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| TURKS |
There are around 800,000 ethnic Turks in Bulgaria (10% of the population). There used to be many more, but they fled due to persecution by the Communist government from 1984 to 1989. This included banning Turkish language, names and Islamic religious practices. Since 1990 there has been greater freedom - for example, the building of mosques and Islamic schools.
Wary of fundamentalism (Christian or Muslim)
The Islam practised by Turks is accompanied by superstitious traditions, both amongst Sunnis and Alevis. Muslim teachers are endeavouring to make the Turks of Bulgaria stronger Muslims. While many Turks are frustrated with Islamic fundamentalism and corruption, they are also bitter against what they see as 'Christian' attempts to make them forsake Islam by force. They often react against any sharing in the Bulgarian language and culture.
Major Turkish regions
There are two major Turkish regions in Bulgaria. These are found in the north (around Shumen and Razgrad) and in the south (Kardzali, Haskovo).
Kardzali region - very few believers
The Kardzali region's population is more than 70% Turkish (60% in Kardzali itself and over 90% in the villages around). About 165,000 Turks live in this region, which has a reputation in Bulgaria of being a centre for Turkish nationalism.
Despite friendship by Millet and Bulgarian believers, literature distribution and the showing of the Jesus film (with preaching and testimony) in many towns and villages, there are, as yet, very few ethnic Turkish believers in the Kardzali region.
Haskovo region - a small group of believers
The Haskovo region borders the Kardzali region and has a significant population of Turks as well - though these are generally more integrated with the Bulgarian population. It is around 30-40% Turkish in the township, with significant populations in some of the outlying villages. Praise God for the dozen or so believers - some well established in the faith, some very new.
No ethnic Turkish church in Bulgaria ... yet!
At present there are no more than 100 ethnic Turkish Christians in Bulgaria with NO church in the whole country. The few Turks scattered around the country who believe attend either Millet or Bulgarian meetings.
We believe that the Gospel must come to Turks in their own language and cultural forms before there will be a true turning to Jesus. Ethnic Turks need more workers.
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