The ancestors of the Turks founded the powerful Ottoman Empire which lasted from the 14th through the early 20th century. This 600-year empire began with raids by Turkish warriors and ended with the defeat of the Axis powers at the end of WWI. It was the last Muslim empire. Turks are proud of their history. The majority of the world's ethnic Turks continue to reside in their home country of Turkey. However, many have migrated elsewhere including Uzbekistan, where there are linguistic commonalities.
Uzbeks largely carry over the bias formed against Turks during some riots in 1989. Turks reportedly suffer many problems due to this. Turks living in Uzbekistan do not lead the "lucky" lives like those coming from neighboring Turkmenistan or Kazakhstan. Unlike other groups, Turks have no Turkish community groups, schools or support for those speaking the Turkish language in Uzbekistan. Those of Turkish descent are no longer listed separately in the Uzbek census. It is presumed that those who were living in Uzbekistan have either been assimilated into Uzbek society or have left the country. However, due to the Internet, Turks are able to find each other in Uzbekistan. Websites like internations.org offer assistance for Turkish expats in Uzbekistan, such as events, advice, opportunities to meet with others, online chatrooms, etc.
Turks are Sunni Muslims like the Uzbek majority. Some are more devout than others, but Islam is part of their identity as a people.
Although the Turks of Turkey 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 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 people for whom the Lord Jesus laid down His life.
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 throughout Europe.
Scripture Prayers for the Turk in Uzbekistan.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
