Turka, Tyurama in Burkina Faso

People Name:	Turka, Tyurama
Country:	Burkina Faso
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	78,000
World Population:	78,000
Primary Language:	Turka
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	12.00 %
Evangelicals:	9.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Gur
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Turka is a Gur language spoken by the Turka people in Burkina Faso. They are also called Tyurama. Most of them also speak Jula, a local trade language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most are subsistence farmers. They have been admired as skilled agriculturists, cultivating dry rice, yams, peanuts and millet in the grasslands that are prevalent in their region.

One important aspect of Tyurama /Turka society is its concept of "community." They think of themselves as one group, with all of their ideas pointing in the same direction. The concept of the "individual" is known only in limited circumstances; thus, no man stands alone. Instead, each person is thought of as part of an extended family, a member of the village, the elder or younger brother, etc. Everyone in a family eats as a group and dips into a common dish. The fields are worked collectively, food is stored collectively and each family contributes to the village. A Tyurama /Turka is always aware of his place in society as it relates to others in the group. To the Tyurama/Turka, the good of the community always comes before the good of the individual. Unless the entire tribe makes a change, such as converting to a different religion, no one does. However, the communal nature of their society has become less important since the region is becoming more commercialized and urbanized.

What Are Their Beliefs?

While they believe in various gods, ancestral spirits and bush spirits, some participate in witchcraft, magic and cults. Those beliefs strongly affect the worldview of the Tyurama/Turka people. Islam is also making inroads into their society. The few Christ-followers among them must be willing to share the good news with others.

What Are Their Needs?

The Tyurama Turka people need the hope that comes through Jesus Christ. They could use better medical facilities in their homeland.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to make a way for the Tyurama/Turka people to hear and respond to Jesus Christ.
Ask God to show himself powerful and loving to the Tyurama/Turka people.
Ask the Holy Spirit to give the Tyurama /Turka people teachable and understanding hearts.
Pray that hundreds will embrace Jesus Christ no matter what the cost.