Kryz, Dzhek in Azerbaijan

Introduction / History

The Kryz are a small ethnic group living in some settlements of the Kuba and Khachmassk districts of Azerbaijan. The word Kryz originates from the town of Kryz in Kuba district.

The language is Kryzic, which belongs to the Lezgin group of the Caucasian (Dagestan) languages. Almost every Kryz knows the Azerbaijanian language. Their children are taught in the Kryts language at school.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their main occupation is cattle production while farming is of secondary importance for them. Their trades are represented by carpet weaving and manufacture of mats and patterned woolen items.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kryz are Sunni Muslims. This people group worships Allah, but they are not good Muslims; they have no qualms about drinking alcoholic beverages and they still practice pre-Islamic rituals. Like many Muslims, the Kryz people depend on the spirit world for their daily needs since they regard Allah as too distant. Allah may determine their eternal salvation, but the spirits determine how well we live in our daily lives. For that reason, they must appease the spirits. They often use charms and amulets to help them with spiritual forces. Only a few short portions of Scripture have been translated into their language.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kryz people need the chance to experience the abundant life offered only by Jesus Christ. As it stands, they are Muslim and all their neighbors are as well. Who will go to them?

Prayer Points

Pray for Bible literature to be translated into the Kryts language.
Pray God would give them receptivity to the message of Christ's atoning death for sin which makes forgiveness possible.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out loving workers to the Kryz people of Azerbaijan.
Pray for the Lord to give dreams and visions of Jesus to Kryz elders and family leaders.

Text Source:   Joshua Project