The Hazara Khawari (Berberi) are a people of Mongolian descent who immigrated from Afghanistan to Iran in the nineteenth century. The name "Hazara" originally referred to a fighting unit of 1,000 men. Today, it simply means "mountain tribe," and is used in reference to the mountain settlements of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. Most live in Afghanistan, but others are in the Iranian province of Khorasan, south of Mashhad. They also live in Shahr-e-Ray, south of Tehran. Many have fled to Western countries.Hazara nomads originally immigrated to Iran in search of better pastures for their flocks.The common language of the Hazara is Hazaragi, a language that has been passed down for many generations. It is sometimes referred to as Afghan-Persian, and it appears to be related to Dari, a key trade language in Afghanistan, and Farsi, the language of Iran.Though most live in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, there are Hazaras in 11 countries, including Turkey, where many have fled for refuge during times of war in Afghanistan.
In Turkey, most Hazaras live in cities. They are usually taken in by other Hazaras who are also trying to get re-established in a new country. While dealing with the traumas of war, they must learn a new language, navigate a different culture, and find meaningful work. Many are being deported from Turkey in mid-2020s.
The Hazara are virtually all Shia Muslim, divided into two sects. The dominant sect is the Ithna Ashari, also known as "Twelvers." The second group is known as the Ismailis, or "Seveners." The vast majority of the Hazaras are Ithna Asharis, and the remainder are Ismailis. Strong negative feelings exist between the two groups.The Hazara believe that the way to God is only found in the teachings of their holy book, the Koran. The Muslim religion is a religion of works-based specifically on the five basic teachings or "pillars." In order to attain heaven, one must adhere to these teachings. Muslims believe that there is only one god: Allah. They must pray five times a day, give alms to the poor, fast during the month of Ramadan, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
The Hazaras in Turkey have few, if any, chances to hear about the only savior, Jesus Christ. As it stands, they believe their salvation depends on their ability to follow the ways of the Koran rather than the blood of Christ.
Pray for loving ambassadors for Christ to go to the Hazara people in Turkey.Pray that the Holy Spirit will protect and encourage the small number of believers.Pray for the effective use of the JESUS Film and gospel recordings in Hazaragi.Ask the Lord to raise up a strong local church among the Hazara in Iran and Afghanistan.
Scripture Prayers for the Hazara in Türkiye (Turkey).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazarashttps://www.hazara.net/2014/06/afghan-hazara-refugees-seek-justice-in-turkey/https://www.npr.org/2021/09/20/1035455391/afghanistan-refugees-flee-taliban-turkeyhttps://www.hrw.org/report/2022/11/18/no-one-asked-me-why-i-left-afghanistan/pushbacks-and-deportations-afghans-turkey
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
