Tat, Muslim in Iran

Introduction / History

Mussulman (Muslim) Tats live in northwestern Iran, in the mountain valleys along the Azerbaijani border. They are part of two distinct religious communities that fall into a category known as "tats." The two groups include the Jewish Tats (known as mountain Jews) and the Mussulman or Muslim Tats.

The Turks originally coined the term "tats" to designate settled groups of non-Turkic origin. The term now applies to a Caucasian group that speaks a southern dialect of the Iranian language. Mussulman is an archaic term referring to Muslims.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Although the Mussulman Tat have been an agricultural people from the beginning of their history, they have also developed a strong urban community. Farmers living in the valleys raise wheat, barley, maize and cattle. Those living in mountain villages raise sheep, bulls and buffaloes. In the northeastern area, communities consisting of 80 to 120 households are located in mountain settlements built on ledges.

Rural Mussulman Tats live in their ancestral villages among the mountains and valleys. The availability of well water determines the village location. Each villages contains a mosque, a bath area, and a well along with family dwellings. Mussulman Tats in rural areas usually live in one- or two-story homes, which are constructed of rectangular-shaped natural stones cemented with clay mortar. The houses feature flat roofs and front porches supported by wooden pillars. Families living in two-story homes use the upper floor for living quarters and the lower floor for workspace.

Although education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and eleven, many classroom facilities are inadequate. Classes are segregated by sex, and the major emphasis is on religion and traditional values.

The Mussulman Tats are considered a closed society because they insist on maintaining ethnic purity by allowing marriage only within the tribe. That limits them in Iran, a non-Turkic country.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Mussulman Tats are primarily Shia Muslims with a smaller number of Sunnis. Both Sunnis and Shias, the two main branches of Islam, agree that Allah is the one true God, and that Mohammad was his messenger. One group, which eventually became the Shias, felt Muhammad's successor should be someone in his bloodline, while the other, which became the Sunnis, felt a pious individual who would follow the Prophet's customs was the right leader. The successor who the Shia believe was right leader met a violent, martyr's death. So, unlike the Sunnis, the Shias understand that a righteous man can be killed. Like Christians during the Middle Ages, Muslims believe that winning battles demonstrates God's favor.

What Are Their Needs?

Most Mussulman Tats in Iran have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel in their language. Mussulman Tats need someone to tell them about the claims of Christ who alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send loving and dedicated workers to the Mussulman Tats in Iran.
Pray for a soon coming day when Mussulman Tats in Iran will put their faith in Jesus and teach their families to do the same.
Pray the Lord softens the hearts of Mussulman Tat leaders and elders.
Ask the Lord to raise up a growing Mussulman Tat church in Iran.

Text Source:   Joshua Project