Introduction / History

During the rise of the Turkish-based Ottoman Empire, Turks migrated to places they had conquered like North Macedonia. They lived there for hundreds of years but many returned to Turkey as the Ottoman Empire began to dissolve in the early 20th century. However, there is still a substantial population of Turks still living in North Macedonia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Turks in North Macedonia have left their mark in the arts and sports. They have their own Turkish language radio and TV show and a Turkish language newspaper. Turks started their own schools in 1944 and today there are roughly 60 of them founded by entrepreneurs. Turks have entered into politics in North Macedonia, and they have three political parties to protect their interests.

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. 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."

What Are Their Needs?

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.

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.

Scripture Prayers for the Turk in North Macedonia.