Turk, Meskhetian in Russia

People Name:	Turk, Meskhetian
Country:	Russia
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	79,000
World Population:	306,500
Primary Language:	Russian
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Turkish
Affinity Bloc:	Turkic Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Meskhetian Turks are a Turkish-speaking people who are originally from a part of southern Georgia that borders with Turkey. However, under Stalin's policies during the Soviet Union, the Meskhetian Turks were forcefully deported to Central Asia, where they experienced discrimination and civil rights abuse. When they were finally permitted to return to their homeland, Georgia did not allow them to resettle there. Those who remained in Russia also experienced severe discrimination and harassment.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Because their lives were radically disrupted during WWII, and they are still trying to deal with the after affects, the Meskhetian Turks highly value social cohesiveness. They are hoping for a cultural rebirth. They feel a strong need to become united with one another, though that is very difficult given the fact they are scattered throughout Central Asia.
This is a rural people known as excellent farmers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Meskhetian Turks are Sunni Muslims, but because of their perpetual exile and the influence of the Soviet Union, most of them are not strict adherents of Islam. Many of their traditions contain a mixture of Muslim, Caucasian and Russian elements. Family ties are very important to the Meskhetian Turks and has played a crucial role in preserving their culture through their displacement.

What Are Their Needs?

The Meskhetian Turks in Russia probably associate Christianity with what they see in the Russian Orthodox Church. They may or may not see people following Christ in their lives.

Prayer Points

Pray for a powerful Holy Spirit impact through courageous believers to spread light and hope to many in Meskhetian Turkish culture.
Thank God and pray for his blessings for continued work on the gospel parables, Luke and Jonah.
Pray for the life-giving influence of Jesus’s words to the Meskhetian Turks.
Pray for radiance and courage through the three Meskhetian Turkish Christian believers.