Migrations of Kyrgyz to Jailoo
A significant event in the life of nomadic Kyrgyz was the migration from winter camps to spring and then to summer pastures (jailoo). The migrations of southern Kyrgyz have been described by some travelers. Such a description can be found, for example, in G. E. Grum-Grzhimailo: "Already in early spring, in April, as soon as the buds of trees begin to unfold and the ground is covered with fluff, the Kyrgyz from Andijan, Osh, and Margilan emerge from their winter quarters and, in a long line with their herds and belongings, head towards the mountains. This is a grand celebration for them. They have been waiting for this day throughout the long and intolerable winter. Locked away in a clay square, which serves as protection against snowstorms, the Kyrgyz are finally free... On the road, the Kyrgyz dress as luxuriously as possible, and this applies to both men and women—indifferently. The journey is long. However, it cannot be otherwise. Large cattle, small herds of mares, sheep, and goats are too big an obstacle for a quick migration. They have no need to hurry—no one will take their place, as each time the aul migrates to a specific and well-known area."
In the more distant past, migrations were carried out by large clan groups. Later, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, southern Kyrgyz began to migrate in small ails, consisting of several families, usually close relatives. First, the wealthier families moved, followed by the others.
The stay at summer and autumn pastures lasted five to six months. Therefore, preparations for the migration were made carefully. The yurt was dismantled, the dome poles were tied together, and the lattice walls were stacked. Specially made felt or pile ornamented bags were placed over their ends. Chests with belongings and felt bundles, which contained everything necessary for bedding, were loaded onto camels or horses. The packs were decorated as much as possible. All small items were placed in colorful felt bags. If the chest was not covered with a carpet, it was wrapped with patterned red ribbon, and bright peacock feathers were attached to the corners. Bowls were placed in cases, which were tied to the saddles.
The camels were festively decorated. They wore a cover (toyo moynok), which covered the neck and head.
A specially twisted rope made of colored wool (red, black, white) was tied to a sharpened stick (buyla), which was inserted into the nasal cartilage of the animal. One of the loaded camels was covered with a pile or felt carpet.
Horses were also decorated, on which young men or women rode. The horse of the young man wore an embroidered cover (dikak), and in some places in the southwestern part of the region—a woolen saddle blanket (shirdak) with embroidery. Under the woman's saddle, a brightly embroidered silk cover on black velvet was placed. The horse on which a girl or a young bride (kelin) sat was especially decorated. It wore a cover (kulakchyn), which covered the head, neck, and back of the animal.
All herders dressed in their best clothes. Women necessarily wore headgear—a turban, decorated with embroidery or silver plates. Young women covered their faces with a veil.
The order of migration among southern Kyrgyz, according to the accounts of representatives of different tribal groups, varied. In many cases, the eldest, a respected resident of the aul, rode at the front. Behind him moved the elderly. They led the camels by the halters. Sometimes several loaded camels were tied together so that they walked one after another. Each camel had a bell hanging around its neck.
In other cases, the order of migration was different. The caravan was led by young women, while the elderly rode at the end. Among the Kyrgyz of the Kesek group (Lailak district), it was customary for the camels to be led by young men rather than women. In some places, old women led the camels and headed the caravan.
Some groups had the custom of driving the cattle ahead of the caravan, while others did so behind. Often, the caravan was accompanied by teenagers who rode on horses and bulls. Small children were usually placed on the horses of the elderly, as well as on the loaded camels.
Yurts of the rich and poor Kyrgyz