Herki in Türkiye (Turkey)

People Name:	Herki
Country:	Türkiye (Turkey)
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	44,000
World Population:	116,000
Primary Language:	Kurdish, Northern
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.30 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Kurd
Affinity Bloc:	Persian-Median
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Herki Kurds are actually part of a much greater Kurd population. The Kurds are made up of a number of clans, tribes and tribal confederations, many of which have been in existence for thousands of years. This large people group shares several important and common ties. Not only do they speak closely related languages, but they also share a common culture, geographical homeland, and sense of identity. Kurdish people are basically more alike than are other people groups, and they have a group identity. Yet they have so much trouble unifying that they are at the mercy of other groups in the Middle East and Central Asia.

The Herki Kurds are a confederacy of tribes of northern Kurdistan. They live primarily in the mountainous area where the borders of Turkey, Iran, and Iraq meet, near Lake Urmia and the town of Orumiyeh. There are three Herki Kurdish tribes: Menda, Serhati and Sida. These various tribes and clans are distinguished by the languages they speak. The Herki language is a dialect of Kurmanji. Apart from the Herki Kurds of Turkey, other large communities live in Iran and Iraq.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Kurdish society is mainly rural, with most people making their living from farming and raising livestock. Most of them are fairly settled; however, some still practice a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place with their herds of goats and sheep. The nomadic shepherds move into the mountain areas during the summer and down to the plains in the winter.

Although their farming methods seem simple and their technology outdated, Herki Kurds are faring well in Turkey's rugged terrain. They grow cotton, sugar beets, and tobacco for both the Turkish market and export.

In recent times, particularly since the early 1930s, the tribal organizations of the Herki Kurds have been largely suppressed by the Turkish government. As a result, many of the nomads have moved from the rural, economically depressed areas into the cities. There, industry provides jobs for about a small percentage of the population, while the others are engaged in trade, services and craft work.

The daily diet of the Kurds is built around bread, dairy products, dates, tea and meat. The wealthy have a more varied diet. Pork and alcoholic beverages are tabooed because of their Muslim faith.

Herki Kurds are noted for their elaborate national costumes. The men's costumes consist of baggy, colored trousers and plain shirts with huge sleeves split at the wrist and tied at the elbow. They also wear brightly colored vests and sashes. Women usually wear heavy clothing that is embroidered with vivid colors. Today, many Kurds have abandoned their native costumes for western style dress.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Nearly all Herki Kurds are Muslims, most being Shafite Sunnis. They first embraced Islam after the Arab conquests of the seventh century. Today, they look to Islam as a basis for social justice.

Even among Sunni Kurds, there are traces of an earlier pagan and violent type faith which sets them apart from other Muslims. In the rural areas, some still believe in jinnis, spirits capable of assuming human or animal forms. Many are also involved in elements of animal worship.

Mullahs (Muslim spiritual leaders) play an important role in the social and cultural life of those living in the country. Until recent times, mullahs would act as village witch doctors, performing ceremonies and reciting chants to drive out madness or cure the sick.

Religious fraternities still operate throughout this region of the world. In the past, some influential sheiks (spiritual leaders) even became members of parliament. However, their authority eventually began to crumble. Today, their spiritual and economic power is being challenged.

What Are Their Needs?

The Islamic faith is extremely hard to influence with the gospel. It is also becoming more difficult to influence people in Turkey.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to devote their lives to establishing Christ’s ways among the Herki Kurds in Turkey.
Ask God to use the small number of Herki Kurdish believers as a clear gospel witness to their own people.
Ask the Lord to raise up a strong local church among the Herki Kurds.
Pray for the Lord to give dreams of the risen and victorious Christ to Herki Kurdish leaders.