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 <sup>th</sup> 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 <sup>1</sup>. 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.