Ossette in Türkiye (Turkey)

Introduction / History

The Ossetians in Türkiye are descendants of migrants from the Caucasus region, primarily settling during the 19th century. Around 50,000 Ossetians migrated to the Ottoman Empire in the early 1860s, escaping conflict and repression. Many initially settled in eastern districts like Sarıkamış but later relocated further west after the Russo-Ottoman War (1877-78). By the 1960s, around 60 Ossetian villages were scattered across central and eastern Anatolia. Today, only three villages—Boyal?k, Karabacak, and Poyrazl? (in the Yozgat district)—remain predominantly Ossetian, where residents still speak the Iron and Digor dialects of the Ossetian language. Over time, urban migration led many Ossetians to move to major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Kars, accelerating their assimilation into Turkish society. Despite these changes, the Alan Cultural and Aid Foundation (established in 1989) continues to promote Ossetian heritage and support community solidarity.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Ossetians in Türkiye predominantly follow Sunni Islam, a shift influenced by their migration to the Ottoman Empire, which was predominantly Muslim. This contrasts with Ossetians in the Caucasus, who remain primarily Eastern Orthodox Christians. The religious transition in Turkey resulted in the abandonment of some traditional Christian practices and customs observed in their ancestral homeland.

Despite their conversion to Islam, elements of pre-Islamic Ossetian traditions persist in their cultural practices, including rituals and celebrations tied to their Caucasian heritage. However, the influence of Turkish society has gradually shaped their religious and cultural identity over time.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Ossetians in Türkiye are primarily integrated into the larger Turkish society. In rural areas like Yozgat, they maintain traditional village lifestyles, with farming and animal husbandry as common occupations. In urban centers such as Istanbul and Ank

What Are Their Needs?

Christian materials in Ossetian dialects are limited, making outreach efforts challenging. While some audio gospel messages and Scripture are available in Russian and Georgian, there are currently no widely known Ossetian-language Bibles in Türkiye.

Prayer Points

Proclaim Scripture verses that God knows and loves these people and wants none to perish.
Pray the Scriptures that entire families will turn to Christ.
Pray that Christianity will be remembered in their traditions and the people will be attracted to the gospel.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will multiply Ossetian believers.

Text Source:   Joshua Project