Introduction / History

The Baharlu have been nomads for centuries. They are part of a confederation of nomadic tribes in Iran.

Where Are they Located?

This people groups lives primarily in Iran's Fars Province.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Baharlu people are noted for weaving beautiful rugs. These rugs are desired my many, and they fetch a high price. Like other nomads in Central Asia, their livelihood is tied in with their livestock.

They speak a Turkic language, meaning it comes from Altaic languages. Some of the well-known Turkic languages are Turkish, Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Uighur, and Tatar. Their language is closely related to Southern Azerbaijani. These languages are from a different linguistic branch than Farsi, the trade language of Iran. Many other tribes in their area also speak a Turkic language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

All of these people are Muslims. They have not been confronted with the gospel that God will offer them an abundant life in the here and now, and eternal life with Him if we would repent, and accept salvation on His terms. Instead, as folk Muslims, they look to the spirit world for the daily needs and to the teachings of the Koran for their eternal needs and general guidance.

What Are Their Needs?

The Baharlu people need to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the claims of Jesus Christ. This is very difficult for a nomadic people living in a closed country.

Prayer Points

Pray for gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching the Baharlu people in Iran for Jesus and that in God's sovereign timing their hearts would be open and ready to follow Him.
Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended Baharlu families so the gospel will spread rapidly among this people group.
Pray for the spiritual lives of the Baharlu people to become fruitful as they follow Christ.
Pray for the lives and culture of the Baharlu people to evidence the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God as they open to the gospel, and for the beauty of Jesus to be seen in them.

Scripture Prayers for the Baharlu in Iran.

References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/19602/IR
https://www.masterart.com/artworks/3123/baharlu
https://www.hali.com/news/anatomy-of-an-object-a-baharluainalu-carpet/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baharlu_(ethnic_group)
http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/baharlu-turkic-tribe