Pontic Greek in Türkiye (Turkey)


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Pontic Greeks are ethnically Greek. They traditionally lived in the region of Pontus, on the southern shores of the Black Sea. They traditionally speak Pontic, which is a distinct dialect from the modern Greek language. The language is used for folklore. Pontic songs are particularly popular in Greece. The Pontic Greeks suffered widespread massacres and what is now usually termed "ethnic cleansing" at the beginning of the 20th century. Many found refuge by hiding in the mountains, and others migrated to other countries. The surviving Pontic Greeks converted to Islam which allowed some of them to escape Muslim Turk persecution. There are currently no Christian resources in the Pontic Greek language.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Pontic Greeks of Turkey make their living by agriculture. They cultivate grapes, olives, wheat and different varieties of fruit. Pontic Greeks also raise goats and sheep. Some Pontic Greeks fish on the Black Sea or are involved in transporting goods on the sea. The Pontic Greeks try to maintain their Greek culture surrounded by Turks. The Greeks have a strong tradition of songs, poetry, dancing and festive clothing. The Pontic Greeks want to marry within their group so as to preserve their culture and distinct language. Many young people move away to Turkish cities and become more Turkish than Greek. Pontic Greeks desire to keep a low profile so they do not arouse the hostility of the Turkish majority.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The vast majority of the Pontic Greeks claim to be Sunni Muslims. Sunni Muslims try to obey the teachings of the Koran and the prophet Mohammad. Sunnis believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam that they will attain heaven when they die. However, Allah, the supreme God of the universe, determines who enters paradise. Sunnis pray five times a day facing Mecca. They fast the month of Ramadan. They attend mosque services on Friday. If a Muslim has the means, he or she will make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Muslims are also prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, using deceit, slandering, and making idols. The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah. A small fraction of the Pontic Greeks is Orthodox Christian.


What Are Their Needs?

It is difficult for Christian workers to gain entrance into Turkey. Perhaps believers within the larger Pontic Greek population in Greece will be prompted by the Lord's Spirit to carry the gospel message to their brethren in Turkey.


Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send workers to the Pontic Greeks of Turkey. Pray that Pontic Greeks would be led to investigate their ancient Christian traditions. Pray the prayers of Pontic Christians expressed generations ago for their descendants will be heard and honored by the Lord today. Pray this small ethnic minority in Turkey will not be ostracized and will have opportunities to pursue education and employment.


Scripture Prayers for the Pontic Greek in Türkiye (Turkey).


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Pontic
People Name in Country Pontic Greek
Alternate Names
Population this Country 5,100
Population all Countries 386,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 14444
ROP3 Code 108121
ROP25 Code 306790
ROP25 Name Pontic
Country Türkiye (Turkey)
Region Asia, Central
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 50  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Northeast, Trabzon Province, near southeast Black Sea coast.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Türkiye (Turkey)
Region Asia, Central
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 50  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Northeast, Trabzon Province, near southeast Black Sea coast..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
5.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
95.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Pontic (5,100 speakers)
Language Code pnt   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Pontic (5,100 speakers)
Language Code pnt   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Pontic

Primary Language:  Pontic

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Needed

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Anna Diamantopoulou - Flickr  Creative Commons 
Map Source Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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