Former Zoroastrians, the Bakhtiari live in the Zagros Mountains of Iran as shepherds and carpet weavers, although some engage in agriculture and commerce. They are Shia Muslim like the Iranian majority. Oil has helped them have some contact with the outside and some live in urban centers. Otherwise, the tribe and clan are central to their lifestyle. Their women have more freedom than do most Muslim women.
There are many reasons why the Bakhtiari have not responded to the gospel. They are geographically isolated by rugged terrain. Clan divisions keep them socially isolated, so gospel efforts might need to be done on a clan by clan basis.
There are many gospel tools in a language the Bakhtiari people can understand. There are radio and TV broadcasts, gospel recordings, Scripture portions and the JESUS Film.
"Therefore, behold, I will make them know, this once I will make them know my power and my might, and they shall know that my name is the Lord." Jeremiah 16:21
Pray that today’s people group will understand from the heart that God is all powerful, and He can give or withhold blessings.
Pray that the church would intercede for these people and would plan to reach them via oil workers and women's commercial enterprises, clan by clan. Pray that women would become believers who teach the gospel to their children. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among the Bakhtiari this decade.
| People Name | Bakhtiari |
| Pronunciation | bahk-tee-AR-ee |
| Country | Iran |
| 10/40 Window | Yes |
| Population | 1,263,000 |
| World Population | 1,263,000 |
| Language | Bakhtiari |
| Primary Religion | Islam |
| Bible | Portions |
| Online Audio NT | No |
| Jesus Film | Yes |
| Audio Recordings | Yes |
| Christ Followers | Few, less than 2% |
| Status | Unreached |
| Progress Level: |
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