The transformation of the institution of Atalyk customs and its educational role in Karachay-Balkarian society by the beginning of the 20th century

Karachay-Balkarians are carriers of cultural heritage. Labor education is the transfer of the life experience of the older generation to the younger, one of the most necessary conditions for the activities of all ethnic communities without exception. This study examines the transfer of the life and practical experience of the older generation to the younger – one of the most necessary conditions for the activities of all ethnic communities without exception. In this respect, peoples differ from each other, apparently only in particular matters, in details: in methods and means of education, which are determined by the specific features of the economy, the degree of development of certain industries. And they, in turn, depend on socio-economic, cultural and political development, the natural and geographical environment, the historical path traveled by the people, as well as on lifestyle, customs and traditions, psychology, national character. The article examines the transformation of the Atalyk custom and its impact on the formation of work skills among young mountaineers, who were transferred to other families immediately after their birth. Based on numerous sources and historical literature, as well as information obtained during field research, the authors analyze ways to introduce Karachay-Balkarian children in the Atalyk family to work, ways to form their qualities such as diligence, the ability to perform any difficult work, etc. The main provisions of this research can be used in the course of studying the course of regional history and ethnography in higher educational institutions.

Karachay-Balkarians, mountaineers, estates, labor education, Atalyk customs, atalyk, emchek ana, agricultural labor