Persian in Slovakia


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Persians (also known as Iranians) are an ethnic group native to Iran. Around 1000 B.C., various Persian tribes began to settle in the territory that is now Iran. The tribes became a more cohesive political unit under the Achaemenian dynasty. Their unity soon made them the dominant ethnic group in the region. For 1,200 years, Persians conquered empires and their rule extended from Egypt to India until their conquest by Arabs in the 7th century A.D.

It was not until the Islamic revolution of 1979 that massive changes came to Iran, when a vast majority emigrated for security reasons. In the 21st century, most Iranians were leaving the country because of political crackdowns, illegal asset confiscation by the state, heavy-handed social and religious control, or the danger of persecution based on sexual orientation. Although the vast majority of Persians now live either in Iran or in one of the nearby countries, small Persian communities can also be found in many other nations around the world including Slovakia.

There is a growing relationship between the countries of Iran and Slovakia in both the political and cultural arena. There is an active presence of Iranians in the country's book fairs, cinema and other arts. Due to an agreement by the government of Slovakia to facilitate issuing visas to Iranian nationals, there is a growing number of Persians who flock to Slovakia.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Iranian citizens who immigrate to Slovakia first apply for temporary residence permits that are renewed until they have permanent residence status. For this purpose, Iranians try their best to live in Slovakia for five uninterrupted years. They also are granted Slovak citizenship when they establish themselves and help in the growth of the country's economy.

Iranians relocate to Slovakia for employment and /or for reuniting with their families because they find that these are the safest options to obtain residence. Most of them who immigrate are self-employed successful businessman and entrepreneurs. Starting a business and investing in their companies grants them various facilities from the government. The other main reason for Iranians to immigrate to Slovakia is for higher education in Slovak universities and other accredited educational institutions.

To cater to the vast number of expatriates in the capital city, there are a handful of Persian restaurants that serve traditional Persian fare of kebabs, biryanis, baklavas, Iranian style tea, etc.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Ever since Shia form of Islam became the national religion of Iran, Iranians strictly adhere to the tenets of the sect, where the clergy play an important role in both the social and political lives of the people. Today, most Iranians are officially Shia Muslims of the Ithna Ashari branch.

However, many Iranians who migrate are disillusioned with state-enforced spirituality, especially in light of the hypocrisy which they saw in the Iranian government. For this reason, most are either Shia Muslim only in name. Some expatriate Iranians also consider themselves irreligious, agnostic, or atheist.

Slovakia does not have a mosque except for an Islamic center located in Bratislava. Iranian Muslims sometimes gather for daily prayers at the center which holds about 80-100 people.


What Are Their Needs?

Iranians are hardworking people, and they show the same kind of work ethic in the countries where they immigrate. They face challenging situations in new countries until they find a way to support themselves.

Fortunately, being in a place where there is freedom of religion gives them a chance to hear and respond to the claims of Jesus Christ. However, there is a lack of workers who will lead them in their search for spirituality.


Prayer Points

Pray for a flourishing movement to Christ among Iranians in Slovakia.

Pray for harvest workers who are familiar with the culture and language of the Persians, who can reach them with an in-depth knowledge of the Koran.

Ask the Lord to reveal himself to the Iranians through visions and dreams so that they may seek the truth.

Pray that God will rise up faithful intercessors, who will stand in the gap for the Iranians in Europe.

Ask God to strengthen, encourage, and protect formerly Muslim Iranians who have come to faith and through whom their entire community may come to find the Lord.

Pray that the many Slovakian missionary movements may also have a burden to reach the immigrants through their outreach activities.


Scripture Prayers for the Persian in Slovakia.


References

https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2017/04/08/1373626/iran-slovakia-ink-mou-to-boost-cultural-ties

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_Slovakia

https://www.lawyersslovakia.com/immigrate-to-slovakia-from-iran


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Persian
People Name in Country Persian
Pronunciation PUR-zhun
Alternate Names Fars; Irani; पर्षियन
Population this Country 1,300
Population all Countries 46,754,000
Total Countries 42
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 14371
ROP3 Code 107987
Country Slovakia
Region Europe, Eastern and Eurasia
Continent Europe
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Country Slovakia
Region Europe, Eastern and Eurasia
Continent Europe
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked

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Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.90 %)
3.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
97.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Persian, Iranian (1,300 speakers)
Language Code pes   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Persian, Iranian (1,300 speakers)
Language Code pes   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Persian, Iranian

Primary Language:  Persian, Iranian

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1546-1965)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1815-1979)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1838-2023)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings DAVAR Partners recording, complete Bible DAVAR Partners International
Audio Recordings General Ministry Resources General / Other
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Persian, Iranian Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rivka video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rock International: King of Glory Rock International
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video The Hope Video Mars Hill Media
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Voice of the Martyrs resources Voice of the Martyrs
General Walk with the Prophets and meet the Messiah Al Massira
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
General Zume Training Zume Project
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Persian Bible Biblica
Mobile App Android Bible app: Persian, Iranian YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Persian, Iranian YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Bible Gateway scripture Bible Gateway
Text / Printed Matter Bible: Comic Book Version Super Bible / Comic Bible Society
Text / Printed Matter Jesus Messiah comic book General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source Hamed Saber - Flickr  Creative Commons 
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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