Family rites and traditions as a way to preserve the ethno-confessional identity of the Tatars of the Republic of Mordovia

Family rituals and traditions constitute an integral part of marital relations and serve as vital mechanisms for the transmission of social and cultural norms across generations. These practices play a crucial role in shaping the ethno-religious identity of a community. Within the Tatar population of the Republic of Mordovia, numerous familial customs and rites are observed, some of which are examined in this study. In Mordovia, pre-marital rituals and the actual marriage ceremony - namely, the nikah - are adhered to by the majority of Tatars. However, the use of the native Tatar language during these ceremonies is not universally maintained, with a significant part of the community opting for linguistic practices that diverge from traditional norms. Despite this, many Tatars in the region endeavor to observe core Islamic principles, including the consumption of halal-certified products, adherence to Islamic dress codes in accordance with Sharia law, and other religious prescriptions. Furthermore, in Volga Islam, there exists a set of traditions that are not strictly Islamic in origin. Prominent among these are commemorations, which are held in one form or another by the overwhelming majority of the Muslim Ummah of Mordovia. The considered ritual practices and traditions prevailing in the regional Tatar ummah form the basis for strengthening not only family relations, but also preserving the ethno-confessional identity of the Tatars of the Republic of Mordovia.