Turk in Switzerland

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, something that today’s Islamists bemoan.
Most Turks in Switzerland are from Turkey, though some come from other Turkish-based ethnic groups in Eastern and Southern Europe. The first Turks came to Switzerland in the early 1960s as temporary “guest” workers. They took on low paying jobs in food service and construction during that time, as many others still do today. In 1980, Turkey experienced a coup, and many Turks fled to avoid the excesses of the new government. These often included students and political dissidents. They were likely to have more education than those who arrived 20 years earlier. Some returned to Turkey while others remained in Switzerland and were joined by their families.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Turks have made their mark in Swiss society through sports, the arts, music, academics and business. Most speak the Swiss German dialect to interface with those outside their Turkish communities.
Turks in Switzerland have formed their own associations, cultural centers Muslim groups and sports teams. They excel in soccer.
Though traditional ways continue to exist in some areas, the typical Turks live a secularized, modern urban life. They face the temptations as well as the opportunities of others in Switzerland. They are usually restricted from non-Islamic activities by their families and communities. Though Turks in Switzerland are Muslim, they are often separated from other Islamic people groups at the mosque level.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Turks are nominally Sunni Muslim, believing in one god (Allah), and an eternal heaven and hell. "Sunni," is derived from the Islamic term, sunnah, which means "well-trodden path." Sunnis believe that the correct path is that of the majority. Therefore, the tradition of the Sunni is political conformism, though the Turks have been more flexible than many of their Muslim neighbors. Other Turks are more secular in their beliefs, though they visit the mosque for special events. Some also hold to pre-Islamic beliefs as well. For example, some believe that men have the power to curse others by giving them the "evil eye."

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 spiritual barriers, showing them they need a sin-free savior to pay for their sin and bring them in a right relationship with God.

Prayer Points

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.
Pray for the fervent believers to reach out in faith and love to the Muslim Turks among them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project