Лезгины — Mission Eurasia Field

The Lezgins are believed to be partly descendants of peoples who inhabited southern Dagestan during the Bronze Age. The Lezgins resisted Russification, refusing to participate in resettlement programmes from mountainous areas to lowland towns and collective farms. Thus, the majority of Lezgins still lead a traditional way of life.

They live mainly in Azerbaijan and Dagestan (Russian Federation), but a significant number live in other countries, including Turkmenistan.

Lezgins are engaged in sheep and goat breeding, as well as subsistence agriculture, leather and textile production. They are famous for their handmade carpets. Their language is alive and thriving, leaving behind a rich body of Lezgin literature and music. Many Lezgins have also moved from rural Lezghin areas to the cities, mainly for economic reasons. The patriarchal social structure among Lezgins remains strong, especially in rural life and in limited urban enclaves.

Lezgin culture is extremely hostile to outsiders. It is very difficult for people outside their communities to gain acceptance or trust.

By the 19th century, all Lezgins had converted from animism to Islam and have followed their faith very zealously ever since. Most of them are Sunni Muslims, but some animistic practices persist to this day. They often tie rags to sacred trees or near holy graves to get spiritual help for health, marriage or material prosperity. They often turn to soothsayers, which is frowned upon by orthodox Sunni Muslims.

Neither spiritualism nor Islam provides the cleansing forgiveness of Jesus or the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. Because of the work done in Dagestan over the past two decades, more than 75 Lezgins identify themselves as followers of Jesus, and more than 100 Lezgin believers in Azerbaijan. They can become ambassadors of Christ to the Lezghin people in other countries, such as Turkmenistan. Progress in translating the Bible into the Lezghin language is of great importance. The four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the books of Ruth, Esther, Jonah and the Children's Bible have been published in the Lezghin language, and other books of the Bible are in the process of translation. A strong team of Bible translators is working, which includes Lezgin believers. This work touches the very essence of the Lezgin language and culture. An ancient text in the language of the Lezgin tribe, dating back to pre-Islamic times, even contains fragments of the Bible translation.

Pray that the best of the noble Lezgin culture will be imbued with the revitalising power of Jesus' grace!
Pray for the Lezghin faithful to shine a bright light among their families and clans in Turkey and Ukraine
Give thanks for the ongoing work of translation. Pray for widespread distribution of the literature to Lezghin speakers wherever they are, including Turkmenistan and other communities in Central Asia

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