Kyrgyz in Russia

Introduction / History

The historical relationship between the Kyrgyz and the Russians is not a happy one. In the early nineteenth century, the Kyrgyz were defeated by the Uzbeks. This, along with other intertribal conflicts, led them to ally with the Russians. As the Russians began colonizing the Kyrgyz and other surrounding groups, they seized the best agricultural lands. This competition for land, along with mandatory service in the Russian army, resulted in a revolt by the Kyrgyz in 1916. It was a futile attempt in which they were disastrously defeated. During Stalin's attempt to control the economy from 1927 to 1928, the Kyrgyz who raised livestock were forced to re-settle on collective and state farms. Many responded by killing their livestock and moving to western China. Between 1926 and 1959, the Soviet administration moved many Russians and Ukrainians into Kyrgyzstan, making the Kyrgyz a minority within their own homeland. Under the Soviets, previously self-sufficient Kyrgyz families became trapped in the Soviet economy. With production efforts being controlled by the communist party, the products they made were sent to other republics and foreign markets. The Kyrgyz soon became dependent on foreign manufactured goods.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Thousands of Kyrgyz have fled their home country to Moscow to find work. Even those who are well educated often must settle for hard labor, long hours and low pay. They send most of the money home to Kyrgyzstan. They work without permits or medical care. Many share small apartments with other migrant laborers. Like other Central Asian people, the Kyrgyz are often looked down upon by the Russians. The Kyrgyz in Russia often turn to drugs or alcohol.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Consecutive waves of Islamization have taken place since the Arabs first invaded Talas in 751 when many Kyrgyz tribes were still in Siberia. Northern nomadic tribes were able to skirt many of the Islamic traditions until recently. Within the last two hundred years, the majority of the Kyrgyz had been completely converted to Islam. Today, almost all Kyrgyz in Russia consider themselves to be Muslim; however, they hold onto some shamanistic practices. (Shamanism is the belief that there is an unseen world of many gods, demons, and ancestral spirits that must be dealt with through a shaman). Many people still turn to mediums and seers to cure sickness with magic, communicate with spirits, and control events. Almost all Kyrgyz believers have to go through a breaking of demonic powers over their lives once they decide to follow Christ. The Kyrgyz epic hero Manas has taken on god-like status among some Kyrgyz. His story reveals many practices and beliefs of the pre-Islamic Kyrgyz. There have been some comparisons made between the biblical "Manasseh son of Jacob" (Genesis 48) and the Kyrgyz "Manas son of Jakyb. "

What Are Their Needs?

They Kyrgyz people in Russia need hope. True hope comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ, mankind's guide to life. They also need job training so they can earn better wages.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Kyrgyz people in Russia to have hearts that are open to the abundant blessings of Christ. Pray for Kyrgyz families to prosper financially and spiritually as they experience a relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray for a movement to Christ among the Kyrgyz that will spread joy, peace and salvation to other Muslim peoples. Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to this harvest field in Russia. Pray for the Kyrgyz culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.

Text Source:   Joshua Project