Day 3: The Tatar People

“A great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, worshiped with loud voices.” (Revelation 5:9)

The Tatar (or Tatar) people are a Turkic ethnic group primarily found in Russia, Central Asia, and parts of Eastern Europe. Their history is deeply tied to the Mongol Empire and the Golden Horde, which ruled vast territories in the 13th and 14th centuries. Over time, the Tatars established their own states, such as the Kazan, Crimean, Astrakhan, and Siberian Khanates, before being gradually absorbed into the Russian Empire. The name Tatar means “archer.”

Tatars have a rich cultural heritage blending Turkic, Mongolic, and Islamic influences. Most of the Tatars are Hanafite Muslim. While Muslims believe that there is only one god, many Tatar still honor saints and holy places. Some beliefs in dark supernatural powers such as the “evil eye” (the ability to curse someone with a glance) still exist from their pre-Islamic days.

They speak a unique language called Kazan Tatar, although many now claim Russian as their mother tongue. The Tatar are a settled people, mostly peasants and merchants, who have completely lost their traditional tribal structure.

Christian laborers are needed to live and work among the Tatars of Russia. Translation of the Bible began in the 1970s. The New Testament was completed in 2001.

“Tatars have a rich cultural heritage blending Turkic, Mongolic, and Islamic influences.”

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Tatar population: 4,698,000
  • Percentage of Tatar who are evangelical Christians: 0.49
  • Chak-chak, a deep-fried dough dessert coated in honey, is a staple at celebrations and is considered a symbol of hospitality in Tatar culture.
  • The Tatars also developed a tradition of craftsmanship in wood, ceramics, leather, cloth, and metal, and have been well known as traders.

  • The Tatar’s view of Christianity has been scarred by the Russian Orthodox Church’s attempts to convert them through coercion. During the 1600’s and 1800’s, their mosques were frequently burned. The few who were “converted” by these measures returned to their Islamic faith when the oppression ended.

HOW TO PRAY

  • Ask God to remove any barriers—historical, cultural, or religious—that prevent them from embracing the gospel.
  • Pray for Tatar believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite social and cultural pressures.
  • Pray that God would bless the outreach efforts of a large Tatar church in Kazan.
  • Pray for the Tatars to recognize that true peace and salvation come through Christ alone, not through religious traditions or national identity.
  • Pray for the growth of Christian radio, social media, and digital outreach to reach young Tatars seeking truth.
  • Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to Russia, Central Asia, and parts of Eastern Europe to share Christ with the Tatar.

  • Pray that God will raise up qualified linguists to complete translation of the Bible into Kazan Tatar.

  • Pray against the spiritual powers and principalities that are keeping the Tatar in darkness.

DAY 2: THE AFAR
DAY 4: THE MAKASSAR