Introduction / History
The Persians are a people rich in history and culture, love and laughter, respect and honor. They enjoy a rich history of many empires of kings and kingdoms, poetry, art and advances in math and science. They were ruled by a king (the shah) until the late 1970s, when the last one was overthrown by Islamic revolutionaries. Now Iran is an Islamic nation under the ayatollah, or Shi 'ite Muslim leader. The revolution is still fresh in many of their memories and the current government has a heavy hand on them in many aspects of their life. Some have fled Iran for places where they can breathe free.

Where are they located?
Persians are mostly in Iran; however there are many living around the world, with large populations now in Germany, England, and the United States. A smaller number live in Cyprus.

What are their lives like?
Most of the Iranians who fled to Cyprus are from the middle and upper classes. Persians are devoted to family, and they have frequent family get-togethers. They enjoy music, dancing, games, and get-togethers. They love to laugh and have a great sense of humor.

What are their beliefs?
Though they are officially Shi 'ite Muslim, most Persian refugees are secular. They don't want to have anything to do with the religion which is ruining their country of origin. But some are finding Christ, especially in secular Europe.

What are their needs?
Persians need a spiritual hunger that will give them the willingness to embrace Jesus Christ no matter what the cost. He came not to put them under the bondage of the law, but to set them free from sin and death.

Prayer Points
Pray for spiritual openness among Persians in Cyprus.

Pray for the complete harvest of the Persian people, who have been flocking to the cross both inside and outside of Iran.
Pray that the Persians in Cyprus would join Persians around the world who are becoming part of God's kingdom.
Pray for a disciple making movement among Persians to begin in Cyprus.

References
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14371/CY
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14371/IR
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_history_of_Cyprus
http://www.cyprusiran.org.cy/
http://www.news.cyprus-property-buyers.com/2011/04/28/do-we-want-the-iranians-or-dont-we/id=007589