THE EMERGENCE OF EARLY RELIGIOUS BELIEFS: THE CASE OF THE SURKHAN OASIS

The emergence of early religious beliefs represents one of the most significant stages in the spiritual and cultural development of humanity. This article examines the formation and evolution of primitive religious concepts in the Surkhan Oasis as a distinct historical and cultural region of Central Asia. Based on archaeological findings, ethnographic materials, and comparative-historical analysis, the study explores the origins of animism, totemism, fetishism, and ancestor worship among the ancient populations of the oasis.