Kurban in the Context of the Gagauz Orthodox Identity: History and Modernity

In this article, the Kurban rite (animal sacrifice), which occupies an important place in Gagauz calendar and family rituals, is analyzed through prism of Orthodox identity. The form content various varieties are considered, as well its role significance ethnocultural code people. author especially dwells on study qurban church, elements Christian-pagan syncretism clearly manifested. Based analysis, it concluded that over time, among people acquired a ritual institution became component rituals. fact has survived not small merit clergy. article provides information second half 20th – early 21st centuries. As result, more Christianized form, but, despite this, some archaic features continue to be preserved. It emphasized folk-religious culture sacrifice associated with Old Testament tradition Abrahamic sacrifice, plot widely represented song folklore. both ethnic Orthodoxy their characteristic Balkan cultural regional identity expressed private general holiday celebrations, integral part. conclusion, noted continues remain part rituals identity, being code. This evidenced by degree preservation religious folk ideas