Turk in Poland

Introduction / History

Turks in Poland form one of the country's smaller minority groups. Many immigrated following Poland's entrance to the European Union. There are Bulgarian and Bosnian originated Turks who have immigrated to Poland as well. Poland provided a new opportunity for education abroad for many young Turks who sought their chances in the country.

Where Are they Located?

The majority of Turkish immigrants live in Warsaw or in the vicinity; but small communities of Turks are also reported in Poznań, Gdańsk and Łódź.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There is a gap concerning level of education of Turks in Poland. Turks who have immigrated to Poland and are dealing with the textile or food industries are mainly secondary or primary school graduates. White collar or "expats" are university graduates with a good command of English and other foreign languages.

The majority of Turks living in Poland speak Polish. They believe that one should speak Polish fluently to survive in Poland.

There do not appear to be negative feelings among Turks against Poles. Though some do believe that Poles are biased against them, there is no evidence of terrorism or radical tendencies against Turks living in Poland. Turks residing in Poland do not feel discrimination from authorities. The bureaucracy of Poland, poses a disappointment for the Turks.

In recent years, Poland has seen a wave of Turkish immigrants who are looking for an economic niche for themselves. Earlier Turkish immigrants started as small traders and wholesalers and later became successful entrepreneurs and investors.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Among educated Turks there are many people who declare themselves as atheist or agnostic. Their former country, Turkey, is almost entirely Islamic.

In Polish cities where Turks are residing, there are mosques which are headed by Arabs or Turks. The majority of Turks prefer to go for prayer to mosques run by Turks.

What Are Their Needs?

It is a sad fact that people often must experience suffering before they are able to see their most serious spiritual needs. Turks in Poland need most of all to experience desperation for Almighty God, their Savior. Life in Poland is centered around survival and worldly success, but desperate searching one's spirit is the most important issue.

Prayer Points

Pray that pursuits of success and distinction will be replaced with brokenness over sin, and complete obedience to the will of the Creator who loves them, and died in their place.
Pray that Jesus followers will take advantage of God-given opportunities with Muslims to respectfully present the truth of God's Word in Poland.
Pray for a disciple-making movement among Turks to emerge in Poland.

Text Source:   Keith Carey