Since ancient times, salt, being a very important and valuable substance, has been used as a purification, protection and auxiliary tool. Salt was widely used in sacrificial ceremonies in the pagan period of the Slavs. Salt was sprinkled on the animals to be offered as sacrifices to hurt the pagan gods. In Turkish (Turkic) culture, on the other hand, it is seen that salt is used among shamans and those who make and shed offerings for different spirits (iye). Despite the different historical processes and accepted religions, there are many similarities in terms of the mythical understanding of the Turkic and Slavic peoples. It is possible to say that salt is widely used in birth, marriage, hospitality traditions and magical rituals related to animal husbandry, meteorology and love in both Turks and Slavs. In order to avoid the evil eye, people should have a pinch of salt with them, especially puerperant women, pregnant women, babies, travelers and hunters. Apart from this, there is no doubt that the combination of two valuable elements, bread and salt, forms the basis of various rituals and traditions in both cultures. Salt-bread is a verbal complex as well as an objective complex. The expression known as the right to salt and bread in Turkish culture emphasizes the importance and value of these two elements. In Slavic culture, the expression "????-????" (bread-salt) generally means food, and it is one of the most important symbols of hospitality. In addition, the concept of "etymological magic" (??????????????? ?????), which was not used before in Turkish (Turkic) folklore, will be mentioned in the study. The concept of salt will be discussed in terms of its use, place and functions in various rituals and practices known among the Turkic and Slavic peoples.

Salt, Turkish, Slavic, ritual.