Beliefs associated with protective powers karzhilik (radius bone) (based on ethnographic materials from Saryarka)

Abstract

In the Kazakh culture beliefs, customs and traditions occupy an important place. They are closely interrelated with the past history of the nation, its present and future. This cultural heritage, which has evolved over thousands of years, provides a whole system of ethnic worldviews and ways of interacting with the environment. Currently, despite the spread of globalization and the scientific worldview, ethnic values are preserved in many areas of traditional culture. In addition, although Islam is spread over several centuries as the main religion in the Kazakh steppe, the traditional worldview showed its vitality among the people. Today, in every region of the country there are preachers of ancient traditions. It is crucial to collect and disseminate information about them. In the article, the authors examine the current situation of preservation of ethnic values utilizing the example of beliefs associated with the radius. The main information was taken from the materials of the ethnographic expedition conducted in the Saryarka region.