Hundreds of years ago, the Wolof conquered many tribes in the northwestern Senegal area. By the end of the 1300s, the Wolof had grown into a large empire of separate, self-governing states throughout West Africa. By the 1500s, the empire had split into four major Wolof kingdoms.
There is a Wolof diaspora that covers most of the countries of West Africa and certain ones in Europe. There is also a small diaspora community in Turkey.
The Wolof, and other African peoples, are a small minority in Turkey. They must adjust to a different language and culture, all the while standing out for their different appearance. One of the few things they have in common with the Turkish majority is Islam.
Islam was introduced to the Wolof people in 1040, probably through Muslim traders. The Wolof are attracted to the Sufi form of Islam. Sufism is much more mystical and emotional than other forms of Islam. In Senegal, about 92 percent of the people belong to a Sufi brotherhood, also called tariqas. The Wolof who migrated out of Africa are probably less dedicated to these brotherhoods, but they are still part of their identity as a people.
Along with their Islamic beliefs the Wolof believe in bad and good spirits, as well as witches. Bad spirits live in tall trees or grassy areas. The Wolof wear amulets to protect them from the bad spirits. They contact a marabout, or spiritual leader with supernatural powers, when making important decisions.
No matter where they live, the Wolof people remain largely untouched by the gospel. The Wolof view Christianity as being for someone else, and there is much community pressure to conform to Islam. There are many Christian resources available for them, but very few who are willing to go to this harvest field. There is a great need for laborers who are sensitive to Wolof culture to work among them in Turkey and Europe.
Pray for the Wolof people in Turkey to put their faith in the Living God rather than the spirit world.
Pray for Wolof leaders to have the spiritual hunger it takes to embrace the only savior no matter what the cost.
Pray for a Wolof based church planting movement to flourish in Turkey.
Pray for the Wolof people to have easy access to gospel materials.
Pray for dedicated workers who are willing to spend years trying to win and equip Wolof people to be disciples in Christ's Kingdom.
Scripture Prayers for the Wolof in Türkiye (Turkey).
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Wolof |
People Name in Country | Wolof |
Pronunciation |
WOE-loff
|
Alternate Names | Gambian; Gambian Wolof; Lebu |
Population this Country | 2,700 |
Population all Countries | 6,685,000 |
Total Countries | 13 |
Indigenous | No |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 15414 |
ROP3 Code | 110856 |
ROP25 Code | 308823 |
ROP25 Name | Wolof |
Country | Türkiye (Turkey) | ||
Region | Asia, Central | ||
Continent | Asia | ||
10/40 Window | Yes | ||
National Bible Society | Website | ||
Persecution Rank | 50 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Country | Türkiye (Turkey) |
Region | Asia, Central |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | 50 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Primary Religion: | Islam |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.00 %) |
0.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
100.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Wolof (2,700 speakers) |
Language Code | wol Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Wolof (2,700 speakers) |
Language Code | wol Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Wolof |
Primary Language: Wolof
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1873-1997) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1987-2010) |
Bible-Complete | No |
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 |
Photo Source | Anonymous |
Map Source | Bethany World Prayer Center |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |