Myths and legends

The Legend of the Akchi Battle

THE AKCHIY MASSACRE A dozen horsemen descend a steep path to the river. While the horses drink greedily, snorting and shaking their sides, the dismounted warriors also quench their thirst, scooping icy water with their palms. The Ak-chiy River at this time of year is not particularly turbulent, but to cross to the other bank, one must find a ford. The path leading to it is about two hundred steps from here — there, the bushes lean over the waters, and a wide shoal glistens in the sun. The

02.11.2019, 14:11

Myths and legends

The Mission of the First Kyrgyz Embassy from Tian Shan to Russia

THE FIRST KYRGYZ EMBASSY TO RUSSIA. They deliberated for a long time on whom to appoint as ambassador to the distant unknown country. For this role, first of all, a respected person was needed. Secondly, someone experienced, who had seen many foreign lands. Thirdly, intelligent and judicious. And fourthly, this person had to agree to face the many dangers that always lurk for travelers in foreign lands. Where to find such a person? Then Atake-biy proposed the candidacy of Abdurakhman Kuchakov,

25.10.2019, 16:12

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Kurultai of the Kyrgyz

KURULTAI In the village of Atake, guests began to arrive in the morning. First, the close ones: the junior biis — heads of the Sarubash tribes; venerable elders, respected for their wisdom and experience. The heroes — outstanding jigits, renowned for their defense of their pastures or for attacking others. Then, jingling with rich bridles, surrounded by a retinue of advisors and personal guards, the leaders of allied tribes began to arrive one after another. From the Sayaks came Kaday, from

27.09.2019, 11:38

Myths and legends

The Legend of Bishkek

Why is the city called Bishkek? Darytai, grunting, approached the hearth, leisurely adjusting the hot ember that had rolled out, grimacing—his back ached. “It must be the weather,” he thought, smirking. He had fought all his life against enemies, but the greatest enemy—old age—had slipped by unnoticed. It had stealthily silvered his temples and then all his hair. But the eyes of the elder were youthful, and his memory held many wonderful tales and legends.

23.09.2019, 12:41

Myths and legends

The Legend of How Fyzyl-Biy Defended Ura-Tyube

URA-TYUBE UNDER SIEGE In the far west of Fergana lies a small flourishing region — Ura-Tyube. In the 18th century, it was an independent principality — a vilayet, ruled by the elderly sage Fyzyil-Biy. Surrounding it were powerful neighbors, and the wealth of the Ura-Tyube people did not let them rest. In the summer of 1754, these neighbors conspired and besieged Ura-Tyube from all sides. From the west came the troops of the Bukhara emir Muhammad-Rahim; from the east — the Kokand forces of

21.09.2019, 13:06

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Balasagun Minaret

BALASAGUN-BURANA An expansive valley, bordered by two mountain ranges, is filled with pure and fresh air. Through it, one can see nearby and distant estates, the reddish walls of buildings made of burnt brick, and among the green crowns of poplars and white mulberries, the domes of mosques once stood out as red spots. The fate of Balasagun was fraught with difficulties. Once, in ancient times, fire worshippers from Sogdiana came to this blessed valley and founded a city. Over the centuries,

18.09.2019, 12:51

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Founding of Barshana

BARS KHAN An analysis of the legend provided by Gardizi to explain the etymology of the toponym "Barskhan" suggests the presence of an Iranian-speaking, possibly Sogdian population there. The Iranian historian directly states: "The inhabitants of Barskhan are descended from the Persians, namely the residents of Fars." The narrative then recounts an elaborate tale of how Alexander the Great, having conquered Iran, took hostages from noble Persian families to prevent

15.09.2019, 16:43

Myths and legends

Myths of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century about Albarsy

Albarsty Pishpek District, Burana Region, village of Gaur How Khaireddin Khashimbekov saw albarsty. An aunt came and started talking to him; her feet were turned backward, and her resemblance to the aunt was incomplete in appearance. Khaireddin was sitting on a horse with a whip in hand. He quickly straightened up and swung at her (he had heard about this shapeshifter before), and the albarsty disappeared.

14.09.2019, 12:28

Main dishes of Kyrgyzstan

Khorkhog - Genghis Khan's Favorite Dish

Genghis Khan's favorite dish - "Meat on stones". It's a pity that many of the original dishes that have accompanied humanity for millennia are fading into the past. We cook on stoves, in ovens, and in multicookers, eat bland food, and chew on lettuce leaves, occasionally going out into nature and considering shashlik to be the most "picnic-like" dish. But sometimes you crave something real, vibrant, hearty, and unusual at the same time. So today we will be

13.09.2019, 12:06

Myths and legends

Legends and Traditions of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century

Legends and Myths Sagimbai Orosbekov Ablai Khan boasts that he can "negotiate" with anyone. The Kyrgyz sent a yellow Chuvash against him114. The Khan said he was going to Tashkent (and the yellow Chuvash lived in Talas near Auliye-ata), so let the yellow Chuvash prepare to meet him.

09.09.2019, 11:11

Myths and legends

The Legend of Mahmud of Barskhan - the Great Scholar of the Middle Ages

MAHMUD BARSKHANI In these mountains, an unheard-of event occurred: a poor young man, an orphan, dared to raise his gaze to the younger wife of the clan leader, the powerful bek-tarkhan Ogul-bars. Even more unprecedented was the fact that this gaze met with complete sympathy from seventeen-year-old Burul. Outraged by the sacrilege, the relatives wanted to act according to the old custom — to stone the offenders. But a third unheard-of event occurred: Ogul-bars forbade it. "I will think of

07.09.2019, 11:25

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Birth of Manas

THE BIRTH OF MANAS Such a heavy year had not been known by the brave Kyrgyz for a long time: the state had collapsed, great heroes had laid down their brave heads in distant campaigns, and there was no peace from the enemies. The Chinese and Kalmyks came to Kyrgyz villages as lords. They burned yurts, killed people, and stole livestock. Thousands of captives were taken away by the enemies to foreign lands... This was more than a thousand years ago. In a foreign land in the Altai mountains

04.09.2019, 05:11

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Mother Deer. Continuation

Miraculous Rescue It is said for a reason — an orphan has seven fates. The night passed safely. The beast did not touch them, and the forest monsters did not carry them away. When they woke up, it was morning. The birds were singing. The children got up and wandered again along the path of the theft. They gathered berries and roots along the way. They walked and walked, and on the third day, they stopped on a mountain. They looked down and saw a great feast taking place in a wide green meadow.

02.09.2019, 18:25

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Mother Deer

The Extermination of the Kyrgyz Tribe This happened a long time ago. In ancient times, when there were more forests on earth than grass, and the waters in our lands were more abundant than the dry land, there lived a Kyrgyz tribe on the banks of a large and cold river. That river was called Enesai. It flows far from here, in Siberia. It takes three years and three months to ride there on horseback. Now this river is called Yenisei, but at that time it was called Enesai. That’s why there was a

23.08.2019, 05:26

Customs

Other Customs of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century

OTHER CUSTOMS Chingish Aji When a nomadic caravan passes through a foreign aul, it is greeted with kumys or ayran, fried grain, etc.

22.08.2019, 19:01

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Battle in Cherni Sunga

BARS-BEG: THE BATTLE AT CHERNI SUNGA The seventy-three-year-old Bars-beg had not dismounted from his horse for two days. The remaining warriors with him, wounded and sullen, awaited the Word: what to do next? — The sky has punished us for our carelessness, — said the old kagan. — But we are warriors. We must not lose heart. Who will protect the people if not us?

21.08.2019, 13:14

Customs

Games of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century

Games. Games in alchik (chukyo): urda, kan (a women’s game where alchik are piled on both hands and scattered on the floor, then knocked down one by another, etc.). Public games. Ak cholmyok6 — played on a moonlit night. Participants are divided into two groups. They take a white, smooth bone, so as not to get scratched, one that can be held in a fist. The leaders of both groups agree on how many wins to play (up to 5, 10, 15), then someone takes the bone first and throws it into the field.

19.08.2019, 17:44

Customs

Public Entertainment of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century

PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT 1 Osh District Ray Kuvaev Kudaiy — a prayer with sacrifices is performed both to prevent misfortune and after a happy outcome. Nazyr — a vow made in difficult moments of life.

15.08.2019, 22:47

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Man with Two Heads

THE MAN WITH TWO HEADS Utkul did not stop talking for a minute. - Do you think you saved a simple warrior? No, dear. Know this: I am entrusted with important matters by the great Ynancho Alp Bilge himself, our great ajo-kagan Bars-beg. Don't believe it? Just take a look at this.

14.08.2019, 13:36

Myths and legends

Nizami Ganjavi "Iskander Nameh"

ISKANDER IN THE MYTHICAL KINGDOM OF THE KYRGYZ The king, drawn in restless dreams to Khyrkhiz, Could not sleep under the shimmering midnight robes. He decided to command the camp to move again. At the hour of farewell with the khakan, he entrusted the khakan

11.08.2019, 03:20

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Origin of the Kyrgyz

THE ORIGIN OF THE KYRGYZ This happened deep in Central Asia many, many years ago. Fierce foreigners attacked a peaceful tribe. There were many enemies, and in a brutal battle, they destroyed everyone. Only one young man remained from the entire tribe — the son of the chieftain. He fought with all his strength. They cut off his right hand. The young man seized the sword with his left hand. They cut off that one too. The brave man, losing strength, defended himself with his legs. The enemies

09.08.2019, 13:22

Customs

Sacrifices and Magical Practices of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century

SACRIFICES, CELEBRATIONS, MAGICAL ACTIONS r.ch. Big Kebin Tulëö — a sacrifice, for example, a prayer for rain during a drought. Livestock is slaughtered after reciting a prayer (in Arabic) and asking for rain. Then the cooked meat is divided and eaten, leaving nothing for God.

09.08.2019, 13:06

Culture

Calendar and Astronomy among the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century

Seasons of the Year sajak Each month has 30 days. In the Kyrgyz month, there are 29–30 days. In three years, one extra month accumulates, i.e., in three years there are 37 months,

06.08.2019, 10:33

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Origin of the Turks

Chinese Chronicles on the Origin of the Turks Ancient Turkic legends have been preserved in Chinese chronicles, telling of the supernatural origin of the people. Here is a simplified version of it. ...A small tribe was attacked by enemies. The tribe was brave, the enemies were numerous. Sometimes courage is broken by strength: for each defender, there were forty enemies. No one surrendered, no one begged for mercy. And the enemies spared no one: the men fell in battle, the women, children, and

04.08.2019, 09:46

Customs

Healing. Rituals Related to Social Life Among the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century

HEALING If someone falls ill, a kid is placed near their yurt with its head facing west, neighbors are called, the kid is slaughtered, and prayers are said. Without removing the skin from the slaughtered kid, the lungs and heart are taken out and placed in a bowl of water, and an old woman is invited to the sick person. The sick person undresses, the old woman takes the lungs and strikes the patient on the palms and the soles of the feet, then strikes the heart against the heart. After that,

02.08.2019, 18:11

Myths and legends

The Legend of Shah-Fazil: Echo of Real Events

THE LEGEND OF SHAH-FAZIL In the mid-7th century, Caliph Hazreti Ali sent eight thousand warriors through Samarkand to Turkestan, commanded by Abdullah ibn Omar. After suffering defeat in Fergana, Abdullah ibn Omar sent a letter to Medina requesting assistance. After reading Omar's letter, the rulers of Medina decided to support him with a 12,000-strong army led by Muhammad ibn Jarir (the prophet's nephew). On the way to Fergana, he replaced the rulers in some cities who opposed

31.07.2019, 17:36

Customs

Agriculture and Hunting: The Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century

AGRICULTURE Alamedinka solto-bolokbay At the beginning of sowing, someone from the people gives the first handful from the bag to the sower and asks for (blessings) from God.

29.07.2019, 11:34

Myths and legends

Issyk-Ata Buddha Sanctuary at the Thermal Spring

ISSYK-ATA BUDDHA The Issyk-Ata gorge (75 km southeast of Bishkek) is renowned for its marvelous nature. Blue and green mountains reaching into the sky, the foamy white waters of transparent mountain streams, centuries-old firs and pines, grasses and wildflowers, air rich in natural electricity, mineral and thermal springs. All of this is like a heavenly revelation, a generous gift from Mother Nature, attracting people since ancient times and to this day. Water sources have always been revered

28.07.2019, 21:09

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Journey of Xuánzàng

THE JOURNEY OF XUANZANG In the early 7th century, one of the remarkable travelers of the Middle Ages, Xuanzang, described the territory of Northern Kyrgyzstan. In his youth, he became a monk at a Buddhist monastery and soon surpassed everyone with his knowledge. To enhance his education, in 629 he set out from China to the homeland of Buddha—India. Later, Xuanzang described all the lands he visited. He dedicated several invaluable pages to describing the territory of medieval Kyrgyzstan, which

24.07.2019, 15:13

Customs

Cattle Among the Kyrgyz (Calf)

Customs during Calving Talas kainazar After calving, they prepare uus kojo39. Everyone eats in the presence of the calf. They take a spoon of kojo, pass it under the calf, and say: "Kulou, kulou! If you go forward, the wolf will eat you; if you stay behind, the thief will steal; do not leave the middle." If this is not done, the calf will always moo.

22.07.2019, 18:45

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Kurmentin Treasure: Myth or Reality?

KURMENTIN TREASURE 1919. The Civil War is coming to an end, although the intensity of the Basmach movement has not yet subsided. After the announced amnesty, refugees who had not stained their hands with the blood of fratricidal war began to return to Russia. One of these emigrants was a certain Uspensky, who fled to China after the October Revolution. In China, he quickly befriended a priest who was deeply homesick for his homeland. On his deathbed, the Orthodox priest handed Uspensky a map

20.07.2019, 20:57

Customs

Cattle among the Kyrgyz (General Information)

Camel Calves solto-bolokbai In winter, the rams are driven into the gorge, while the horses graze in the steppe near the wintering area. There is little snow in the winter pasture. At night (during the three-month winter), the rams are kept in a pen prepared somewhere under a rock.

19.07.2019, 21:38

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Issyk-Kul "Atlantis"

WORD ABOUT THE TREASURES OF THE KYRGYZ "ATLANTIS" From the 3rd to the 6th centuries, Nestorian Christians appeared in Central Asia. In the 12th century, Syrian Christian refugees established a monastery on the shores of Issyk-Kul. Its exact location is unknown. It is assumed that searches should be conducted underwater in the northwest of the lake. In 1218, the troops of Genghis Khan, led by the commander Jebe, conquered Semirechye, including Issyk-Kul.

18.07.2019, 02:31

Customs

Rituals Associated with Animal Husbandry among the Kyrgyz

Protectors of Livestock and Attitudes Toward Them Karakoil-Susamyr solto If a camel does not stumble while crossing the mountains, they say: "Babedin!"2, i.e., the protector of livestock must be offered seven flatbreads (chavat). These are distributed to people in gratitude for having safely passed the danger.

14.07.2019, 17:18

Myths and legends

Issyk-Kul Monastery and the Relics of Saint Matthew

BRIGHT CAPE: CHRISTIAN "MECCA" Yes, the ancient mountains and blue waters hold many legends. But the people living on this truly holy land still remember the "messages" from the past. According to theological tradition, the body of the holy apostle and evangelist Matthew found its posthumous resting place on Kyrgyz soil. He accepted a martyr's death for Christ in Syria. From there, the honorable relics of the apostle were taken to a land renowned for its broad

12.07.2019, 11:43

Customs

Ash. Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part - 17

Ash: first day (kemegesin chavat) sayak Horse races on the day of digging the hearths for the memorial feast. The hearths are dug in the form of special pits outside the yurts.

11.07.2019, 12:53

Myths and legends

The Legend of the City of Kitezh

RUSSIAN CITY OF KITEZH AT THE BOTTOM OF ISSYK-KUL? Back in the 1960s, the already recognized Russian artist Ilya Glazunov reflected in his book "The Road to You" on our common ancestors - the Aryans, and later, in 1996, he developed his hypothesis, combining in one narrative the mystery of the Russian city of Kitezh and the underwater mysteries of Issyk-Kul. "Today, speaking of the great legend of the city of Kitezh, which holds significance for the Russian people," he

07.07.2019, 18:25

Customs

Funeral Rites. The Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part - 16

Memorials (Terms) Frunze Canton Memorial services are held on the third, seventh, 40th days, and on the anniversary of death.

06.07.2019, 03:09

Myths and legends

The Parable of the Sunken City

THE SUNKEN CITY Human memory is fickle; it holds only separate remarkable milestones of a people's life, interspersed with fantastic scenes from mythology, echoing with history. Turning to the past of Issyk-Kul, one cannot help but recall a characteristic parable by the famous medieval geographer Muhammad Kazvini:

04.07.2019, 22:34

Customs

Mourning. Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part - 15

Death — The First Day Osh District Gorbata — horse races held on the same day as the funeral.

29.06.2019, 17:31

Customs

Burial. Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part - 14

Double Burial Frunze Canton In hot weather (if a person died far from home), if the deceased began to decompose, they were buried at the place of death.

23.06.2019, 11:27

Myths and legends

The Assassination Attempt by the Widow of the Usun Ruler Unguymi on Nimi-Kuanvan

ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT In the palace of the Chinese princess, widow of the great ruler of the Usuns, Unguymi, a feast was in full swing. In the large guest room with two columns, the Usun tribal leaders drank imported Fergana wine and their own kumys, eating fatty lamb. The table was strewn with fruits. In the honored place sat the current ruler of the Usuns, the great kunbag Nimi-Kuanwan, a young man with black, coarse shoulder-length hair and slanted "Hunnic" eyes. The hostess

21.06.2019, 12:00

Myths and legends

The Union of the Han People with the Usuns

THE BRIDE OF KUNBAG In 105 BC, another embassy from the Usuns arrived in Han. The hosts were not surprised by the event itself. What astonished them was the extremely rich gifts, including 1,000 magnificent horses. But when they learned that the ambassadors were essentially suitors, their astonishment ceased: the lavish gifts for a princess from the House of Han were to be expected! It is known that emperors of all eras were extremely reluctant to agree to marital alliances for their

17.06.2019, 13:48

Customs

Memorial - Funeral Rites. Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part - 13

Funerals Worship of the Remains Kokomerene sayak

17.06.2019, 11:49

Myths and legends

Zhang Qian and the Xiongnu

Zhang Qian's Embassy to the Usuns The question of the second embassy to the West — now to the Usuns — was resolved. At its head was Zhang Qian. The great Chinese historian Sima Qian writes: “The Son of Heaven appointed him as a Hun magistrate, with 300 workers, two horses for each, and up to 10,000 heads of cattle and sheep... and subordinated to him many assistants with banners — to send them as envoys to various territories along the route traveled. The chief court astrologer Sima Qian,

14.06.2019, 16:28

Customs

Naming, First Steps, Circumcision. From the Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part - 12

Naming Pishpek District, Buranin Village The "Mother-navel" takes the child immediately after birth and washes it in warm water. Then, the azanchy recites the azan and gives the child a name. The name is given to the child at the discretion of the elder: whatever he thinks of, that is what he will name54.

13.06.2019, 15:15

Myths and legends

The Legend of the City of Chigu

THE CITY OF THE RED VALLEY Chigu (Chigucheng — in Chinese sources "The City of the Red Valley") is one of the oldest cities of the "Issyk-Kul Atlantis" — the residence of the supreme leader of the Usuns, who came from the east of Central Asia. In the 2nd century BC, the Usuns captured the valleys of the Tian Shan, and their supreme ruler occupied the former residence of the Sakas at Issyk-Kul. At that time, the great Chinese traveler and discoverer of the Great Silk Road,

08.06.2019, 15:06

Customs

Rituals Associated with the Birth of Premature Children. From the Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part - 11

Premature Infants r. Bolshoy Kebin A premature child is hung in a hat on the kerege for one hour.

06.06.2019, 18:59