110 Cities

Shabak in Iraq

Introduction / History

The Shabaks probably migrated from Persia to Ninevah in the 1600s. Many of the Shabak are related to the Kurds and the word shabak in Arabic means intertwine.

The Shabak of Iraq live in the Sinjar region of Ninevah, Mosul in many villages like Khazna, for example. They speak Shabaki and Arabic.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Shabak have always been looked on as being lower class people in Iraq. They have been discriminated against by Iraqi authorities and by the Kurdish people too who they live amongst.

The Shabak have had attacks on them killing many of their people in recent times. They are in extreme danger and the dangerous situation is an obstacle to the gospel message being taken to them.
What Are Their Lives Like?

The Shabak began their own religion to defend themselves against what they say to be false accusations from the past. They have beliefs from Islam and Christianity. The Shabak have their own ideas on spiritual life and mix it with Sufism too. They have religious guides called Pirs. They drink alcohol unlike other Muslims.
What Are Their Beliefs?

Prayer needs to be made for their safety and that their situation leads to them to come to Jesus Christ. Many have now gone to Iraqi Kurdistan.

Pray their despised situation may work for their good, making them receptive to the gospel message.

Pray that they meet loving Christians.