Ghunzib in Georgia

Introduction / History

The Ghunzib originally lived in west Dagestan in the Caucasus Mountains, and also in Georgia. In 1813 the territory where the Ghunzib people live became part of Russia because of a contract between Iran and Russia. The Ghunzib people have their own language, but also speak the languages of neighboring nations. Those in Georgia speak either Georgian or Russian as a trade language.

Where Are they Located?

Today the Ghunzib people still live in Russia's Dagestan region and Georgia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Ghunzib are a noble people with carefully guarded ancient traditions. They are also renowned for their quarrels with neighboring mountain peoples. The practice of honor vengeance is wide spread. Honor vengeance usually results in retaliatory attacks, and the cycle goes on. Cycles of violence and alienation are all too common. Disputes may be over animals, over a land boundary, over something relating to women and marriage, or over a contested political upheaval.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In the 4th-5th centuries they were evangelized by Georgian missionaries, but from the 15th-18th century they became Muslims. They are Sunni Muslims, but they also worship nature with big celebrations such as jumping through the fire and singing folk songs.

What Are Their Needs?

The Ghunzib people need to experience the grace, love, and mercy of the Lord in a practical way. They need these qualities to permeate their culture.

Prayer Points

Pray God would pour out His spirit on this people group and expose the lies of animism, which is full of their traditions and rituals.
Pray that they would worship the one true God, their Creator, not creation.
Pray for God's strategy for this people group, so that missionaries could have an inroad to evangelize them.

Text Source:   Keith Carey