Kurd, Kurmanji in Denmark

People Name:	Kurd, Kurmanji
Country:	Denmark
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	21,000
World Population:	14,704,900
Primary Language:	Kurdish, Northern
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.50 %
Evangelicals:	0.40 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Kurd
Affinity Bloc:	Persian-Median
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Northern Kurds are part of a much greater Kurd population. They 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 (collectively called Kurmanji), but they also share a common culture, geographical homeland and sense of identity.

Most Kurmanji speaking Kurds are from Iraq, Iran and Turkey. There have been many times since the 1980s when they have had to flee for their lives to places like Denmark. Those in Denmark usually live in Copenhagen.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Denmark, the Kurds celebrate their own festivals and many attend mosque. Some are more adjusted to the Danish way of life than others.

In the 2010s, some Kurdish people in Denmark left to wage war against ISIS. There was a controversy about whether or not Denmark should accept them back in the country.

What Are Their Beliefs?

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

However, despite being predominantly Sunnis, religion has created deep rifts among the Kurds. These differences also have prejudicial overtones towards the lower class. Many of the dispossessed Kurd minorities have become associated with the secret and unorthodox sects like the Yezidis--the most fervently rebellious people in Kurd society.

What Are Their Needs?

There are still few known believers living among the Northern Kurds in Denmark. The New Testament has been translated into their Kurmanji language. The Northern Kurds need hearts that are open to being at peace with God through the blood of Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Holy Spirit will give mission agencies strategies for reaching Kurdish Muslims with the gospel.
Ask God to use the small number of Northern Kurdish believers as a clear gospel witness to their own people in Denmark.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts towards Christ followers so that they will be receptive to the gospel.
Pray that God will raise up a strong Disciple Making Movement among the Kurmanji speaking Northern Kurds.