place in calendar culture belongs of different amateur theatrical and masked plays. The world and national religions coexist with folk beliefs and customs.

This book is therefore a new step in researching rich and original cultures of above peoples; it is also believed to be of great importance as the year cycle festivals promote tolerance and consensus.

The Introduction and Conclusion were written by R. Djarylgasinova; The Persians bt B.-R. Logashova; The Kurds by O. Zhigalina; The Turks by A. Tenisheva; The Arabs by I. Amiryantz and R. Shidfar; The Jews by E. Nosenko.