Turkey

During the month of November let's pray together for the strategic city of Istanbul. We encourage you to find out more about Istanbul and the unique history, culture and people of this beautiful city. All month long we ask that you direct your prayers here.

Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, has been the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, which stretched throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa. Acting as a bridge between Europe and Asia, Istanbul represents a significant strategic hub for the Church. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, with a population of over 17 million.

It is the main economic hub where people from around the country come to find work, education and healthcare. Many migrant workers come through Istanbul every year and return back to their hometowns and countries, where they bring ideas they learned when they were in Istanbul. 

At the peak of its power, the Ottoman empire stretched all throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Today, you can find expressions of worship towards the Rebulic of Turkey's founder, Ataturk, throughout schools, sports, holidays, and secular belief systems.

Acting as a bridge between Europe and Asia, Istanbul has also been heavily influenced by western progressivism. Here you will find conservative, practicing Muslims side-by-side with their secular, atheist friends. The stark contrast seen around Istanbul daily reminds us that this is a city of confusion. The incongruent words of which people say they believe here, do not always match up with their lifestyles and religious practice. 

In spite of its global influx and modernization, the Turks remain one of the largest frontier people groups on the planet. It is for reasons such as these that Istanbul represents a significant, strategic hub for the church.

People groups living in Istanbul include, but are not limited to: Turks, Kyrgyz, Tartar, Uyghur, Syrian Arabs, Kurds, etc.

Focus City: Istanbul

Prayer Point:

Lord, we ask for the people of Istanbul, Turkiye to fall more in love with you. Right now they are experiencing so much financial stress with the drop in value of the Lira and the rise in prices of food, transportation, rent, and education. We cry out on their behalf, help them Jesus. Show them how you loving provide for those who follow you with all their hearts. Reveal your goodness to those struggling to afford normal everyday life in Istanbul. Lord, rescue your people; Heal your land. All those living in Istanbul need your grace and hope in the midst of their despair – bring your disciple makers into the lives of those you have prepared to hear and respond to the gospel message today. Let this mark a new beginning in their lives. Transform their communities in ways they could never expect or imagine. You are the Great I AM! Praise be to God!