Lyuli in Kyrgyzstan

Introduction / History

The ancestors of the Lyuli people were probably a caste of singers and dancers who, because of economic hardship, had to move elsewhere. They were scattered to several countries including what is now Kyrgyzstan.

Where Are they Located?

Most of the Lyuli people live in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan. A smaller number live in Russia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Lyuli families have clans and sub-clans. They are closed towards anyone outside the Lyuli community, since they are not accepted by many of the peoples they meet, especially Russians and Kyrgyz. In Kyrgyzstan, they have a very low standard of living because of discrimination. Few of them are educated in their mother tongue, which will make it harder for them to retain their culture. Some earn a living by making and selling jewelry and other crafts while others work in the cattle industry.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Lyuli people are 100 percent Sunni Muslim.

What Are Their Needs?

This people group needs acceptance and the chance to earn an honest living. They need to know that even if other peoples don't accept them, they are loved and accepted by the Heavenly Father.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lyuli people in Kyrgyzstan to rise above the discrimination they experience and gain their dignity through a relationship with God the Father.
Pray that the Lord will raise the Lyuli people up as His children, and give them the chance to become part of His family.
Pray for believers to reach out to the Lyuli people in love and compassion.
Pray for a Disciple-Making Movement to emerge among the Lyuli people of Kyrgyzstan.

Text Source:   Keith Carey