Keywords
Abstract
This article explores the ethnological dimensions, historical values, and modern transformations of traditional wedding rituals within Uzbek families, with a specific focus on the unique local characteristics of the Surkhan oasis. The study examines the socio-cultural functions of traditional matchmaking known as sovchilik (matchmaking), the symbolic meaning and protective attributes of the ancient craft of quroq (patchwork), and the institutional adaptations of weddings in the post-independence era (1991–2024). Special attention is given to the elimination of burdensome economic customs, such as qalin (bride price) and sut puli (milk money), and their replacement with sustainable family-building practices, alongside the introduction of mandatory pre-marital medical examinations under Article 17 of the Family Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Through a comparative historical lens, this research illuminates how contemporary Uzbek marriage ceremonies successfully synthesize historical custom with modern legal and scientific standards, preserving family stability and community solidarity.
References
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