What is now Kazakhstan has been raided at various times by the Turkish Ottoman Empire, the Mongol Empire and the Russian Empire. Though they look Mongolian, their language is Turkic. Some Kazakhs identify themselves as Turks while others do not. For this reason, the Turks play an important part in Kazakhstan's history.
Most Turks in Kazakhstan live either in Nur-Sultan or the capital city of Almaty. Because of their history Turks have high status in Kazakhstan. Turks in Kazakhstan tend to be well educated and prosperous. Many are successful businessmen.
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. Some also hold to pre-Islamic beliefs as well. For example, some believe that men have the power to curse others by giving them the "evil eye."
Although the Turks have Christian resources (both the Bible and the JESUS Film have been translated into Turkish) available to them in their language and mission agencies have worked among them, they remain strongly 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.
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.
Scripture Prayers for the Turk in Kazakhstan.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
