| · A city of 12.8 million, most of whom are at least nominally Muslim
Istanbul is longing to be loved. And loving her is easy. Extremely diverse, the malls are some of the most modern in Europe yet some cobble stone streets go back to Byzantine times. Teens with pierced bodies mingle easily on streets with heavily veiled women. Reconciling religion and modernity are part of the multi-cultural makeup of Istanbul, the world’s fifth-largest city, but the only city in the world on two continents.
About 3,000 mosques are in the greater Istanbul area but the degree of religious commitment among Istanbulites varies significantly. Roughly 70% of the population live in the European section of Istanbul while 30% live in the Asian section. Istanbul is truly a city of different worldviews.
When Praying for Istanbul...
It is good to keep some things in mind when praying for Istanbul. Firstly, the culture is eastern; it is based on the honour and shame concepts rather than concepts of guilt and innocence. In relationships and religion Istanbulites seek to save face. This is one reason families often disown members who commit themselves to the Messiah. Family honour calls for it. Muslims are not supposed to leave Islam. To do so is shameful for the individuals and their families. Jesus spoke of leaving everything for His sake. Certainly “leaving all” for His sake is a real choice for many young people in Istanbul. (Mark 10: 29-30)
Animism and Amulets
Another important aspect of praying for Istanbul is breaking from the past. Although some of Istanbul is a “secular society”, strict Islamic practice, folk Islam and Animism are very much a part of everyday life for most people. Women were a blue bead to throw off “curses” and encourage fertility. Marriage and death have customs based on verses of the Qur’an. Everything is left to divine fate / destiny (called kismet), which often gives a mix of fear and anger while facing life’s woes.
Fear and frustration are natural consequences of the Islamic idea of the God of Abraham. In their way of thinking one cannot be assured being forgiven of sins or being freed from shame. Because of this mix of beliefs many believers in Istanbul attest to the difficulties of explaining how Jesus willingly gave up his life to bring us salvation. Muslim Background Believers (MBB’s) testify to the fact that they must make a total break with their amulets and fatalistic worldviews in order to be totally free to serve the Lord. Prayer needs to include renewal for those who find Christ (Eph. 4:22-24).
Flag of Turkey
Map of Turkey
Prayer Starters:
- When we pray for Istanbul, let us try to see these wonderful people from God’s perspective. Im-agine the frustrations of men who work hard, often sixteen hours a day but whose salary is ea-ten by inflation. Pray for the youth for whom most promises and hope of a brighter future seem empty. Pray for women destined to birth boys and often abandoned when they don’t. Let us pray in faith; that our prayers are being answered. (Eph. 3:18, John 14:13: 2 Peter 3:9)
Learn more about Istanbul: MeetIstanbul.com
Listen to the Podcast - DAY 25 - Istanbul, Turkey
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i will pray for Istanbul, Turkey:
* for protection and encourgment for the few believers in this city
* for whole Istanbuite families to come to faith, so they can each other grow
* for effective distribution of the Turkish Bible among Istanbuites
* for Christian radio, tv, internet, and mobile pohne ministiry to see response from Istanbul
* for prayer warriros and adovcates to be raised for Istanbul
* for holistic ministry among the poor, inculding more than 60,000 street kids, in Istanbul
* for Muslims to see charms and occult cannot save them from their sin, but Jesus can
* for secular-minded Istanbulites to see an inner need beyond materialism and secularism
* for many young Istanbul residents to see their need for Jesus and come to faith
* for many religious leaders in Istanbul to have personal meetings with Christ
* for widespread church-planting in this city!
Romans 10:11 No one who puts their trust in Him will ever be put to shame.
One person praying can change the world...
Be the change.