The Karachai of Russia

by Nina Zaroronkova, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
  • POPULATION: 222,600
  • LANGUAGE: Karachay
  • RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND: Islam
  • PROGRESS: 0.02% evangelical
  • BIBLE TRANSLATION: New Testament, Psalms, Old Testament underway

Once deported by Stalin, many Karachai have relocated back to their homeland in the Karachai-Cherkessia province. They practice Sunni Islam mixed with folk religion, and they have strong family and cultural traditions. Karachai is a Turkic language, though many Karachai speak Russian as well.


Field partners have visited the Karachai region with their children. They believe God is calling them to relocate to the area, leaving their current ministry to Tatar Muslims in the hands of their disciples.

map showing location of Karachai people in Russia

Prayer Request:

  • Pray for jobs and for a good apartment to rent.
  • Pray for the children’s schooling, that the children will make friends, and for the family to adjust to the climate.
  • Pray that God will bring opportunities for them to meet new people.
  • Pray for the family’s safety and for God’s protection as they begin the ministry there.

Learn more: For more information, click on the Joshua Project profile.