Introduction / History

On the left-bank tributaries of the Turianchai River there is a village of Nidzh whose outskirts are smothered in fruit and walnut orchards. Nidzh and its suburbs are inhabited by the Udin (or Udi, Uti as they call themselves), the representatives of a small but ancient people having their own language. Nidzh is surrounded by vast virgin leaf forests with many birds. Scientist believe the Udin to be the descendants of the Caucasian Albanians.

The Uddin written language had not been established until the twentieth century. For their literary language, the Udin used the Azerbaijanian, Georgian, Armenian, and Russian languages. The language is the Lezgin group of the Caucasian (Dagestan) languages.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The main Udin occupations include farming, horticulture and cattle production. Somwe are bee-keepers who sell tasty honey. Some Udin people work in industries. Vodka-making and raising nuts and pigs are common industries.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Udins are Christian, both Orthodox and Georgian.

What Are Their Needs?

The Udin people need a hunger for Jesus Christ and the abundant life only he can offer.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Orthodox churches and drive the Udin people into the arms of Jesus Christ.
Pray that God will call and empower Christians to take the Word of Life to the Udin.
Ask God to give them receptivity to the message of Christ's atoning death for sin; the only way forgiveness from God is possible.

Scripture Prayers for the Udin in Azerbaijan.

References

Hope for Europe