The ancestors of the Turks founded the powerful Ottoman Empire which lasted from the 14th through the early 20th century. This 600-year empire began with raids by Turkish warriors and ended with the defeat of the Axis powers at the end of WWI. It was the last Muslim empire. Turks are proud of their history.
Turks in Oman are most likely to be found in Muscat, the capital city. They are small in number and they keep a low profile. Turkish restaurants are popular in Oman, and the Turks who run them seem to never run out of Arab clients looking for delicious, nutritious food.
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. Others are more secular in their beliefs, though they visit the mosque for special events. Many 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 throughout the Middle East.
Scripture Prayers for the Turk in Oman.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
