110 Cities

Mazanderani in Iran 

The Mazanderani live in northern Iran’s Mazandaran province, bordering the Caspian Sea. It is there that early Iranian civilization flourished. Historically, this province had been invaded by outsiders, beginning with the Mongols in the 1200s and 1300s. In 1723, the region was conquered by the Russian Empire. The coast of the province is dominated by marshy plains. Farther inland, it merges into the highlands. Although the province is strategically located on the Caspian Sea, the coast lacks good natural harbors. This has forced them to build an artificial harbor.

The Mazanderani are an ethnic mix of Turkic tribes, Armenians, and Russian immigrants. Other smaller groups include the Qadikolahi and the Palavi. The language of the majority, also called Mazanderani (or Palari), remains unwritten. This language is closely tied to Farsi, the official language of Iran.

Many of the Mazanderani are uneducated. The fact that their language is not yet in written form presents a roadblock to their cultural and spiritual progress. Perhaps Christian teachers will have the greatest opportunity to work among this people group. There is a university in the town of Babol that may provide open doors for linguists who are willing to create a written script for the Mazanderani language.

Prayer is the key to seeing these precious people reached with the Good News.
Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to Iran and share Christ with the Mazanderani.
Pray for the salvation of key Mazanderani leaders who will boldly proclaim the Gospel.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Mazanderani towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
Pray that God will open the hearts of Iran’s governmental leaders to the Gospel.
Ask the Lord to raise up intercessors who will faithfully stand in the gap for the Mazanderani.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Mazanderani.