from the Islamic term, sunnah, which means "well-trodden path." Sunnis believe that the correct path is that of the majority. Therefore, the tradition of the Sunni is political conformism, though the Turks have been more flexible than many of their Muslim neighbors. Other Turks are more secular in their beliefs, though they visit the mosque for special events. Some also hold to pre-Islamic beliefs as well. For example, some believe that men have the power to curse others by giving them the "evil eye."

What Are Their Needs?

Although the Turks have Christian resources (both the Bible and the JESUS Film have been translated into Turkish) available to them in their language and mission agencies have worked among them, they remain strongly Muslim. Prayer alone has the power to break through the strongholds of Islam. Intercessors are needed to daily stand in the gap and pray for the salvation of these precious people.

Prayer Points

Pray for the fervent believers to reach out in faith and love to the Muslim Turks among them. Pray for a spiritual hunger among Turks that will be satisfied by none other than the only Savior, Jesus Christ. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among Turks to spread far and wide.

Scripture Prayers for the Turk in Kyrgyzstan.