Arab, Syrian in Tunisia
Photo Source:
James Gordon - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Arab, Syrian |
| Country: | Tunisia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 24,000 |
| World Population: | 23,523,800 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Levantine |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 5.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.20 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| 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
Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula are considered to be the original Arabs. The Arabian culture was developed by tribes of nomads and villagers who lived in the Arabian Desert for many centuries. It was also from there that Arab migrations began, eventually leading to the expansion of the Arab world starting with the Levant.
"Levant" is a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Jordanian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Chaldean, and Syrian Arabs. The Arabs originally 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. Most Levant Arabs speak an Arabic language called Arabiya, with varying local dialects. Like Arabs in other parts of the greater Arab world, the Syrians have their own dialect of Arabiya. They now live in several Arabic speaking countries, including Tunisia.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Syrian Arabs have faced years of a destructive civil war. Many are traumatized, and almost all have lost homes, wealth, and social contacts in Syria. In Turkey, they must learn a new language and culture, while trying to find meaningful work.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Syrian Arabs in Tunisia are Sunni Muslim or Alawites. The Shafiites are one of the four schools of Sunni Islam. There are Shia splinter groups among them, namely the Twelvers and Imamis. There is a sizable traditional Christian minority among them as well.
What Are Their Needs?
Syrian Arabs need to put their hope in the blood of Christ rather than their ability to follow the ways of the Koran. There is no other name in heaven by which we must be saved.
Prayer Points
Pray for Syrian Arabs to be open to the blessings of Jesus Christ and his way of salvation.
Pray for Syrian Arab Christian believers to be blessed with peace and joy in the Holy Spirit in such a way they can reach out to the others who suffer from psychological trauma.
Pray for the Lord's blessing of Syrian Arabs in Tunisia spiritually and psychologically.
Pray for a movement to Christ among Syrian Arabs wherever they live.