NEO-PAGANISM OF THE CRIMEAN KARAITES: GENESIS AND CURRENT STATE

Summary. The purpose of the study is to analyze history emergence and development phenomenon in culture Karaites Eastern Europe, which can be described as neo-paganism. Research methodology based on scientific special-historical methods growth historical analysis. article principles historicism, objectivity problem-chronological approach. scholar novelty fact that for first time an attempt has been made comprehensively neo-paganism Crimean its development, from origin present state. In same way, it attempts single out all elements neo-pagan discourse based, determine circumstance appearance or mention each them. Conclusions. It was found search invention pagan traditions irreversible logical consequence campaign absolutize importance Turkish heritage popularize idea exclusively Karaites, conducted by Karaite leader S. Shapshal 1930s among Second Polish Republic. source inspiration authors who have looking traces paganism Europe could materials published interwar press, including Polish-language magazine "Myśl Karaimska" Vilno (contemporary Vilnius), editorial policy had a great influence. However, seen, not always personally responsible interpretation various new pseudo-pagan elements. also shown used evidence their ancestors are late inventions borrowings, but may cultural diffusion peoples during long existence environment.