In 1996 there were no known Qashqa'i believers, churches, Bibles, or missionaries for them. This situation pricked the conscience of a few Christians who have begun to advocate for the needs of the Qashqa'i to the Christian community. Protect, provide for, and grant wisdom for the missionaries of many countries hoping to minister there. Nomadic life in Central Asia's harsh Kara Kum desert was difficult, but allowed the Turkmen to maintain a society fairly independent of the kingdoms that claimed to rule them. Turkmen learned to depend only on their own families and tribes.
Life today is different.
Our nation is struggling to catch up with the modern world, while rediscovering our ancient heritage. Gulya prefers the traditional life. She loves her job at the carpet factory, working and gossiping with other traditional women, elegant in their full-length embroidered dresses and colourful scarves. Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Turkmen national pride has grown. Many are embracing the Turkmen language, heritage, and culture once suppressed by the Soviets.