Feasts among Polish Tatars in Białystok region Cover Image

Świętowanie u Tatarów polskich na Białostocczyźnie
Feasts among Polish Tatars in Białystok region

Author(s): Józef Węcławik
Subject(s): Islam studies, Religion and science
Published by: Verbinum
Keywords: Polish Tatars; religious feasts; family feasts; cultural and religious assimilation; Kruszyniany; Jurta Tatarska; Centrum Edukacji i Kultury Muzułmańskiej Tatarów Polskich

Summary/Abstract: Feasts play important role in the lives of Polish Tatars in Białystok region in north-eastern Poland. They help uphold their religion and integrate with wider society. Tatars have been present there for more than 600 years. They preserve their religion and culture, even amidst the process of assimilation by the local culture. They have a very strong civic identity, call Poland their homeland and observe national feasts. They spend annual and family feasts with their families, friends and neighbours. They respect Christian holy days - especially in mixed marriages. “Jurta Tatarska” in Kruszyniany serves as an important centre for the integration and consolidation of the Tatar identity. Another important centre is going to be Centrum Edukacji i Kultury Muzułmańskiej Tatarów Polskich (Polish Tatars’ Centre for the Education and Muslim Culture).

  • Issue Year: 142/2017
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 224-240
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Polish