Turk in Algeria

Introduction / History

In the time of the Turkish or Ottoman Empire in the 1500s, Turks began coming to Algeria. The people of the city of Algiers invited the two Barbarossa brothers, who were Turkish Ottomans, to drive away the Spanish who were encroaching on their region. This they did with success. Turks were established in Algeria, and the Ottoman Empire expanded its influence once again. For hundreds of years there was a strong Turkish presence in Algeria commercially and militarily. Even today there is extra status in having Turkish blood in Algeria.

Today’s Turks in Algeria speak Turkish, Arabic and French.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Turks in Algeria have mixed well in Algerian life but are fond of their Ottoman-Turkish links. They identify themselves with both Algeria and Turkey. There is a notable Turkish culture in Algeria. Algerians love Turkish coffees, pastries and desserts. The Turkish language has influenced words and also titles and surnames. Turkish music and architecture influence Algerian culture.

The Turks live in big cities like the capital Algiers as well as Constantine and Tiemcen. There are yet remains of old Turkish cities in Algeria. They have an Association called the Association of Algerian Turks. There are many well-known Algerian Turks.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Turks are Sunni Muslims who believe that the One, Supreme God, Allah, spoke through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith. To live a righteous life, you must utter the Shahada (a statement of faith), pray five times a day facing Mecca, fast from sunup to sundown during the month of Ramadan, give alms to the poor, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you have the means. Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, slandering, and making idols. They gather for corporate prayer on Friday afternoons at a mosque, their place of worship. The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah. Sunni religious practices are staid and simple. They believe that Allah has pre-determined our fates; they minimize free will.

Muslim Turks also commonly depend on the spirit world for their daily needs since they regard Allah as too distant. Allah may determine their eternal salvation, but the spirits determine how well we live in our daily lives. For that reason, they must appease the spirits. They often use charms and amulets to help them with spiritual forces.

What Are Their Needs?

The Turks, no matter where they live, seldom are willing to consider the claims of Jesus Christ. They are usually content with the Islamic religious system and unwilling to look for a sin-forgiving savior.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Turks into the loving arms of Jesus Christ. Pray for a movement to Christ among the Turks in Algeria. Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to the Turks in Algeria. Pray for Turkish disciples to make more disciples in Algeria and beyond.

Text Source:   Joshua Project