Uyghur in Kazakhstan
Photo Source:
EnricX - Flickr
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
Location: IMB. Imagery: GMI, ESRI, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, ESRI User Community. Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Uyghur |
| Country: | Kazakhstan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 321,000 |
| World Population: | 12,299,300 |
| Primary Language: | Uyghur |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.01 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Uyghur |
| Affinity Bloc: | Turkic Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
For hundreds of years there was cross-border traffic between Kazakhstan and China-dominated lands where the Uyghurs live. Both Uyghur and Kazakh are Turkic languages.
The Chinese government has been abusing the Uyghurs in recent years. The more fortunate ones managed to get to Kazakhstan and other Turkic countries, where they would not face oppression.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Kazakh government permits the Uyghurs to practice Islam and live out their Turkic culture. They are also under pressure from the powerful Chinese government to not allow Uyghurs to protest their treatment in Kazakhstan. There is a cultural affinity between Kazakhs and Uyghurs.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Uyghurs have been Muslims for over 1,000 years. They see being a Muslim as part of their core identity.
What Are Their Needs?
No matter where they live, Uyghurs need to see living Christianity played out. They also need people who will take the time (often years) to ensure they understand the gospel.
Prayer Points
Pray that the Lord will call missionaries to go to Kazakhstan and share the gospel with the Uyghurs.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to anoint the gospel as it goes forth via radio.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of Uyghurs towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the gospel.
Ask the Lord to help the tiny number of Uyghur believers to grow spiritually.
Pray that they would have the Spirit's wisdom in sharing their faith with their relatives and neighbors.