The ritual of “qoʻsh chiqarish” among Uzbeks and its territorial features (on the example of the Fergana Valley)

Abstract

The settled population of the Fergana Valley is distinguished by a unique agricultural culture. It had a strong influence on the agriculture of the Kyrgyz, Kipchak, Kuramin, Yuzi, and Karakalpaks, who were engaged in cattle breeding in the past. Traditions and rituals associated with agriculture were formed on the basis of belief in the magical power of various agricultural cults. In such rituals as khudoyi (sacrifice), kosh chikarish (plowing with an ox-drawn plow), shokhmoylar (lubrication of horns), kosh oshi (food prepared before plowing with an ox-drawn plow), performed before the start of spring work, ancient agrarian cults were preserved in syncretism with Islamic views.