“Belkhi” as a traditional form of mutual assistance related to economic and family life of the Chechens in the 19th and 20th centuries

Based on field material, the article shows the traditional forms of social life, the features of cultural behavior, etiquette and the peculiarities of communication of the Chechens during mutual assistance. Caused by economic necessity, the mutual aid custom “belkhi” played a major role in the social life of the Chechens and many other peoples of the North Caucasus. This custom was based on collaborative, unpaid work. “Belkhi” members were not only relatives but also neighbors of a family. Family or neighboring mutual assistance was provided in agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, house building, the organization of family celebrations, funeral, wake. “Belkhi” helped to establish and pass the manufacturing skills, code of conduct and served to exchange knowledge between older and younger generations.