Tigre, Eritrean in United Kingdom
Photo Source:
Rod Waddington - Flickr
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
People Group location: Joshua Project. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Tigre, Eritrean |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 15,000 |
| World Population: | 1,012,300 |
| Primary Language: | Tigre |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.10 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Online Audio NT: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Ethio-Semitic |
| Affinity Bloc: | Horn of Africa Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
There are Eritreans of Tigre origins living in the U.K. They are the second largest Eritrean people group after the Tigrinya. They are mainly Muslims and in Eritrea are mainly nomads. They speak in the Tigre language and can speak in English in the U.K. also.
The Eritreans are one of the smaller immigrant groups from Africa living in the U.K. Eritreans first came here in the early 1960s when the Eritreans went to war with Ethiopia regarding Eritrean independence. In the late 1980s and early 1990s more Eritrean immigrants came to the U.K. just before Eritrea got its independence from Ethiopia. Others came after independence because the economy was failing. They live mainly in London but also in Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool and Leeds.
What Are Their Lives Like?
There are many Eritrean cafes as well as restaurants in London. They serve traditional food such as zigini which is a special stew. Coffee is also special to them, and they prepare it with a ceremony that lasts about an hour. There is an Eritrean and Tigre Welfare Association in London who help Tigre Eritreans in many areas.
At least nine languages are spoken in Eritrea and there is one used specifically for matters of religion.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Eritrean Tigreans are almost all Muslim. They have pre-Islamic beliefs that they practice as well.
What Are Their Needs?
Eritrean Tigreans need someone to tell them about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Who will go to them in the U.K, where there is freedom of religion?
Prayer Points
Pray that the problems in Eritrea will cause the Tigre to give their lives to Jesus Christ and that Eritrean Christians in the U.K. will share the gospel with others in the UK.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will overcome apathy and conformity.