Turkmenistan
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[edit] Geography
[edit] Location
- Turkmenistan, also known as Turkmenia, is a Turkic country in Central Asia. Until 1991, it was a constituent republic of the Soviet Union, the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic. It is bordered by Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the southwest, Uzbekistan to the northeast, Kazakhstan to the northwest, and the Caspian Sea to the west. Over 80% of the country is covered by the Karakum Desert. The center of the country is dominated by the Turan Depression and the Karakum Desert. The famous Silk Road passed through this country on its way from China to Turkey.
[edit] Climate
[edit] Natural Resources
[edit] Demographics
[edit] Peoples
[edit] Provinces
[edit] Life
[edit] Economy
[edit] Government
- Type of Government: Authoritarian president
[edit] Religion
- Muslims make up 91.8% of Turkmenistan’s population, while Christians comprise only 2.7%, Other 5.5%. Turkmenistan government officials exert stringent security control over the country. The government strictly controlled religious expression, and radical or extremist forms of Islam were not tolerated.
[edit] Islam
- 91.8%
[edit] Buddhism
[edit] Christianity
- 2.7%
[edit] Challenges for Christians:
- The constitution provides for freedom of religion and does not establish a state religion. However, in practice the Government continued to restrict all forms of religious expression. The government prohibits foreign missionary activity and foreign religious organizations; however, the law does not restrict the worship choices of foreigners.
- For years Turkmenistan was ruled by a nationalist dictator who ruthlessly crushed any opposition. His death in 2007 has brought a change of regime. May justice to prevail. Despite hostility against any evangelical Christian presence and witness the number of ethnic Turkmen Christians increased from one or two to 500-600 in ten years.
- Hostility against any evangelical Christian activity or even presence, has increased. Nearly all foreign Christians have been expelled. Several national pastors have been exiled, beaten up, heavily fined and imprisoned. Congregations have been intimidated and forbidden to meet. Pray for a softening of the attitude of the authorities, for courage for Christians in the country to stand firm and for Christians outside to pray and speak up against these actions.
[edit] History
[edit] Churches
- Praise God that there is a report of one new church receiving registration. The social systems have improved slightly. Let us pray that these positive changes continue.
[edit] Church and State Relations
[edit] Mission
[edit] Broadcasting
[edit] Councils and Networks
[edit] Persecution
- Since independence in 1991, Turkmen have revived their Islamic heritage. Evangelical Christians (about 500 Turkmen) often face fines and imprisonment for meeting together. The lack of Christian resources, fellowship and teaching has left many believers feeling isolated and discouraged. Christians are threatened, denied employment, harassed and beaten. Churches are closed, confiscated or destroyed. Christian students are prevented from attending university.
- Persecution is on the rise ― with leaders getting beaten up and any foreign Christians being forced to leave the country.
- Pray that the young Church would grow and be strengthened amidst the current hardships.
- Pray that God would give wisdom and guidance to those translating Bibles and Christian materials into several languages.
- Ask God to provide for all the needs of Christians who are unemployed, abused and discouraged.
[edit] Future Trends
[edit] For More Reading
