Turkmen, Middle-Eastern in Iraq

People Name:	Turkmen, Middle-Eastern
Country:	Iraq
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	2,763,000
World Population:	4,802,000
Primary Language:	Azerbaijani, South
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Turkish
Affinity Bloc:	Turkic Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction

The Turkmen in Iraq are the descendants of Central Asian people who migrated to Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) started in the seventh century. They are divided partly by religious adherence, Sunni or Shia Islam, and by clan affiliation. Many of the Turkmen clans in Central Asia, Turkmenistan, and Iraq are violently hostile to one another. Some of the Turkmen have migrated to Turkey, hoping to find a more peaceful life among those more culturally similar to Turks. However, reports indicate that they are not always accepted in Turkey.

Ministry Obstacles

Turkmen people usually identify with either Shia or Sunni Islam, but they can also be secular or put their hope in superstitions. A small number are Christians who usually trust in traditions rather than Christ himself.

Outreach Ideas

Pray for the Followers of Christ

Pray for the Entire People Group

Pray for translation and distribution efforts for both the New Testament and the JESUS Film.
Pray that these tools will be widely available to speakers of all Turkmen dialects spoken in Iraq.
Pray for a growing movement to Christ to rise up among them.
Pray for the boldness and protection of Turkmen believers and opportunities for them to disciple others.