Synthesis of Traditional and Islamic Values in Kazakhstan (original) (raw)

The Kazakh traditional culture is based on the Turkic world model. Islam, in the form of Sunnism of Hanafite Madh'hab, is present in Kazakhstan. Speaking about the specificity of Islam in Kazakhstan it is necessary to mention its close connection with ancient folk religious faiths. The spiritual essence and fundamental features of the Kazakh culture coincide with the Islamic paradigms. Alongside with that, there is every reason to state about worldview syncretism, the modification of Islam in Kazakh society, based on the synthesis of Nomadism and Sufism. Ethic-ecclesiastical essence of Islam awoke an echo in nomads‟ hearts and souls, and it was accepted by them. „Assimilation‟ of Islam in Kazakh ground was made by adding the elements of pre-Islamic cult practice: cult of ancestors, worship of graves and „holy places‟, etc. The specificity of Islam lies in its capacity for dialogue and mutual understanding. It resulted in the synthesis of Islamic values and values of traditional ...