Dargin in Ukraine

People Name:	Dargin
Country:	Ukraine
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	1,200
World Population:	640,800
Primary Language:	Dargwa
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Caucasus
Affinity Bloc:	Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Dargins are one of the larger people groups of southwestern Russia's Caucasus Region. This area is very volatile, and violence can erupt at any time. This violence might be between Russian forces and Dargin separatists or between rival Dargin groups. For this reason, some Dargins have found Ukraine to be a relatively peaceful place to live.

Where Are they Located?

The vast majority of the Dargin people live in Russia's Caucasus Mountain Region, but some have managed to move to other countries like Ukraine.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Ukraine, Dargins must adjust to living away from their extended communities. They must learn to speak Ukrainian, though it is similar to the Russian language that most already know. They must face the challenge of making a living in a foreign land.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The ancestors of the Dargins began a slow acceptance of Islam in the 8th century that took centuries to complete. While they claim allegiance to Islam, they practice a religion mixed with many pre-Islamic superstitions. These are reflected in the rite of the first furrow, the spring New Year holiday, the rituals for making and stopping rain, calling out the sun, completing the harvest, and many more.

The Dargin come from a powerful ethnic tradition—indeed the very name 'Dargwa' means 'strong, free communities.' However, bondage to superstition, violent power struggles, pervasive male drunkenness, and other endemic forms of human sin, leave this proud collection of peoples far from free.

What Are Their Needs?

The Dargin people need to be set spiritually free from bitterness, undue distrust and violence. The pattern of distrust and corruption has kept them from even having the chance to hear the gospel in the Caucasus region. That same issue can keep them from hearing about the loving Savior in Ukraine, a country with many serious believers.

Prayer Points

Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Dargin communities.
Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Dargin people in Ukraine and in Russia.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Dargin people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers Dargin disciples to make more disciples.