The Kazak developed a distinct ethnic identity in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Several of their clans formed a federation that would provide mutual protection. As other clans joined the federation its political influence began to take on an ethnic character. During the nineteenth century, the Russians acquired Central Asia through a steady process of annexation. They eventually claimed the entire territory of Kazakstan. Tragically, about half of the Kazak population was killed during the Russian Civil War of the 1920's and 1930's. During this time, many fled to China and Mongolia.

What are their lives like?
Since the collapse of Soviet communism, the Kazak have been searching for their identity. Traditionally, they were nomadic shepherds; however, under Soviet rule, much of their land was seized and used for collective farming. As industry developed, their economy and culture became dependent entirely on the Russians. Today, however, there is a widespread movement to re-develop their own cultural identity.

As nomadic shepherds, the Kazak lived in dome shaped felt tents called yurts. Under Russian rule, many were forced to move to the cities and live in houses or small apartments. Most of these two or three room apartments have running water, though in some rural areas they have no hot water. The water is clean, but not safe to drink.

The Kazak eat a variety of meat and dairy products. Rice and bread are common staples. In the southern regions of Kazakstan, fruit and vegetables grow in abundance. There the people enjoy eating grapes, melons, and tomatoes.

Western style dress is common among the Kazak men and women living in the cities. However, the rural Kazak workers generally wear loose, colorless shirts with baggy trousers that are tied at the waist. This outfit is similar to the Kazak native costume of the past.

The structure of the Kazak family is patriarchal, or male-dominated, but this is gradually changing. Legal authority that once belonged to the male head of the household has now been shifted to the head of the collective farm. These changes have caused a breakdown in the traditional Kazak family.

What are their beliefs?
The Kazak embraced Islam during the sixteenth century and still consider themselves Muslim today. Changes in Kazak society (mainly from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle) and an attempt by the Soviets to suppress religious freedoms have led the people to adopt Islam more closely. However, their Islamic practices have been combined with traditional folk religions.

Traditional Kazak folk religion included beliefs in spirits. They practiced animism and ancestor worship. ("Animism" is the belief that non-human objects have spirits. "Ancestor worship" involves praying and offering sacrifices to deceased ancestors.) Today, the Kazak continue to consult shamans (priests who cure the sick by magic, communicate with the spirits, and control events). They also practice various traditional rituals before and after marriage, at birth, and at death.

What are their needs?
The Kazak are facing ecological catastrophe due to the mismanagement of natural resources. This has caused the near desolation of the Aral Sea and contamination of much of their drinking water. As a result, the infant mortality rate is very high. There is also a high rate of still births and birth defects.

Although three missions agencies are currently targeting the Kazak, the response has been small. Among the nearly 7 million Kazak in Kazakstan, there are less than 700 known believers.

Prayer Points

• Ask the Lord to send long term laborers to live among the Kazak and share the love of Christ with them.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of the Kazak towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
• Pray that God will raise up prayer teams to go and break up the soil through worship and intercession.
• Ask God to encourage and protect the small number of Muslim Kazak who have converted to Christianity.
• Pray that these converts will begin to boldly share the Gospel with their own people.
• Pray that God will reveal Himself to the Kazak through dreams and visions.
• Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Kazak.

THE PEOPLE

• People name: Kazak
• Country: Kazakstan
• Their language: Kazak
• Population: (1990) 6,621,400
  (1995) 6,796,800
  (2000) 7,028,300
• Largest religion: Muslims (Hanafites) 60%
  Nonreligious 30%
  Atheist 9.9%
• Christians: <1%
• Church members: 680
• Scriptures in their own language: New Testament
• Jesus Film in their own language: Available
• Christian broadcasts in their own language: Available
• Mission agencies working among this people: 3
• Persons who have heard the Gospel: 3,127,200 (46%) Those evangelized by local Christians: 204,600 (3%)
  Those evangelized from the outside: 2,922,600 (43%)
• Persons who have never heard the Gospel: 3,669,600 (54%)

• Country: Kazakstan
• Population: (1990) 16,669,700
  (1995) 17,111,100
  (2000) 17,694,000
• Major peoples in size order: Kazak 39.7%
  Russian 37.8%
  Ukrainian 5.4%
  German 5.2%
  Uzbek 2%
• Major religions: Muslim 45.4%
  Christian 24.4%
  Nonreligious 18.4%
• Number of denominations: 23