Turk in France

Introduction / History

The ancestors of the Turks founded the powerful Ottoman Empire which lasted from the 14th through the early 20th century. This 600-year empire began with raids by Turkish warriors and ended with the defeat of the Axis powers at the end of WWI. It was the last Muslim empire. Turks are proud of their history. They are also very patriotic and have a deep sense of nationalistic pride and love for Turkey.
Small numbers of Turks have migrated to many parts of the world, especially Europe. Though they are best known for being in Germany, there are some in France. The Turks in France not only came from Turkey, but also North Macedonia, Cyprus, Romania, Kosovo and Bulgaria.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Turkish people in France have a knowledge and mixture of both Eastern and Western cultures. Relaxation is of the utmost importance to Turkish men. Coffee houses are places where Turkish men meet to visit and talk politics or business.
Most Turks in France live in or near Paris. This is evident by the number of Turkish immigrant Islamic associations and mosques that have been built in and around the City of Lights. Turkish is spoken at home over half of Turkish children in France speak French to one another. Yet the Turks are less assimilated with the French society than other Muslim peoples.
Others have embrace the overall culture. In France, ethnic Turks can be writers, film directors, professors, professional athletes, singers and other musicians.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Turks are nominally Sunni Muslim, believing in one god (Allah), and an eternal heaven and hell. "Sunni," is derived from the Islamic term, sunnah, which means "well-trodden path." Sunnis believe that the correct path is that of the majority. Therefore, the tradition of the Sunni is political conformism, though the Turks have been more flexible than many of their Muslim neighbors. Other Turks are more secular in their beliefs, though they visit the mosque for special events. In France they often have their own mosques.
Unlike most Sunni Muslims in France who attend the same mosque and hear sermons in French or Arabic, Turkish Muslims have their own mosques. The sermons are in Turkish.

What Are Their Needs?

Although Turks have Christian resources in the Turkish and French languages, they remain Muslim. Prayer alone has the power to break through the strongholds of Islam. Intercessors are needed to daily stand in the gap and pray for the salvation of these precious people. Due to language difficulties, Turkish youth have had a difficult time adjusting to France's education system. Poor education and an inability to speak French have kept many Turks in low-paying unskilled jobs. Their worship of Allah perhaps fills an emotional need, but it will never fill their spiritual need for the savior who loves them and has provided eternal life.

Prayer Points

Pray for the fervent believers to reach out in faith and love to the Muslim Turks among them. Pray for a spiritual hunger among Turks that will be satisfied by none other than the only savior, Jesus Christ.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among Turks to spread far and wide throughout Europe.

Text Source:   Joshua Project