Khorasani Turks of Iran

The Khorasani Turks of Iran number approximately 770,000 and live primarily in the north-east quadrant of Iran along the border with Turkmenistan. They are predominately farmers of grains, cotton, potatoes and melons. They also raise sheep, goats and cattle. Some are talented crafters of rugs, jewelry, furs, dolls and glassware.

Most Khorasani are bi-lingual, speaking their native Turkic tongue (which is similar to Azerbaijani Turkish), as well as the trade language Farsi. However, modern schools are a recent development and illiteracy is high among females. In the traditional Khorasani schools, the religious leader taught reading, writing and Persian math. Khorasani Turks are Muslim with a patriarchal family system structuring their society according to the rules of their religion.

The Khorasani Turks live in a very remote part of the world. The only Christian resource in development at this time is a radio program. Black market copies of Christian movies may be available in Farsi or Persian. It is illegal for Christians in Iran to evangelize. Therefore, less than 5% have ever heard about Christ.