Gagauz in Bulgaria

Introduction / History

The Gagauzi Turks were once called "Turkic speaking Bulgars." Their ancestors were among the many peoples who spoke a Turkic language. Ethnically they are most like the Crimean Tatars and Nogais. Unlike other Turkic peoples, the Gagauzi Turks are Orthodox Christians, not Sunni Muslims.

Though they are most likely to be found in Moldova, they also live in a number of other countries including Romania, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. Only two of these were not part of the USSR.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Gagauzi Turks have been dominated by the Russians for much of their history, especially during the days of the USSR. They began to have a sense of nationalism in the 1980s when the USSR began to unravel.

Their staple food is grain, which they make into breads and unleavened flat cakes, much like crepes. Their national dish is a pie stuffed with cheese and sour cream. Another favorite dish is a pie made with pumpkin and sweet milk. Kurban is a bulghur wheat porridge with ram’s meat. They like peppery meat sauces with onions or porridge.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gagauzi are Eastern Orthodox Christians. They are least reached in Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Turkey.

What Are Their Needs?

The Gagauzi Turks need to look to Jesus Christ for all their needs. He is all they need, and he will never abandon them.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Gagauzi Turks to find their way to the cross and the empty grave.

Pray for Eastern Orthodox Churches to put Jesus first, far above traditions and rituals.

Pray for Gagauzi Turkish disciples to make more disciples, especially among related Muslim peoples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project