Turk, Meskhetian in Azerbaijan
Photo Source:
Cem Ahiska - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
Location: IMB and web researrch. Imagery: GMI, ESRI, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, ESRI User Community. Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Turk, Meskhetian |
| Country: | Azerbaijan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 110,000 |
| World Population: | 300,700 |
| 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 Meskhetian Turks originated in Georgia on the border with Turkey. They are named after a province called Meskheti. Though Turkic tribes had long since settled in Meskheti, it was the Turkish military expedition of 1578 that led to this people group being initially thought of as a separate people group. During the rule of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, the Meskhetian Turks were spread out throughout Central Asia. Most remain in these Central Asian nations, while some are in Turkey. They once had highly productive farms, but these were lost when they were moved during World War II. They are still feeling the effects of that time.
What Are Their Lives Like?
No matter where they live, Meskhetian Turks love ceremonies and celebrations. There is a big celebration for circumcision that involves music and dancing!
Before a wedding, the groom s parents need to propose a union with a potential bride s parents. If they accept, there is an engagement party. The wedding lasts two days. When the bride enters his house for the first time, she uses her heel to break two plates and smears honey on the doorway. This signifies happiness for the bride and groom. The wedding ends with a festive dance where men and women dance separately. In the last dance, the bride and groom have the last dance, which they call a waltz.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Meskhetian Turks are Sunni Muslims with a small minority representation of Shia Muslims. They perform Muslim rituals, but they also have their own pre-Islamic practices, which involve superstitions, sorcery and magic. Some wear amulets and "protective" talismans. All of these obstacles prevent these Turks from understanding the value of Jesus and how he is meant to take the only place as Lord of their lives.
What Are Their Needs?
To date, there are no known followers of Christ among this people group in Azerbaijan, so pray for a visit of the Holy Spirit in each of their communities.
Prayer Points
Pray that God would give new spiritual awareness to the Meskhetian Turks in all of the places they call home.
Pray that new, positive relationships would begin between Meskhetian Turks and God's people in Azerbaijan.
Pray that the Church would be intentional about reaching Meskhetian Turks.
Pray for Meskhetian Turks in Azerbaijan to find the Lord, get discipled, and disciple others.