Introduction / History

Often people think that migrants in the West would prefer to live among their families and friends in the old country. This is not always the case. Many Azerbaijanis (AKA, Azeris) in Sweden are living there because of harsh, restrictive conditions in their homeland. In 2003 and 2004, more than 1,000 Azeri sought asylum in Sweden. These people were willing to leave family and friends to find a life in a place they don't know.

Despite Azerbaijan's economic prosperity, it is a country plagued by severe political and military corruption and a failure to preserve human rights. This situation gives some Azeris a desire to move to other countries like Sweden.

Azeris tend to live in the urban centers of Sweden. Sweden is starting to have new arrivals settle in the colder northern regions.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The homeland of the Azeris has been the target of numerous invasions throughout history. Azeris are very passionate about their homeland and its hostile relationship with its neighbor, Armenia. Azeris held a protest rally in Goteborg, Sweden in August 2014. More than a year earlier they had held another rally in Stockholm, in remembrance of a tragedy that occurred in 1992 in Azerbaijan.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though the Azeris are mostly Shia Muslim, they tend to be somewhat secular because of the decades of secularization from when they were part of the USSR. Islam is still central to the Azeri identity.

What Are Their Needs?

Shia Muslim Azeris seldom have the chance to hear that Jesus Christ saves sinners, though they understand that Jesus will return during the Second Coming. They honor Jesus, but they have not heard his life-changing teachings. There is freedom or religion in Sweden, so believers can go to them as ambassadors of Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray that as Azeris leave their homeland, they will seek a home with the Lord's family.
Pray that Azeris in Sweden will be drawn by the love of the Lord to seek him.
Pray that the church in Sweden will see the Azeris in their midst and make loving efforts to help them not only come to Christ, but also to spread his fame to Azeris in Azerbaijan.

Scripture Prayers for the Azerbaijani in Sweden.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerbaijani_diaspora
https://www.azerbaycan24.com/en/26-year-old-azerbaijani-youth-appointed-as-minister-in-sweden/
https://www.azernews.az/nation/127851.htmlPRGPHhttp://azertag.az/en/xeber/Azerbaijanis_in_Sweden_rally_against_Armenian_provocations-941857 18710