Mussulman Tat in Russia

Introduction / History

Most Mussulman Tat live in Azerbaijan and Iran. A smaller group lives in the Dagestan Republic of Russia. They are members of the Iranian language group and speak a language similar to Persian. The Tat language is written in the Russian alphabet. Tats are usually bilingual speaking Tat and Russian with people outside their group. Culturally, the Tats are almost indistinguishable from Azerbaijanians. The Tat have preserved their national identity. The primary occupations of the Tat are agriculture and animal husbandry. The Tats speak Russian with people outside their group.

Bible Portions and the JESUS Film are available in the Tat language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Tats of Russia live in rural villages in the Caucasus Mountains. In the valleys they grow wheat, maize, olives, grapes, and other fruits and vegetables. In the higher passes, men take care of sheep, goats and cattle. The Tats engage in highly developed carpet-weaving and the manufacture of copper utensils. The Tats sell their carpets and copper items to buy things they cannot make for themselves such as cell phones and appliances.

The Tats marry within their group. They tend to have large families as children, especially boys, are seen as blessings from Allah. Fathers lead the family. Women take care of children and domestic responsibilities. Sons inherit their father's property. Village elders deal with outsiders and make judicial decisions. Some Tat young people are leaving the rural villages and moving to cities and towns. They are looking for better economic and educational opportunities. Some Tats have taken advantage of the Russian educational system and have become professionals. Tat young people living in the cities often marry outside their people. They are being absorbed into the general Russian population.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Tats are primarily Shia Muslims with a smaller number of Sunnis. There are few if any Christians among the Mussulman of Russia. Both Sunnis and Shias, the two main branches of Islam, agree that Allah is the one true God, and that Mohammad was his messenger. One group, which eventually became the Shias, felt Muhammad's successor should be someone in his bloodline, while the other, which became the Sunnis, felt a pious individual who would follow the Prophet's customs was the right leader. The successor who the Shia believe was right leader met a violent, martyr's death. So, unlike the Sunnis, the Shias understand that a righteous man can be killed. Like Christians during the Middle Ages, Muslims believe that winning battles demonstrates God's favor.

What Are Their Needs?

Most Tat have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel in their language. The Tats need someone to tell them about the claims of Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life. He can free them from the clan feuds that are prominent in Dagestan.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send workers to the Mussulman Tat of Russian.

Pray the Lord softens the hearts of the Tat leaders and elders.

Pray that believers who live in Dagestan would share the good news with the Tats.

Ask the Lord to raise up a growing Tat church in this decade.

Text Source:   Joshua Project