Ilsavan in Azerbaijan

People Name:	Ilsavan
Country:	Azerbaijan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	2,100
World Population:	93,100
Primary Language:	Azerbaijani, South
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Azerbaijani
Affinity Bloc:	Turkic Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Shahseven are a sub-ethnic group of Azerbaijanis, living near the border between Azerbaijan and Iran. They are semi-nomadic, being primarily shepherds. Their name means "lover of the Shah" or "adherents of the Shah," in reference to the traditional king of Persia.

Where Are they Located?

Most Shahseven people live in Iran, but there are some still residing in Azerbaijan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

As nomadic shepherds, their lives are very difficult by our standards. They must move their livestock to even find adequate water or grazing lands. Their diet is often restricted to what their livestock can provide; meat and milk. Semi-nomadic peoples are often viewed as rivals or as a nuisance by settled people groups.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like most other people groups in Iran and Azerbaijan, the Shahsevens are Shi 'ite Muslims.

What Are Their Needs?

Like other people groups that depend on livestock, the Shahsevan people need veterinarians to help take care of their livestock.

Prayer Points

Pray the Lord will grant the Shahseven people a growing desire to know Jesus Christ and to follow Him. Pray the Lord will open their spiritual eyes to see Jesus as He really is.
Pray for mature Christians to be sent to disciple them in His ways.
Pray for healthy livestock which can sustain the people.
Pray for parents to understand the importance of providing good schooling for their children so that the next generation will be prepared for the rapid changes of the 21st century.