Turkey and Saudi Arabia have been connected since the days of the Ottoman Empire, which rose to power in the late 1200s. 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.
Most Turks in Saudi Arabia are very well established; they first arrived during the Ottoman Empire. Today, Turks are active in businesses involving food, furniture and hair care. Though many are common laborers there are also many Turks who are businessmen, doctors and professionals.
Turks and Saudis share the same religious system, Sunni Islam. "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 Saudi Arabia.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
