PRO ET CONTRA: about the Research of B. A. Alborov “Ossetian Safa and the Jewish Sabaoth”

Abstract

The issue of Abrahamic borrowings in the ethnic religion of Ossetians (the only Iranian-speaking ethnic group in the North Caucasus, which is an ethnic descendant of Scythians-Sarmatians-Alans) is considered, which is a synthesis of monotheism and ancient polytheism. It has survived to this day and even survives a peculiar, renaissance in the post-Soviet period, which explains the relevance of the study. An analysis of the possible presence of Abrahamic reminiscences in the image, characteristics and functions of one of the subjects of the Ossetian ethno-religious pantheon - Safa is made. It is noted that this image is by far the most complex object in relation to both the identification of the theonym and the origin of the sacred subject itself, due to which there is no consensus in science on this issue. A historiographic analysis of scientific positions on the problem is carried out. An attempt to identify the sacred subject is made, and its main possible options are given. The author’s development of archival material - an unpublished article by B. A. Alborov on Safa is presented for the first time. One of the possible options for identifying theonym and characteristics of Safa - Arab-Islamic is introduced into the modern scientific discourse.

Keywords

• safa
• ossetian ethnic religion
• abrahamic borrowings
• judaism
• christianity
• islam