Turk, Meskhetian in Georgia
Photo Source:
Cem Ahiska - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Turk, Meskhetian |
| Country: | Georgia |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,300 |
| World Population: | 309,700 |
| Primary Language: | Georgian |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Turkish |
| Affinity Bloc: | Turkic Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Meskhetian Turks are a Turkish people originally from a part of southern Georgia that borders Turkey. However, under Stalin's policies during the time of the Soviet Union, the Meskhetian Turks were forcefully deported to Central Asia, where they experienced discrimination and civil rights abuses. When they were finally permitted to return to their homeland, Georgia did not allow them to resettle there. Today these people live in several countries, with the largest population in Russia.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They are hoping for a cultural rebirth. They feel a strong need to become united with one another.
What Are Their Beliefs?
They are Muslim, but many of their religious traditions contain a mixture of Muslim, Caucasian and Russian elements.
What Are Their Needs?
Lack of prayer and lack of obedience to the command of Christ to preach the good news to all creation continue to slow the advance of the gospel among Muslim Meskhetian Turks in Georgia, Kazakhstan and Russia. There are no known Christians among the Meskhetians in any country of residence.
Prayer Points
The Meskhtians have been a persecuted people. Please pray for their well-being as a people, wherever they may live.
Pray the Lord will awaken an interest among them to know Jesus in a personal way.
Georgia has many Christians, mostly Orthodox but some are evangelicals. Please pray that some of these Christians will gain an interest in carrying the gospel message to the Meskhetians in their own country.