Affinity Group: Central Asian Peoples

Affinity Bloc: Turkic Peoples

People Cluster: Turkic

Language: Russian - (rus)

Alternate Name(s): Turkish Meskhetian, Ahiska Turk, Turkish Ahiskan, Anatolian, Meskhetian Turk, Rumelian Turk, Baharlu Turk, Ottomon Turk, Urum

Primary Religion: Islam - Sunni

Country: Kazakhstan

Also found in: Azerbaijan; Kyrgyzstan; Russian Federation; Ukraine; United States; Uzbekistan

Population: 114,000

Global Population: 482,500

Progress of the Gospel: Unengaged and Unreached

Global Status of Evangelical Christianity: Less than 2% Evangelical, No Active CP Activity

Overview: The Ahiska Turks of Kazakhstan, numbering 114,000, are Unengaged and Unreached. They are part of the Turkic people cluster within the Turkic Peoples affinity bloc. Globally, this group totals 482,500 in 7 countries. Their primary language is Russian. The primary religion practiced by the Ahiska Turks is Sunni Islam, the largest branch of Islam. Sunni Muslims follow the teachings of the Qur'an and consider the first four caliphs to be the rightful successors of Muhammad.

Bible Translations: Available

Jesus Film: Available

Gospel Recordings: Available

Radio Broadcast: Available