Beliefs of the Balkars

Balkars are Moslems-sunnits of hanafit kind. Before Islam in the 6-7th centuries Christianity came to the ancestors of the Balkars from Byzantium and Georgia. The attempts to bring Islam to Balkars were made since the 14th century by the Golden Horde. Fist Islam was accepted by the nobles, then they converted dependent population. By the end of the 18th century Islam became firmly established among the Balkars. Like the related Karachayevs, Balkars have syncretic beliefs. The pre-monotheistic beliefs have two distinct layers: the first is typical for all the Caucasus, it includes beliefs common with the neighboring peoples - in gods and protectors (Choppa, Apsaty, etc.), stones, trees. The second layer is common for all the Turks, it includes the cults of the supreme god Teiri, goddess Umai, the master-spirits etc. These beliefs existed among the Balkars as late as the 19th-beginning of the 20th centuries, gradually they were replaced by Islam.

Since the end of 1980-ies religious life has become more active: mosques are being built, priests are educated at the Islam centers of the North Caucasus and Central Asia. The population gets more interested in Islam, more people follow religious rites, especially the lent (uraza) and namaz. Some ancient beliefs have survived within the Islam, mainly beliefs in magic. Different charms and amulets are very common. The ancient cycle of commemorating entered the Islam rites: they commemorate their dead on the days of Kurban-bairam (holiday of Sacrifice) and Uraza-bairam (holiday of breaking the fast). They also celebrate the birthday of the prophet (mavlid). Religious societies of the Balkars are under the Ecclesiastic management of the Moslems of Kabardino-Balkaria (the city of Nalchik).