Turk in Ukraine
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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| People Name: | Turk |
| Country: | Ukraine |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 3,100 |
| World Population: | 67,389,400 |
| Primary Language: | Turkish |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Turkish |
| Affinity Bloc: | Turkic Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Turks in Ukraine are mainly Meskhetian Turks and a smaller group from Turkey. The Turks mainly speak Turkish while the Meskhetian Turks speak the local language, Ukrainian.
The Meskhetian Turks came firstly at the end of World War II due to problems with Russia. They were made to leave Georgia in the then Soviet Union and go to Uzbekistan. Riots took place in Uzbekistan in 1989 and they came to live in Ukraine. They live mainly in Kherson and Donetsk. In recent times there have been more and more Turks coming from Turkey to live in Ukraine.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Simferepol International School in the Crimea teaches Turkish, English, French, and Crimean languages. This school has achieved good successes. There is also another Turkish school called the Meridian International School which is in Kiev. Ethnic Turks have contributed to Ukraine through their excellent athletes and actors.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Turks are mainly Sunni Islam but do not follow Islam strictly largely because of the Russian leaders being against religion and following atheism. There is a mosque in Ukraine in Mariupol where the Turks worship.
What Are Their Needs?
Turks need to put their trust and identity in the hands of the loving God of Creation who sent his son to make it possible for them to enter the Kingdom of God. Without the Son, they cannot see the Father.
Prayer Points
Pray that past and present troubles in the Ukraine will help lead the Turks here to salvation.
Pray for loving, Holy Spirit led missionaries to go to the Turks in Ukraine.
Pray that Meskhetian Turks will have dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ.