Kyrgyzstan, nestled in the heart of Central Asia, is a land where ancient nomadic traditions meet breathtaking landscapes.
After the Soviet Union break up in 1991, this half-nomadic tradition has awakened, painting the modern civilization a picture of the remaining unexplored barbarism.
Therefore, from the snowy mountains with crystal clear transparent rivers and meandering streams, meadows with the most colourful flowers, flora and fauna with rarest of the rare species of animals, Kyrgyzstan has been a dreamland for a true nature lover.
Thus, this article will discuss the mesmerizing customs of the Kyrgyz ethnic group, their beloved and sacred horses, and, finally, the mountains as the main factor of the said people’s existence.
Kyrgyz Nomadic Culture: Living in Harmony with Nature
Semi-pastoralists called the Kyrgyz people of Central Asia still survive in a more or less preindustrial manner in the countryside of Kyrgyzstan.
The Jailoo – highland summer pastures – are part of their existence, where the shepherds take their sheep and other animals, as well as families find peace in the mountain meadows until the snowy season drives them down.
“A Jailoo without horses just isn’t a Jailoo,” says Muskat Boref, a dedicated herder. Horses are an inseparable part of the ethnical fabric of the Kyrgyz people, which are associated with mobility in the condition of mountainous country. As a cherished proverb goes, “Horses are the wings of man.”
Horses are not only a way of getting from one place to another; they hold cultural significance for the Kyrgyz people.
The national drink known as Kumis is prepared from the fermented milk of the male camel – showing the importance of this animal in people’s diet and in the culture they have created.
The Spotted Horse: A Breed Brought Back from Extinction
In Soviet times, crossbreeding with Russi-an horses threatened the Kyrgyz horse breed which is adapted to a mountain environment.
Muskat Boref has dedicated more than ten years of his efforts to restore the Chaarot Kiyan, the spotted Kyrgyz horse that is well known both for its coat pattern and unbelievable working ability.
“These horses have human-like eyes and a calm intelligence that sets them apart,” Muskat proudly explains.
The Chaarot Kiyan is a representation of the quality and patriotic spirit of the Kyrgyz nation.
Kok Boru: The Ancient Nomadic Sport
As for sports, the most important and traditional for Kyrgyzstan is Kok Boru – a very strong and ancient team sport that has been playing more than two and half thousand years ago.
This is an exciting game in which two teams of mounted knight try to get a goat carcass into the goal of the other team – it would later morph into polo.
The participants of the game are extremely passionate, one of the Kok Boru players stated: ‘Its in our blood’ while referring to the extreme barbarity of the game.
Fights are frequent and the Kyrgyz are proud of it as a sign of how strong they are and how well they are able to defend themselves.
Thus, the game also describes the Kyrgyzstan’s rich sporting culture and also wonderful horses they have which are the backbone for winning.
Wildlife and Nature Conservation in Kyrgyzstan
Aside from its historical and ethnographic assets, Kyrgyzstan boasts an impressive list of fauna.
Mountain ranges of Tian Shan with height of 7,400 meters represent one of the last natural habitats of several endangered species such as ‘the snow leopard’, also known as ‘the ghost of the mountains’.
These mountains create a large, wild tract of land, a perfect playground for birdwatchers such as Bastian, a professional bird of prey ornithologist working in Kyrgyzstan.
‘What does interest me personally is that, you know, the untouched areas there and the people living together with animals,’ explained Bastian as he pointed to the delicate balance that has to be observed to retain the wildlife in the country, particularly Kyrgyzstan.
Such organizations as Objectif Science International are especially involved in the process of increasing youth awareness of the Kyrgyzstan concerning the issue of environment protection.
All these efforts together with the picturesque nature of the region make Kyrgyzstan an important area for the preservation of the global wildlife.
Preserving the Kyrgyz Language and Identity
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, much efforts have been invested in Kyrgyzstan in the process of the revitalization of the national language and culture.
Kyrgyz used to be in second place to Russian throughout USSR period, however now it is gaining its position back, or rather the position it has in the countryside.
Mobile stations like the EIM Bookmobile go to villages to distribute digital and/or printed educational materials for kids and grown-ups to help teach them Kyrgyz, while simultaneously promoting and maintaining the diverse language traditions of the nation.
The video below delves into aspects of this topic that we couldn’t fully explore in the article.
Watching it will provide you with deeper insight and a more comprehensive understanding of the issues discussed.
Conclusion: Traditional and Wild bleibtasy Land
Kyrgyzstan is a country where traditions have preserved themselves in an environment of dusty wild spaces.
These are the beautiful Jailoos located at higher altitude to the present day cattle markets the pride and essence of the Kyrgyz people and their culture seems very much relevant with the geographical context.
Whether it is keeping of the breed of the spotted horse, the excitement of Kok Boru or conservation of the snow leopard, a lot of important aspects of local culture and nature are preserved in the Kyrgyzstan.
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Kyrgyzstan: Where Ancient Nomadic Traditions Meet Breathtaking Central Asian Landscapes Disclaimer
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