Lyuli in Russia

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 Russia.

Where Are they Located?

Most of the Lyuli people live in Tajikstan, 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. In Russia, they face hostility and even violence from militant skinheads. Since the 1990s they have been known to live near train stations, and thought of as vagrants. Some consider them to be one of the Roma (Gypsy) groups, though the Romas in Russia would deny that.

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 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 Russian believers to reach out to the Lyuli people in love and compassion.
Pray for a Disciple-Making Movement to emerge among the Lyuli people in Russia.

Text Source:   Keith Carey