Tatar, Crimean in Turkmenistan

Introduction / History

The Crimean Tatars are actually part of a much greater Tatar population that lives primarily in Russia. Large numbers of Crimean Tatars can also be found in Turkey, Romania and Ukraine. The Crimean Tatars are descendants of the Mongols who swept through eastern Europe in the 13th century. Their history has been both complex and turbulent. For many years they have endured hardship, oppression and injustice. By end of the 1440s, the Crimean Khanate was established on the Crimean Peninsula. However, Russian rule came late in the 18th century and was very repressive. In 1944, Stalin accused the entire Crimean Tatar population of collaborating with the Nazis and had them deported to Soviet Central Asia. Sadly, almost half of them died in the process. To this day, the Tatars are still struggling to return to the homeland. Since the Tatars' massive deportation in 1944, much of their traditional Crimean lifestyle has been lost.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Crimean Tatars have undergone an intense process of assimilation into other cultures including that of the Turkmen. The older people have maintained a strong sense of ethnic identity. However, it has been extremely difficult for them to pass that identity on to their children.

Family ties are very important to the Crimean Tatars. The size of the immediate family ranges from four to five members. However, two or three generations will often live in the same house. The great majority of the Crimean Tatars in Turkmenistan marry within their culture, unlike some of their Tatar cousins. The family is strongly patriarchal (dominated by the men). The line of descent is through the father and inheritance is passed down through the males. Work is divided along traditional lines with men working outside and women tending to the children and the household duties.

A majority of the Crimean Tatars who live in cities wear Western style clothing. Elderly and rural people wear more traditional dress such as scarves, robes and sandals.

Crimean Tatars in Turkmenistan have a deep love for songs and music, which are popular at holidays and feasts. They perform popular folk songs, called manes and chin, whenever there is a celebration. If someone wanted to reach them for Christ, writing worship music in their preferred musical style would be an excellent option.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Crimean Tatars are Sunni Muslims who belong to the Hanafite branch. However, they have no version of the Koran in their language. The Muslim faith includes observing Ramadan, a month of ritual fasting. During Ramadan, they are praying for Islam to fill the earth. They also make an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, (the holy city of Islam), whenever possible.

What Are Their Needs?

Some evidence suggests that the Crimean Tatars have a thirst for the Word of God. There is a great need for laborers to work among the Crimean Tatars. Tentmakers with skills in agriculture and construction are needed, in addition to those who can evangelize and do church planting. The Tatars also need job training skills and help in establishing small businesses. English language studies may be needed as well.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call full-time workers who are willing to go to the Crimean Tatars in Turkmenistan and share Christ. Pray for Crimean Tatar elders to have dreams of the risen Christ. Pray for spiritual hunger among the Crimean Tatars that will lead them to Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project