Myths and legends

The title translates to: "The Craftswoman Named Uz-ene."

About the Skillful Mistress, Like the Ringing Song of the People's Soul In a small coastal village, there lived a beautiful craftswoman named Uz-ene. Her eyes were like two drops of sky. She often loved to gaze at the silvery waves of Issyk-Kul, so that later she could reproduce them on her canvas. The girl said she understood the language of water and wind, of animals and birds, and often conversed with them. Uz-ene always admired the flight of seagulls and swans, and thus she was best

02.07.2018, 23:30

Myths and legends

A Drop of Tenderness and True Faith

Orphan and Cow This was a long time ago. An orphan boy lived with his father. He spent every day from morning till evening herding cows. The other children constantly bullied him, sometimes he went hungry, and a mother's affection was foreign to him. One day, after yet another scandal and beatings from his stepfather, the boy hid in the barn, climbed into the hay feeder to warm himself, and suddenly felt the cow begin to lick the tears from his face. No one had ever treated him so gently

02.07.2018, 23:12

Myths and legends

Three Magical Wells

Hot Springs In one khanate, there were three magical wells. Only the khan knew the secret of each and therefore guarded them from the eyes of the people. The wells were covered and tightly bound so that the water would not spill over the edge. In the same khanate lived a beautiful girl from a very poor family. And it so happened that the khan's son fell in love with her. However, the cruel and greedy khan did not allow his son to even think about her. One day, angry at his son's

02.07.2018, 20:00

Myths and legends

The title "Родник" translates to "Spring" in English.

Spring Once upon a time, in ancient times, after fierce battles with invaders, during a period of cold and hunger, the Kyrgyz found themselves on the brink of extinction and were forced to relocate to another area. Considering that the journey would be long, it was decided, at the suggestion of the leader, not to take along the seriously ill and elderly. Leaving their familiar lands, most of the Kyrgyz set off on their journey. Only one of the horsemen did not want to part with his father and

02.07.2018, 19:50

Myths and legends

"See with the Heart"

"Spring will come, but I will not see it" Once, while traveling in distant lands, a wanderer met a blind old man. The old man was sitting by the road, begging for alms from passersby. A sign hung on the old man's chest that read: "Give to the blind man." — I have nothing to give you, father, but perhaps I can help in another way. How much money do people give you in a day? – asked the traveler of the old man.

01.07.2018, 23:23

Myths and legends

Love and Selflessness

The Land is the Highest Value This was in ancient times when the Kyrgyz lived in the expanses of the Yenisei. After a long and hard war with their enemies, they sent a representative to negotiate with them. Upon receiving the ambassador, the great khan offered him to sit on the rich carpets spread out in his chambers. But he took a handful of soil from his kurdzhun and poured it on the floor, then sat on this soil. “What are you doing?” the khan asked in astonishment.

29.06.2018, 14:05

Epigraphy

Tibetan and Kalmyk Inscriptions from Ak-Ulen

Ak-Ulen Inscriptions of the 16th—17th Centuries In 1937, historian B. M. Zima, who led the archaeological expedition of the Kyrgyz Pedagogical Institute, discovered a collection of stones with Buddhist formulas in the Ak-Ulen area. All stones with such inscriptions were collected and transported to Frunze, where they were kept in the historical-archaeological cabinet of the pedagogical institute. In 1939, the stones were donated to the State Hermitage through A. N. Bernshtam. These monuments

29.06.2018, 11:16

Epigraphy

Two Tibetan Inscriptions from the Juuqu Valley

Two Buddhist Inscriptions near the Village of Saruu 33 km south of the village of Saruu in the Jety-Oguz district of the Issyk-Kul region, deep in the Juu-Ku gorge, there is a large stone with a six-line inscription carved in Tibetan script. 15 meters to the north, there is another stone with a similar inscription consisting of three lines. The inscription (which we refer to as the small one) is made in larger letters (Table XXIV, Fig. 1.2) According to local residents, in the same gorge, 27

29.06.2018, 09:17

Epigraphy

Monument from the village of Chon-Sary-Oy

Light Blue Stone from the Lake In 1973, during an expedition on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, in the village of Chon-Sary-Oy, we encountered yet another monument of Arabic writing. This is a light blue river boulder, used as a qayrak without special processing. According to teacher K. Musamoldoев, the stone was extracted from the lake several years ago. The inscription on it is made on both sides, extending to the side edges, but the text is poorly visible. Subsequently, the monument

20.06.2018, 23:09

Epigraphy

Kayraks from the Northern Shore of Lake Issyk-Kul

Tombstones with Arabic Inscriptions In the first half of the 1980s, reports began to appear in literature about the discovery of tombstones with Arabic inscriptions on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, near the Kungey-Ak-Suu River. Scholars and travelers wrote about these monuments. Currently, the location of almost all the kairaks from this area is unknown. According to some data, part of them was taken to Verny (now Almaty), Przhevalsk, and Russia as early as the late 19th century. More than

20.06.2018, 21:53

Epigraphy

Stone from the Tosor Gorge

INSCRIPTION ON THE STONE FROM THE TOSOR GORGE On the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, rock inscriptions in Arabic are rarely found. Until now, only one such inscription was known on a huge stone in the area of Chalkan, on the right bank of the Ton River. We learned about another rock inscription in September 1985. This monument was discovered in the Tosor Gorge of the Jeti-Oguz District of the Issyk-Kul Region. The stone with the inscription is located high in the mountains, not far from the

14.06.2018, 15:43

Epigraphy

Burani Monuments

Kayraks of the Burana Settlement In the second issue of "Epigraphy of Kyrgyzstan," we published five kayraks from the Burana settlement with Arabic inscriptions. We know that at least 10 kayraks have been found in the area of the Burana settlement. Four kayraks were published by V.N. Nastich. We are publishing two kayraks from the settlement, which are also in the collections of the historical museum of Frunze. The inscriptions for publication were provided by D.F. Vinnik. We

14.06.2018, 14:42

Epigraphy

The Kairak of the Ak-Suy Imam-Ata Dome

MONUMENT AT THE GUMBAZ IMAM-ATA Near the village of Ak-Suu in the Jangi-Dzhoy district of the Osh region, there is a gumbaz, known to the locals as Imam-Ata. Based on the construction technique and the material from which it is made, the gumbaz can be classified as a monument of late medieval architecture. The building is small, and the dome is partially damaged. Inside the gumbaz, there are several kairaks, one of which has an Arabic inscription written in the suls script and consisting of

27.05.2018, 16:59

Epigraphy

Kairak near the village of Yangi-Naukat

MONUMENT FROM KOK-TALGY-ATA The inscription on the kairak, located in the territory of Tajik-Kishlak, near the village of Yangi-Naukat, by the road leading from Iski-Naukat. An oval stone of smoky color, of regular shape. The lower part is broken off, likely intentionally. On the front side, there is an inscription of 11 lines, and on the side edge — a short inscription of two lines. The size of the stone is 95X38X20 cm. The monument was photographed and stamped by us in 1974. Several years

25.05.2018, 19:52

Epigraphy

Monuments of Sahaba-Mazara

Kaïraks from Sahaba-Mazara In the second issue of "Epigraphy of Kyrgyzstan," we published 43 kaïraks from Yangy-Naukat. Many small and poorly preserved inscriptions remained unpublished. During a visit to Sahaba-Mazara in 1984, several kaïraks previously published were not found on site, but new stones with inscriptions were discovered. A detailed inventory of the kaïraks at Sahaba-Mazara is yet to be carried out. In this publication, several kaïraks photographed by us in the 1970s

25.05.2018, 19:25

Epigraphy

Monuments of Tash-Ustuch

Stones from the Village of Yangy-Naukat Near the village of Yangy-Naukat (collective farm "Madanijat") in the Nookat district, at the collective farm's dacha, there is a monument known as Tash-Ustun. Here, under a large limestone gravestone (?), lie four stones with inscriptions, of which only two are fairly well preserved. The third stone has only traces of Arabic letters, while the text on the fourth stone is severely damaged due to chips and breaks. No signs of graves are

22.05.2018, 15:26

Epigraphy

Monuments of Arabic Writing

Epigraphic Monuments of Arabic Writing in Kyrgyzstan Epigraphic monuments of Arabic writing have been found in both southern and northern Kyrgyzstan (see the map-scheme below). Mostly, these are gravestones (kairaks), varying in shape and size. Visitor inscriptions have also been discovered on rocks and stones. According to our estimates, there are about 350 monuments with texts in Arabic on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. If we add Arabic inscriptions on various buildings, objects found during

22.05.2018, 14:43

Epigraphy

Nestorian Monuments of Kok-Djar Village, Alamidin District

Kok-Dzhar Monument In 1986, we became acquainted with another Nestorian monument, stored in the history classroom of the secondary school in the village of Kok-Dzhar, Alamedin district. This school is located not far from the settlement of Kara-Dzhigach, which allows us to assume that the stone was found in the same fields where similar monuments were discovered. The small stone is gray with a greenish tint and has an irregular shape. The inscription and the cross are carved clearly, but the

13.05.2018, 14:35

Epigraphy

Monuments Found Near the Burana Tower

Burana Monuments MONUMENT NO. 1 Round, disc-shaped, gray stone measuring 30x35 cm. An unusual large cross, deeply carved by impact method. In its center, within the circle, there is another small cross. The monument was found approximately 800 m south of the Burana Tower by archaeologist M. Kubatbekov in 1979. It is currently stored at the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz SSR. A pencil rubbing on paper was made by us in 1979. Published for the first time (Table

13.05.2018, 13:37

Epigraphy

The Semirechye Monuments of Early Medieval Nestorianism

Monuments from the vicinity of the village of Kara-Dzhigach History teacher and local historian Y. N. Golendukhin found several stones with Nestorian inscriptions in the territory of the village of Kara-Dzhigach (now the Aala-Too state farm) in the Alamudun district. However, due to his unexpected death, the exact location of these stones remains unknown to us. All these monuments were entrusted to us for further research during Y. N. Golendukhin's lifetime. They consist of small stones

13.05.2018, 13:10

Epigraphy

Nestorian Monuments of Kyrgyzstan from the 12th to 14th Centuries

Findings of Nestorion Epitaphs Syrian and Syro-Turkic Nestorion epitaphs form the most numerous group of epigraphic monuments in the territory of Kyrgyzstan. Currently, about 700 such monuments are known. The overwhelming majority of them were found in the late 19th century. Unfortunately, only a small part of these epitaphs has survived to this day. They are kept in the State Hermitage, in museums in Almaty, Frunze, Tashkent, and some other cities. A significant portion of the epitaphs has

02.05.2018, 19:40

Epigraphy

Ancient Turkic Inscription on a Stone Portrait

Ancient Turkic inscription on a stone portrait Among the finds made in recent years, a particular interest is aroused by the image of a male face on stone, on the chin of which an inscription consisting of seven letters is carved. The monument was discovered by teacher V. D. Serdyukov on the territory of the dairy farm of the Lenin collective farm, located on the western outskirts of the city of Talas. The stone lay near a destroyed burial mound on the bank of a ditch. Unfortunately, no

30.04.2018, 20:52

Epigraphy

Ancient Turkic Rock Inscriptions in the Kuru-Bakayir Gorge

Discovery of Ancient Turkic Rock Inscriptions in the Kuru-Bakayyr Gorge In the autumn of 1981, a joint expedition of the Institutes of History and Language and Literature of the Academy of Sciences of the Kirghiz SSR discovered previously unknown ancient Turkic rock inscriptions in the Kuru-Bakayyr gorge, in the western part of the Talas Valley, approximately 15 km south of the village of Bakayyr. As one ascends the gorge, it becomes apparent that the right side is rocky. In some places, there

29.04.2018, 21:46

Epigraphy

The Twelfth Talsk Monument

Large Boulder with Runic Inscriptions In 1962, archaeologist D. F. Vinnik discovered another large boulder with runic inscriptions in the same area of the Talas Valley where ancient Turkic inscriptions on boulders had previously been found. The stone was transported to Frunze, to the historical museum. In the upper, flatter part of the stone, there is a poorly preserved inscription. To this day, it remains unreadable. As can be seen from the drawing (fig. 3, 4), some letters have a distinctive

29.04.2018, 20:39

Epigraphy

The Fourth Talas Monument

The Fourth Talas Monument In the summer of 1982, on Lenin Street (formerly Zhany-Chek) at the 1st section of the "40 Years of October" state farm, near the barn of the dairy farm, a boulder with an ancient Turkic runic inscription was discovered while leveling a pit. The stone had apparently been lying with the inscription facing down for a long time. As previously noted, between 1896 and 1898, in the vicinity of the village of Dmitrievskoye (now the city of Talas), local historian

28.04.2018, 15:13

Epigraphy

From the History of the Discovery and Study of Ancient Turkic Runic Monuments in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz are one of the ancient peoples of Central Asia. Together with other Turkic peoples and tribes, they used ancient Turkic runic writing during the early medieval period, which was replaced by Old Uyghur script in the 10th-11th centuries. The runic monuments are unique texts that have preserved many common features of the dialects of the tribes living in the areas where this script was used. As early as the late 17th century, Russian cartographer, geographer, and historian of Siberia,

27.04.2018, 14:19

Ethnography

"Zhenizhok on Maintaining Balance in Nature"

Zhenizhok is one of the most prominent akyns of the Kyrgyz people. His real name was Ote; he lived and worked in the village of Aksy in what is now the Janay-Dzhol district. Toktogul, Korgool, Eshmambet, Kalik, and other well-known akyns were students of Zhenizhok. According to legend, Zhenizhok could, for example, improvise for 7 days about akkan suu — flowing water — while describing strange animals living in the depths of the ocean (it is clear that the akyn was well acquainted with Arabic

02.03.2018, 22:10

Ethnography

"Barpies on the Significance of the Sun for Life on Earth"

Barpy Alykulov was born in 1869 in the Achi region of the Suzak district and died in 1949. The overwhelming majority of his works were created before 1923 (before he became completely blind). The poetic creativity of the famous akyn Barpy is characterized by the reflection of folk concepts about various phenomena of the surrounding world. He critically approached many of these concepts that were prevalent among the people, rejecting their religious-mystical nature, and sought to provide an

01.03.2018, 06:06

Ethnography

Toktogul and Togolok Moldo on Old Age

In the works of the famous Kyrgyz akyns-democrats Toktogul and Togolok Moldo, there are some valuable thoughts about the meaning of life and the health of people. For example, in their poems about old age, the akyns describe the psychological state of elderly people. For instance, Toktogul depicts this as follows: My strength has left me, My youthful years have slipped away. Before the people, I am bent, Old age has taken my waist. I used to walk straight, Old age has taken my knees. My

26.02.2018, 23:12

Ethnography

Togolok Moldo on Natural Phenomena

The objects and phenomena of the material world are diverse, and accordingly, the interactions and interconnections between them are also diverse. Togolok Moldo sought to explain natural phenomena. In his poem "The Earth and Its Children," fire speaks: “I ignite with warmth I thaw the frosts I warm the frozen The sun's rays rejoice In the light of the day Illuminating the face of the Earth, I am the light of all.” “I ignite. I thaw all that is frozen, I warm all that is cold.

25.02.2018, 03:28

Ethnography

The Hunter Ashir and the Living Water

Water - The Basis of Life The peoples of Central Asia and Kazakhstan, who roamed the endless steppes and deserts before the October Revolution, always considered water to be the foundation of life. They had a saying: "Suu jok yerde omur bolboyt"—"Where there is no water, there is no life."

24.02.2018, 18:22

Main dishes of Kyrgyzstan

Khan-Plov at Home. Video

On Thursdays, it is customary in many Kyrgyz families to prepare pilaf, boorsoks, and say prayers for the deceased. The brand chef of the NAVAT chain, Anvar Babajanov, shares and demonstrates how to cook Khan pilaf at home.

24.02.2018, 15:51

Main dishes of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz-style Hot Dish with Boiled Dumpling Squares and Vegetables. Video

How to easily and quickly prepare national dishes at home. Kyrgyz-style stew with boiled diamond-shaped dough and vegetables. Chef Sanjar Shakiev from the ethnocomplex "Supara" demonstrates how to cook the stew.

24.02.2018, 15:33

Ethnography

Rain and Storms in the Works of Togolok Moldo

Understanding the Formation of the Universe and the Development of Living Organisms and Plants by Togolok Moldo. At the same time, observing nature, he was one of the first to give characteristics to each natural phenomenon individually — rain, water, wind, fire, and the Earth itself — in the poem "Zher jana anyn baldary" (Earth and Its Children). Comparing these characteristics with known scientific facts allows us to speak of a fairly high degree of reliability in his judgments.

23.02.2018, 23:27

Ethnography

Phenomena of Nature in the Works of Akyns

Poeticization of Natural Phenomena in the Works of Democratic Akyns Toktogul and Togolok Moldo. A truly popular poet is called the mirror and soul of the people, as he not only expresses their aspirations and feelings but also concentrates in his works all the best from the spiritual heritage of the people. Folklore is a vital source for a great poet, in whose works it often finds its second life. The best representatives of Kyrgyz akyns from the pre-revolutionary period were subtle

18.02.2018, 23:28

Ethnography

The Timeless Value of Observations by Folk Estimators

Modern Weather Reports and Forecasts Simple yet accurate experiments and systematic observations have been conducted by the people for a long time, gradually supplemented, refined, supported, and passed down from generation to generation, helping people understand the world. In the times of folk observers, there were not such significant changes in the environment as are occurring today due to industrial development, urbanization, chemicalization of agriculture, etc., particularly such as the

18.02.2018, 22:59

Ethnography

Essepchi Nasyr Ake - Weather Predictor from Alai

Essepchi Nasyr Ake from Alai paid great attention to the plant and animal world for the purpose of weather prediction. He believed that the deterioration or improvement of the weather could be determined by observing plants and animals — changes in the weather can be inferred from their behavior. According to local residents, Nasyr Ake was a good hunter and an experienced trainer of birds of prey; through his work, he had ample opportunity to study the nature of his homeland well. He knew many

15.02.2018, 23:04

Ethnography

Talented Weather Forecasters - Esepchi Aity and Syutike

Weather Predictors of the Early 19th Century It is said that the talented weather predictors - esapchi Aity and Syutike, who lived in the south of the republic, were not afraid of the formidable Khan Omar, who ruled Kokand at the beginning of the 19th century. The Khan decided to test the predictors. By his order, Aity the Chechen was brought from Alay and the old man Syutike from Uzgen to the Khan's palace.

14.02.2018, 23:51

Ethnography

The Calculator Alibai and the Definition of Time

Esapchi Alybai from Naryn could determine the time with a simple stick. He would stick a stick about 2 meters long into the ground and then measure the length of the shadow from the stick five times a day at specific times: kun najza boyu kotoruldu — at 5 a.m., chak tush — between 12 and 1 p.m., chon, beshim — between 3 and 4 p.m., kichi beishm — at 6 p.m., and namazdiger — at 8 p.m. Each length of shadow obtained was compared by the esapchi with previous data according to the month, day, and

09.02.2018, 23:12

Ethnography

Weather Prophet Atay from Jumgal

Among the folk weather predictors, Atai from Jumgal was known for his observations of cloud patterns. For example, he believed that if, during the rainy autumn days, the clouds linger over the pasture of Bash-Kugandy for a long time, then the upcoming winter will be dry and warm. If in winter the clouds slowly move towards the Kyz-Azart pass and stay there, and additionally, frequently appearing bands of fog over the mountains join them, then the upcoming spring will be rainy. Some local

08.02.2018, 22:10

Ethnography

Issyk-Kul Weather Forecaster Essepchi Manake

The Weather Predictor from the People, the Calculator Manake The experiments of the well-known weather predictor from the entire Issyk-Kul coast, the calculator Manake, are very interesting. He warned of upcoming weather changes based on clouds and celestial bodies, the color of the clouds, their direction, nature, and speed of movement, and their distance from the Earth's surface. Based on his observations, Manake claimed, for example, that if dark or black clouds move quickly from the

08.02.2018, 22:01

Ethnography

Weather Predictor Essepchi Aibash

At the beginning of our century, in the Chuy Valley (now the Issyk-Ata district), there lived a certain esapchi Aibash. According to the stories of elderly people (some of whom remembered Aibash as a young man), he made weather forecasts based on the direction and speed of the flight of horseflies, gadflies, mosquitoes, various flies, midges, as well as changes in the movement of spiders in their webs and ants in their anthills. This esapchi noticed the slightest changes in the behavior of

07.02.2018, 00:59

Ethnography

Weather Predictors among the Kyrgyz

Weather and its Predictors. Nomadic life is characterized not only by closeness to nature but also by a significant dependence on it. Therefore, the ability to foresee adverse natural phenomena was an acute practical necessity for people, allowing them to prepare in advance, mitigate the impact, save livestock, and avoid hunger. Not knowing the actual causes of these phenomena, people have long learned to identify events—harbingers that allowed for fairly reliable forecasts by closely

07.02.2018, 00:45

Ethnography

The History of the Kyrgyz Literary Language

Under the ethnonym "Kyrgyz," the Tian Shan Kyrgyz are referred to, who are now part of the Kyrgyz Republic, and not the Yenisei Kyrgyz. It is believed that the Kyrgyz did not have a literary language or writing during the pre-national period. So far, this opinion has not been scientifically confirmed or refuted by anyone. There are separate statements regarding this matter.

05.02.2018, 23:23

Ethnography

Ancient Kyrgyz Language: Morphology and Phonetics

Historical Grammar of the Kyrgyz Language. Phonetics One of the arguments in favor of the hypothesis of Central Asian origin of the Kyrgyz and their language lies in the linguistic material. The languages of the Yenisei Kyrgyz and the modern Tian Shan Kyrgyz are in a position of distant kinship within the Turkic language family.

05.02.2018, 00:47

Ethnography

"Educated Kyrgyz from a Young Age in the Spirit of Caring for Nature"

Winter in Kyrgyzstan is a harsh test for all living organisms. In the cold winter days, many of them suffer from disasters and need. The wise man Asan-Kaygy, knowing this, is very saddened: Tarazasyng keteryp Tarbandagan shor tumshuk Tash baka baikush kantti ekan? Booru zherge jabyshtan, Basa albagan balchakhtap, Baka baikush kantti ekan? Kirer eshigi jok, Korgolor teshi jok. Konuzy baikush kantti ekan?

01.02.2018, 04:36

Ethnography

Man and Nature in Oral Folk Art

The relationship of humans to nature, animals, and plants is determined not only by their natural environment but also by the peculiarities of their economic structure. Among the Kyrgyz, as is well known, the practice of nomadic animal husbandry was combined with hunting. Hunting was one of the important occupations for the Kyrgyz after their main activity of livestock breeding. Directly encountering the animal world, people in ancient times tried to comprehend the profound connections between

26.12.2017, 23:30

Myths and legends

The Moon and the Stars

Two Perspectives One night, two friends saw a puddle. Look at this spectacle! - said one. What spectacle? It’s just a puddle... Look deeper and you will see the boundless night sky, a full moon, and twinkling stars.

25.11.2017, 04:27