Tajik in United States
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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| People Name: | Tajik |
| Country: | United States |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 9,600 |
| World Population: | 11,025,000 |
| Primary Language: | Tajik |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.40 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.30 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Tajik |
| Affinity Bloc: | Persian-Median |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Tajikistan is the poorest nation in Central Asia. Tajiks come to the USA searching for peace, a better economic situation and an improved life for their children. Violence and civil wars have raged in the area where the Tajiks live for decades.
American Tajiks are Americans who are descended from Tajiks in Central Asia or are Tajiks who have come to live in America. Tajiks live in over 20 nations of the world. The largest population is in the Central Asia county of Tajikistan followed by Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia. In their homeland most Tajiks work as herders and farmers.
Most American Tajiks live in New York, California, Washington, and Nebraska. A complete Bible became available in the Tajik language in 2016.
What Are Their Lives Like?
When a Tajik family migrates to the USA, they face huge challenges. They must find a place to live, learn English, enroll their children in school and find employment. Moving from Central Asia to a modern, industrial society such the USA represents a big change. Tajik adults often have to take menial jobs like taxi drivers, work in restaurants and in sanitation while their English improves. Once they become proficient in English, they can get better paying jobs.
Within a few years Tajik children become much like other American children in language, culture and beliefs. In Central Asia, parents frequently choose their children's spouses. In the USA, young people choose their mates. In Central Asia, Tajiks marry within their group. In the USA Tajik young people often marry people outside of their Tajik heritage.
There are Tajik Associations in America. These help with preserving Tajik culture and address the needs of Tajik Americans as well as help integrate Tajiks into American society.
The Tajiks in America speak Tajik with their families and English at work and in school. In Central Asia, a Muslim man may legally have up to four wives. In the USA, monogamy or marriage to one spouse is the law of the land. Tajiks often have more children than other Americans. Children, especially boys, are seen as great blessings from Allah.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Almost all Tajiks are Muslims. Being a Muslim is part of a Tajik's identity. In the USA Tajiks often become secular. Some retain their Islamic beliefs and attend mosque on Friday with other American Muslims.
Only a tiny fraction of Tajiks claims to be followers of Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray that God will give the Tajiks dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ.
Pray that the Tajiks as they read the Koran will be attracted to Jesus and then read the Bible to find out more about Christ.
Pray that American Christians will help Tajiks in practical ways and lead them to the Lord.
Ask the Lord to raise up a disciple making movement among the American Tajiks in this decade.