Turk in Netherlands

Introduction / History

The ancestors of the Turks founded the powerful Ottoman Empire which lasted from the 14th through the early 20th century. This 600-year empire began with raids by Turkish warriors and ended with the defeat of the Axis powers at the end of WWI. It was the last Muslim empire. Turks are proud of their history. The majority of the world's ethnic Turks continue to reside in their home country of Turkey. However, many have migrated throughout Europe including the Netherlands.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Dutch Turks form the largest minority in the Netherlands, accounting for around two percent of the total population. They are mostly concentrated in large cities in the west of Holland. Dutch Turks carry the reputation of being the most organized ethnic group with its activities and organizations. First generation Dutch Turks typically insulate themselves with tradition and the culture of Turkey, and the Dutch consider them undereducated. Second generation Dutch Turks are still considered undereducated, but they more easily assimilate to the European culture. However, while most Dutch are secular, most Dutch Turks consider Islam to be the center of their culture. Dutch Turks represent the largest ethnic group in the country. Because of the differences between the Turkish and Dutch people, half of all Dutch Turks report discrimination while in Holland. For instance, studies indicate that Dutch Turks are more readily accused of crime. Young Dutch Turks report feeling less and less accepted in Dutch society, and the resulting effect shows a growing support for their homeland's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He has made repeated calls for European Turks to preserve their Turkish identities and reject assimilation to European societies. This has caused an uptick in the Dutch anti-Islamic sentiment, even in the greater European anti-Islamic sentiment.

What Are Their Beliefs?

87% adhere to Islam. This includes daily visits to the mosque, routine public prayer, dietary regulations, etc. However, some of them are more secularized and others are more in tune with pre-Islamic superstitions than with the rituals of Islam.

What Are Their Needs?

Although the Turks of Turkey have Christian resources (both the Bible and the JESUS Film have been translated into Turkish) available to them in their language and mission agencies have worked among them, they remain Muslim. Prayer alone has the power to break through the strongholds of Islam. Intercessors are needed to daily stand in the gap and pray for the salvation of these people for whom the Lord Jesus laid down His life.

Prayer Points

Pray for the fervent believers to reach out in faith and love to the Muslim Turks among them. Pray for a spiritual hunger among Turks that will be satisfied by none other than the only Savior, Jesus Christ. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among Turks to spread far and wide throughout Europe.

Text Source:   Joshua Project