THE DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF THE TRADITIONAL RITES OF THE LITHUANIAN TATARS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 20 <sup>TH</sup> CENTURY
The article studies the distinctive features of traditional rites of the Lithuanian Tatars in the second half of the 20 th century, which contributed to the preservation of the ethnic identity of this unique group of Tatars, who have lived in Eastern Europe for over 600 years 1. Absorbing innovations and undergoing changes, ceremonial traditions, such as naming, marriage ( nikah ), and burial rites, have survived until today and have preserved their Islamic roots.