Transformation of funeral and funeral rites and rituals of Kabardinians of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic in the early 20s of the XXI century

The article covers Kabardian funeral customs in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. The Kabardians have three stages of funeral practice: pre-burial, funeral, and funeral rite. To identify transformations, pre-burial rites are analyzed in most detail, where ideas about the soul, attitudes towards the deceased and his body, as well as prohibitions associated with death are clearly traced. A detailed description and interpretation of modern rituals is necessary to identify and analyze the transformations occurring in the spiritual sphere of Kabardian society. The last decade has seen an increase in Islamic traditions in Kabardian funeral rituals, despite globalization and changes in ethno-cultural values.