In the fifteenth century, the Caucasus Mountain region of Russia and Georgia was conquered by the Ottoman Turks. At that time, many of the native Abkhazian converted from Christianity to Islam. The Russians, however, gradually took control of the region, and by the late 1800's, they dominated the Muslim Abkhazian. Feeling threatened by Christian Russia, many Abkhazian accepted an offer of refuge from Muslim Turkey and moved there. In recent years, the Abkhazian have begun to be assimilated into mainstream Turkish culture and, as a result, are in danger of losing their identity as a separate ethnic group in Turkey.

What are their lives like?
Little is known about the lives of the Abkhazian in Turkey; however, it is known that they have been largely assimilated into Turkish culture. Assumedly, they live much like other rural Turks throughout Turkey, although they have attempted to preserve their traditional culture through festivals and organizations. In addition, the Abkhazian have retained their native tongue, which is one of the most complex languages on earth. This language has more than 50 consonants, with numerous pronunciations for each one. Because of the difficulty of their own language, the Abkhazian are extremely adept at learning other languages.

The great majority of the Abkhazian are farmers and animal herders. Tobacco is their major crop, but tea, fruits, and vegetables are also grown. Cattle breeding is another important aspect of the Abkhazian economy. Because of their livelihood, nine out of ten Abkhazian live in rural areas. Their houses are built of brick or concrete and have either one or two stories. Most homes have verandas and balconies, where families enjoy spending time in good weather.

Most Abkhazian women marry in their early twenties, but men often wait until their thirties or even forties. Marriage is forbidden with all possible relatives; individuals are not allowed to wed anyone with the same surname as any of their grandparents. In the past, marriages were arranged, but today men and women are free to select their own mates. Occasionally, a young woman will agree to a marriage, but her parents will not. If this occurs, the young man and his friends kidnap the young woman and take her to his house, where the marriage ceremony is performed. Whether or not the bride was abducted, her family does not attend the wedding. She is required to stand silent and secluded while her husband's family feasts and celebrates.

The Abkhazian highly value hospitality. A guest is given the same respect as a father or grandfather and is seated at a place of honor at the table. The arrival of a guest is accompanied by a ritual feast. Over wine, hosts and guests go through rounds of toasts, honoring each other and getting to know each other better. Providing hospitality in this way is a source of family pride.

What are their beliefs?
Although most of the Abkhazian of Russia and Georgia are Christians, those in Turkey are Muslims. Islam is a religion of works based on five basic "pillars" or requirements. Muslims must affirm that "there is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet." They must pray five times a day, facing Mecca, Islam's holy city. They are also required to give alms to the poor, fast during the month of Ramadan, and try to make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca in their lifetime.

What are their needs?
The Abkhazian of Turkey desperately need to hear of the Savior. Turkey is officially a secular state with a limited amount of religious freedom. Therefore, Christians are not completely free to share their faith. Fervent intercession is required to break Satan's hold on the Abkhazian.

Prayer Points

• Ask the Lord to call Christian Abkhazian from Russia and Georgia to share Christ with their brothers in Turkey.
• Ask the Lord to soften the hearts of Turkey's governmental leaders towards the preaching of the Gospel.
• Pray that God will reveal Himself to the Abkhazian through dreams and visions.
• Ask the Lord to save key leaders among the Abkhazian who will boldly declare the Gospel.
• Pray that Christian literature and media will be made available to the Abkhazian.
• Take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Abkhazian bound.
• Ask God to raise up intercessors who will stand in the gap for the Abkhazian.
• Pray that strong local churches will be raised up among the Abkhazian.

THE PEOPLE

• People name: Abkhazian
• Country: Turkey
• Their language: Abxaso
• Population: (1990) 18,900
  (1995) 20,500
  (2000) 22,200
• Largest religion: Muslim (Sunni) 99.9%
• Christian: 0%
• Church members: 0
• Scriptures in their own language: Portions
• Jesus Film in their own language: None
• Christian broadcasts in their own language: None
• Mission agencies working among this people: 0
• Persons who have heard the Gospel: 2,900 (14%) Those evangelized by local Christians: 600 (3%)
  Those evangelized from the outside: 2,300 (11%)
• Persons who have never heard the Gospel: 17,600 (86%)

• Country: Turkey
• Population: (1990) 56,097,700
  (1995) 61,945,200
  (2000) 67,747,900
• Major peoples in size order: Turk 66.2%
  Northern Kurd 8.8%
  Turkish Kurd 8%
  Crimean Tatar 7%
  Levantine Arab 1.8%
• Major religions: Muslims 99.4%
  Nonreligious 0.3%
  Christians 0.2%
• Number of denominations: 34