Khik (Wakhi) in Tajikistan

People Name:	Khik (Wakhi)
Country:	Tajikistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	21,000
World Population:	124,000
Primary Language:	Wakhi
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Tajik
Affinity Bloc:	Persian-Median
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Wakhi live on both sides of China's remote border with Pakistan. Other Wakhi are in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Marco Polo described the area when he passed through more than 700 years ago. The Wakhi homeland is so cold that even birds have trouble surviving.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Wakhi people have a strange relationship with the Kirghiz people. The Kirghiz live in the high mountain valleys of the area, while the Wakhi lived in the lowlands areas. Relations between the two groups are often tense, yet both groups are economically dependent on each other. The Kirghiz depend on the Wakhi for grain, while the Wakhi depend on the Kirghiz for animals. The center of the areas where they reside is Khandud. Many have scattered and are refugees now. They speak Wakhi, and Indo- Iranian language. The literacy rate is below 1%.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Although the Wakhi have been Shia Muslims for centuries, they have retained many animistic rituals.

What Are Their Needs?

The Wakhi people need better schools to they can improve their literacy rate. This could open doors for them to advance economically.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Wakhi people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings.
Pray for workers who will share the good news and tell the Wakhi people how to follow the Lord.
Pray for a movement to Christ among all the Wakhi peoples everywhere.