Location: Kyrgyzstan is the smallest of the former Soviet republics that gained independence in 1991. This beautiful, mountainous country is home to 4.5 million people of which the Kyrgyz people make up about 60 percent of the population.

The Kyrgyz are famous for their hospitality and consider themselves “kind and

open to all people.” Whether old friend, or new, guests are always welcome

and a spread of nan, fruits, and other delicacies is produced for all to enjoy.

Many Kyrgyz maintain a traditionally nomadic lifestyle. Their adaptive nature

and gift of hospitality make the Kyrgyz well suited for missionary work in more

restrictive countries in Central Asia and other parts of the world. The small, but

growing, Kyrgyz church already has a missionary vision...perhaps the Kyrgyz

will be the gatekeepers to a part of the world once tightly closed to the Gospel!

Language: Kyrgyz is the heart language of the people, though many speak Russian also.

Religion:

Sunni and Folk Islam.

THE KYRGYZ THE GATEKEEPERS OF CENTRAL ASIA

Customs: The Kyrgyz are known as the poets and artists of Central Asia. National history and cultural traditions have been passed down for generations through the telling of epics and poetry. Music and long meals are a regular part of Kyrgyz life.

Many Kyrgyz are still semi-nomadic, escaping the hot summers by living in family communities in the ‘jailo’ or summer pastures in the cool mountains.

History: The Kyrgyz have a tumultuous history of being conquered, settled, and oppressed by various nations. Under Genghis Khan the Mongolians defeated the Kyrgyz in the 13th century. In the 17th century, they fell under strict Islamic rule. Then in the 1920’s, Communism overtook the country of Kyrgyzstan. In August of 1991 Kyrgyzstan declared in dependence from the former Soviet Union. While the Kyrgyz are regaining their country, racial tension with the Russians living there is still an issue of concern.

THE KYRGYZ The Kyrgyz descended from ancient Turkic peoples who originally settled along the Yenesei River in Siberia. Their history includes the conquest of parts of the Mongolian empire. In fact, the ancient Kyrgyz are thought to have been the most persistent and powerful enemy of China, possibly being the very reason behind the construction of the Great Wall. As their power waned, the Kyrgyz Kaganat (Kingdom) was overtaken by the Genghis Khan. The Kyrgyz people are spread across the Tien Shan region (Northwest China, Kazakhstan, and Kyr-gyzstan), with the greatest concentration in the country of Kyrgyzstan. Politically, the Kyrgyz have been dominated over the years by Genghis Khan in the 13th century, Islamic rulers in the 17th century, and more recently by Soviet Communists. Kyrgyzstan declared their independence in 1991 after nearly seventy years of Soviet rule. Religiously, the Kyrgyz identify themselves as Muslim, having been nominally converted in the 18th century. But in actuality, Islam is more a national identification than a religious one. This is best illustrated by the response of one Kyrgyz, who was asked, “Why do you consider yourself a Muslim?” He responded by saying, “Because I am a Kyr-gyz.” Their faith is characterized by a blending of Islamic practices with ancient animistic traditions and rituals. Per-haps a more distinct description of their religious persuasion is that of Folk Islam. The supernatural and the occult can be seen throughout their culture, from fear of the evil eye to the hundreds of shrines and holy places. All are believed to possess powers to break curses or heal disease. Many adults and chil-dren wear amulets as deterrents to the evil eye. Such a supernatural presence results in many Kyrgyz converts suffering from demonic nightmares, thus requiring very intense times of bondage breaking in order to grow in Christ. In theory, religious freedom is one of the basic human rights provided in the Constitution, but reality dictates some-thing different. Kyrgyz believers have been beaten, threatened, had property and crops destroyed, or received pres-sure from authorities. On paper, religious freedom is guaranteed to non-Central Asian foreigners, but even the relig-ion of such persons is aggressively opposed when organized evangelism begins. But even more common than political oppression is familial persecution. Family members who convert to Christ are usually ostracized. To the Kyrgyz, family is a crucial element of life. Their culture is marked by respect for elders and obligation to family. Networks through shared bloodlines dominate society. They value relational harmony and are peaceful, not confrontational in nature. Other social values such as hospitality and national sentiment also cen-ter on the family. Rejection by one’s family is of huge concern and leaves people without a network of support. And yet, despite the deterrents of an Islamic history and persecution for converting, the harvest fields are ripe among the Kyrgyz. Many express great interest in the things of God and their traditional sensitivity to the spirit-world has afforded numerous avenues for the Holy Spirit to work. A long-term relationship that builds mutual trust is the foundation for work among the Kyrgyz. Relationships and the power of prayer will open hearts to the Gospel. Kyrgyz church leaders have expressed a vision for a wave of evangelism to sweep their country and for Kyrgyzstan to become the hub from which the Gospel penetrates all of Central Asia. One leader in particular highlighted the need for discipleship and support in order to realize the vision that many Kyrgyz share - the Gospel going forth from Kyrgyzstan to the uttermost parts of the world.

World Team has a passion and a vision to see the Kyrgyz reached with the Gospel. We are looking for partners in that endeavor. If you would like to know more about how you can be involved, please contact World Team today.

World Team Australia 61.3.9879.6377

World Team Canada 800.610.9788

World Team USA 800.967.7109

www.worldteam.org