The Religious structure of the city of Kars and the religious life style of the ethnic group Karapapaks in Kars

Containing information about the religious structure of the city of Kars, and the religious life style of the ethnic group " Karapapaks" within this region. This study; Begins with the history of Kars, as well as where its name has been originated from. The historical evidences prove that the land, where the city of Kars is on know has been a settlement for hundred of years. In addition, its culture has been coming from the pre-historic ( Paleolithic) era. In the history, Kars was occupied by several different nations and cultures, some of which destroyed the entire city. Especially in the second part of the 19. Century, after the 40-year- Russian occupation of the city. The Ottoman Empire again took the control of Kars at the end of the 1 977-78 Ottoman-Russian war.In the first chapter of this study, the main focus is about the religious structure of the city of Kars, including the religious structure of the its provinces. Especially the Muslim population that includes the fractions of Hanefi.Safi.Caferi and Alevi and the rest of the population are compared with each other in terms of several aspects. The statistics have shown that from the total population of 321.041, the 40% are from the fraction of Alevi. In addition, this study also includes information about the other islamic fractions and groups. In the second chapter of this study, the main focus is on the ethnic group of " Karapapaks " who are living in this region for years. The study explains the ethnic, religious, and cultural aspects of this people, including their funeral and marriage ceremonies.