Wolof in Türkiye (Turkey)


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Hundreds of years ago, the Wolof conquered many tribes in the northwestern Senegal area. By the end of the 1300s, the Wolof had grown into a large empire of separate, self-governing states throughout West Africa. By the 1500s, the empire had split into four major Wolof kingdoms.
There is a Wolof diaspora that covers most of the countries of West Africa and certain ones in Europe. There is also a small diaspora community in Turkey.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Wolof, and other African peoples, are a small minority in Turkey. They must adjust to a different language and culture, all the while standing out for their different appearance. One of the few things they have in common with the Turkish majority is Islam.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Islam was introduced to the Wolof people in 1040, probably through Muslim traders. The Wolof are attracted to the Sufi form of Islam. Sufism is much more mystical and emotional than other forms of Islam. In Senegal, about 92 percent of the people belong to a Sufi brotherhood, also called tariqas. The Wolof who migrated out of Africa are probably less dedicated to these brotherhoods, but they are still part of their identity as a people.
Along with their Islamic beliefs the Wolof believe in bad and good spirits, as well as witches. Bad spirits live in tall trees or grassy areas. The Wolof wear amulets to protect them from the bad spirits. They contact a marabout, or spiritual leader with supernatural powers, when making important decisions.


What Are Their Needs?

No matter where they live, the Wolof people remain largely untouched by the gospel. The Wolof view Christianity as being for someone else, and there is much community pressure to conform to Islam. There are many Christian resources available for them, but very few who are willing to go to this harvest field. There is a great need for laborers who are sensitive to Wolof culture to work among them in Turkey and Europe.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Wolof people in Turkey to put their faith in the Living God rather than the spirit world.
Pray for Wolof leaders to have the spiritual hunger it takes to embrace the only savior no matter what the cost.
Pray for a Wolof based church planting movement to flourish in Turkey.
Pray for the Wolof people to have easy access to gospel materials.
Pray for dedicated workers who are willing to spend years trying to win and equip Wolof people to be disciples in Christ's Kingdom.


Scripture Prayers for the Wolof in Türkiye (Turkey).


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Wolof
People Name in Country Wolof
Pronunciation WOE-loff
Alternate Names Gambian; Gambian Wolof; Lebu
Population this Country 2,700
Population all Countries 6,685,000
Total Countries 13
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 15414
ROP3 Code 110856
ROP25 Code 308823
ROP25 Name Wolof
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)
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)
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
100.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Wolof (2,700 speakers)
Language Code wol   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Wolof (2,700 speakers)
Language Code wol   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Wolof

Primary Language:  Wolof

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1873-1997)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1987-2010)
Bible-Complete No
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Wolof Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rock International: King of Glory Rock International
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Walk with the Prophets and meet the Messiah Al Massira
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Wolof YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Wolof YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Download scripture in this language eBible.org
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Wolof Literacy & Evangelism International
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source Bethany World Prayer Center  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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