Arab, Lebanese in Türkiye (Turkey)

Introduction / History

The Levantine Arabs historically lived in a region called "the Levant". This includes Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria. Sometimes included in the region are Egypt, Iraq and Turkey. Originally speakers of Aramaic and followers of Canaanite culture and language, the Levantine Arabs gradually came to speak Arabic and to practice Islam for the most part. Today they still have an affinity for one another, but they are divided by country; Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, etc.
Large populations of Lebanese Arabs live all over the world. A surprisingly large percentage of them are found in the Western Hemisphere, especially in Brazil, the U.S., Canada and Mexico as many Latin American countries. A substantial number live in African countries as well. There is a small number in Turkey.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Social life is extremely important to Lebanese Arabs. They like to share a daily coffee time by sitting on the floor and drinking coffee from cups without handles. Their diet basically consists of wheat bread and porridge made with boiled meat or chicken.
Despite Islamic teachings, the reality of different classes of Arabs persists. The type of clothing worn has become one of the determining factors. One can easily recognize Levant tribesmen by their dress. The women wear veils both in town and at home.
To preserve their people, they are only allowed to marry those inside their own group. Levant Arab society is patrilineal, which means that inheritances are passed down through the males. In this system, boys inherit more than girls. Since children are considered a family's greatest asset, females are valued for their ability to bear children.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Lebanese Arabs are Muslims. The Levant Arabs have had a close association with Islam throughout their history. Islam has greatly influenced the lives of Lebanese Arabs.

What Are Their Needs?

A Muslim who professes faith in Jesus Christ can lose his family, his honor, his job, or even his life. At the present time, there are only a few known Christians within the Levant Arab community, with the largest number found among the Iraqi Arabs. Evangelization efforts among these tribes are challenging due to restrictions in many of the countries, as well as general antagonism towards Christianity. Intercession is the key to reaching them with the gospel.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to reach out and share the love of Christ with Lebanese Arabs in Turkey.
Pray that God will raise up faithful intercessors who will stand in the gap for the Lebanese Arabs.
Ask God to give the Lebanese Arab believers opportunities to share the love of Christ with their own people.
Pray that their traditional Muslim culture will soften, creating open doors for the gospel to be preached among them.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local fellowships among Lebanese Arabs in Turkey.

Text Source:   Joshua Project