The article is devoted to the funeral ritual complex that is part of the life cycle rites of the Karachays, one of the Caucasian peoples. According to Van Gennep the funeral rites cycle is split into two stages: the separation of the deceased from the community of living people that is his family and friends and his inclusion into the community of the ancestors. First stage consists of the washing of the body of the deceased, the wrapping of the body in a shroud, parting with the deceased, the removal of the body of the deceased rites. The prayer marcs the liminal phase when this action protects the soul of the deceased in the difficult transitional stage. The field material that author uses in the article was collected in 2017-year expedition. The related literature analysis and field material demonstrate that funeral rite has undergone certain changes over time. Some elements of the rite quite clearly show traces of paganism, Christian and Islamic influence. Also, Soviet requirements essentially influenced the funeral rite. The people began to bury their deceased ones in coffins and to decorate tombs with portraits of the deceased under the influence of the new ideological settings. At present, according with the study undertaken funeral rites of the people retain a significant number of elements of traditional national culture, Detailed study of funeral rites also demonstrates significant Islamic influence. Considering the number of ethnic traditions, funeral and memorial rituals occupy an important place in the system of the traditional ties. This manifests itself in the practice of mutual assistance and sharing the burden of grief with the family of the deceased.

Keywords: the Karachays, funeral, commemoration, ritual, mourning, Islam, death.

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