Turk, Meskhetian in Azerbaijan

People Name:	Turk, Meskhetian
Country:	Azerbaijan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	110,000
World Population:	309,700
Primary Language:	Turkish
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Turkish
Affinity Bloc:	Turkic Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction

The Meskhetian Turks originated in Georgia on the border with Turkey. They are named after a province called Meskheti. Though Turkic tribes had long since settled in Meskheti, it was the Turkish military expedition of 1578 that led to this people group being initially thought of as a separate people group. During the rule of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, the Meskhetian Turks were spread out throughout Central Asia. Most remain in these Central Asian nations, while some are in Turkey. They once had highly productive farms, but these were lost when they were moved during WWII. They are still feeling the effects from that time.

Ministry Obstacles

The Meskhetian Turks are Sunni Muslims with a small minority representation of Shia Muslims. They perform Muslim rituals, but they also have their own pre-Islamic practices which involve superstitions, sorcery and magic. Some wear amulets and "protective"

Outreach Ideas

Pray for the Followers of Christ

Pray for the Entire People Group

To date there are no followers of Christ among this people group in Azerbaijan, so pray for an outbreak of the Holy Spirit in each of their communities. Pray that God would give new spiritual awareness to the Meskhetian Turks in all of the places they call home. Pray that new, positive relationships would begin between them and God's people. Pray that the Church would be intentional about reaching Meskhetian Turks. Pray for Meskhetian Turks in Azerbaijan to find the Lord, get discipled, and disciple others.