Tajik in Tajikistan

Introduction / History

The Tajiks of Central Asia are the oldest surviving people group in that region. Their homeland, Tajikistan, is the mountainous center of Asia, surrounded by the Asian republics of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan includes the Pamir Mountains, which reach altitudes of nearly 25,000 feet. Most of the people live in the parallel valleys below.

The Tajiks have repeatedly been invaded and conquered throughout their history. The armies of Alexander the Great, the Arabs in the seventh century, Genghis Khan, the Turks, the British and the Russian empire have all had a profound impact on these people. In fact, the numerous invasions have been the major factor in the dispersion of Tajiks to other locations. Many Tajiks have crossed over into Afghanistan and are still surrounded by war, ethnic violence, religious tension, and harsh living conditions.

After the breakup of the USSR, Tajikistan still suffered through years of a civil war which ended in 1997. However, tens of thousands had been killed and thousands of wives widowed. The economy collapsed, and unemployment was extremely high, up to 70% in some rural areas.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Tajiks are farmers and shepherds. Seasonal grasses create suitable pastures for raising sheep, goats, cattle, camels and horses. They also practice a remarkable system of terraced, mountainside irrigation so that wheat and barley can be grown at the higher, dry altitudes. An increasing number of Tajiks have moved to the cities over the past 60 years. P

oetry plays an important part in Tajik culture. It is read and often sung at important celebrations. Even the Koran has been put to music.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tajik people are Sunni Muslims who believe that the supreme God, Allah, spoke through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith. To live a righteous life, you must utter the Shahada (a stat

What Are Their Needs?

These Muslims have been abused by the Russians and they equate the Russians with Christianity. That provides an additional barrier to the gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray that Tajik believers would live such holy lives that others would desire to have the same spiritual riches found only in Christ.
Pray that Tajiks would not judge Christianity as a "Russian religion," but see their own need for salvation and the forgiveness of their sins from a sinless savior.
Ask God to raise up more long-term missionaries.
Ask the Lord to raise up a movement to Christ among the Tajiks soon.

Text Source:   Joshua Project