Arab, Syrian in Cyprus
Photo Source:
James Gordon - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
Bethany World Prayer Center
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| People Name: | Arab, Syrian |
| Country: | Cyprus |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 3,600 |
| World Population: | 20,175,700 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Levantine |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 7.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.10 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Arab, Levant |
| Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Levant Arabs settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa. They are spread from Israel to Kuwait and as far east as Iran. "Levant" is a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Jordanian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Chaldean, and Syrian Arabs. Each of these speaks a different form of the Arabic language.
Before the Syrian Civil War began in 2011, there were already 18 million Syrian Arabs in Diaspora. This earlier group was mainly made up of people seeking economic opportunities, though there were also political refugees. Most of these people have financial and educational means. They are (to various degrees) assimilated into a different culture.
Most of the Syrian war refugees are in Lebanon, Turkey or Germany. They also live in dozens of other countries, including Cyprus.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Those who live in Cyprus are struggling to re-establish themselves. In the past, there were Syrians who worked in Cyprus as skilled masons.
Those who come today are usually living in refugee camps and living off stipends. They will have to either learn the local language and start a new life there or return to Syria after the war ends.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Levant Arabs have had a close association with Islam throughout much of their history. However, Syrian Arabs have also had a traditional Christian presence along with the other countries of the Levant region.
What Are Their Needs?
Recent Syrian refugees often face trauma. They suffer from survivor’s guilt and shame that they couldn’t stop the mayhem. Commonly they lost homes, friends and family members. Many need trauma counseling and people to help them get re-established in a new country. The Syrian Diaspora have done what they can to collect clothes and other needs for those suffering in Syria.
Prayer Points
Pray for loving Christians to offer trauma counseling and other services to suffering Syrian Arabs.
Pray that the Diaspora situation will provide Syrian Arabs the chance to embrace the only savior.
Pray for Syrian Arab Christians who will disciple others and teach them to do the same.
Pray for Syrian Arab family leaders to have dreams of the victorious and righteous Christ and share their experiences with many others.