Ethnography

Manapism and Russian Reforms

Bureaucratic Apparatus of Management among Southern Kyrgyz Tribes The social and property differentiation among the Kyrgyz deepened during the Kokand rule and after their incorporation into the Russian Empire, which was associated with an increase in tax burdens. The number of horse-less and livestock-less families sharply increased, social support among relatives turned into an open form of exploitation, and clan solidarity began to lose its former significance and acquire distorted forms.

20.04.2022, 16:32

"Semetey" in prose

Semetei. Semetei's Trip to Talas. Part - 4

Semetey's trip to Talas. Part - 4 - When the mighty lion Manas died, - Abyke continued to speak, - Shigay-khan and Jamgyrchi spread false rumors that you, Bakai, wanted to take six thousand dzhambs and a thousand beaver skins from Tekekche-khan's son Ormonbek to give him Kanykey as a wife. Tell me yourself, did such rumors not exist? Not even thirty days had passed since Manas's death when great unrest began in Afghanistan and Hindustan, in the land of three khans. Wishing for

15.04.2022, 12:21

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of the Wise Akylzhan. Part - 2

Part - 2 And the next story is as follows, — Akylzhan continued. — A man had three sons. All of them fell in love with the same girl from their village, and each of them wanted to marry her. To prevent a quarrel from breaking out, the father gave each son a thousand gold coins and said, “Whoever brings the most valuable thing will marry the girl.” The brothers took the money and set off on their journey. The eldest bought a carpet that could cover the forty-day journey in just one day. The

14.04.2022, 13:40

Meat and offal dishes

Goshnan (Kyrgyz-style Chebureks)

Goshnan Goshnan are meat pies. Although they resemble flatbreads more. They are cooked in a tandoor, in an oven, or in a frying pan with a small amount of vegetable oil. Kyrgyz people make goshnan with young lamb, cut into small cubes, and onions. The filling uses raw minced meat. To ensure it cooks through, goshnan are fried over low heat under a lid. They are eaten hot. Ingredients: flour - 4 cups dry yeast - 2 tsp salt - 10 g water - 500 ml for the filling: duck fillet - 400 g onions - 3

11.04.2022, 22:34

Ethnography

Economic Buildings in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Outbuildings Outbuildings in southern Kyrgyzstan are quite uniform, but there are many variations in their placement relative to the house. Their construction in the past was determined by the nature and size of the household. In the overwhelming majority of old estates, stables (atkana, agyl) were mandatory. For these purposes, flat-roofed sheds (bastyrma) were also used. The sheds were supported on beams, one end resting on the fence (duval) and the other on posts buried in the ground 2-3

10.04.2022, 12:09

"Semetey" - poetic story

Semetey. Semetey's Trip to Talas. Part - 2

Semetey's trip to Talas. Part - 2 Bölökbay was a soulful friend The chief over the disabled guarding the treasury In appearance, himself quite ugly With sad eyelids hanging over his mournful eyes After the death of the khan, Abike and Këbësh Dividing the property, they beat Bölökbay Since then, he wandered in the mountains With the disabled, hunting for a living That day, Bölökbay had a dream That, at last, Semetey had returned He then summoned his forty disabled Decided to find Bakay as

10.04.2022, 11:54

Ethnography

The phenomenon of "namys"

Namys. The management system in traditional Kyrgyz society was based on the principles of solidarity, mutual assistance, mutual support (patronage, clan, tribal), and collective responsibility. At the core of this system was the idea of the honor of the clan or tribe - namys, for which each individual was expected to give their all. In Soviet historiography, such a system was considered a hidden form of exploitation by the wealthy part of the population over their kin; in reality, the

07.04.2022, 19:36

"Semetey" in prose

Semetey. Semetey's Trip to Talas. Part - 3

Semetey's Journey to Talas. Part -3 Semetey took out clothes from his bag - a gift sent by Kanikey Burulcha on the occasion of Kuyachoro's birth, and handed them to the unfortunate sufferer. For Kulchoro, he had clothes that Kanikey had sewn for him. Bakai brought a gray mare, which they immediately slaughtered in memory of the deceased Almambet. Burulcha told them the whole story of Almambet's life - how he left the throne in Beidzhin and came to Manas. She told them how her

02.04.2022, 23:02

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of the Wise Akylzhan. Part - 1

AKYLJAN In ancient times, there lived a khan. This khan had a wise vizier. Both the khan and the vizier had been childless for a long time. Finally, the khan had a son, and the vizier had a daughter. The khan's son, Mzëntbek, grew up mischievous and somewhat foolish, while the vizier's daughter, Akyljan, was a serious and intelligent girl. When the children grew older, their parents decided to marry them.

31.03.2022, 21:15

Drinks of Kyrgyzstan

The drink "Tan" in Kyrgyzstan

Drink "Tan" The manufacturer of the drink "TAN", LLC "Artezian", which perfectly masters all the subtleties of preparing this drink, uses only high-quality and environmentally friendly products in its production, and the preparation of "TAN" is carried out on the most modern equipment. All of this together ensures high quality and compliance with all the requirements for this product. Tan is a fermented milk drink made from cow's or goat's milk

30.03.2022, 11:49

Ethnography

The Interior Decoration of Southern Kyrgyz Homes

The Decoration of Southern Kyrgyz Dwellings A prominent role in the decoration of the living room belongs to the carpets laid on the floor. They are especially used to adorn the part of the floor that is closer to the wall where the bedding is stacked, as this place is traditionally considered the most honorable, just like in a yurt, and continues to be called "tor." Cleanliness is always maintained here; stepping in with outdoor shoes is not allowed. In homes, there are also items

29.03.2022, 11:27

"Semetey" - poetic story

Semetey. Semetey's Trip to Talas. Part - 1

Semetey's Trip to Talas Without stopping, even day and night On the road, Semetey traveled long He reached the borders of Kokand And remembered his mother's words She had warned him then To avoid Kokand somehow Semetey decided: "Whatever will be, will be!" And chose the direct path through the city

29.03.2022, 11:13

Ethnography

The Intertribal Nature of Oaths Among the Kyrgyz

Oaths among the Kyrgyz Oaths were an important element of relationships at the intertribal level, primarily concerning military and political issues, and they remained in effect until the agreed goal was achieved. The agreement, which had an intertribal character, was sealed with blood; for this purpose, a horse of a specific color, usually a light gray ak boz am, was slaughtered, and the sabers were sprinkled with the blood of the slain horse while the formula was pronounced: “Kimde kim ushul

25.03.2022, 11:13

"Semetey" in prose

Semetey. Semetey's Trip to Talas. Part - 2

Semetey's trip to Talas. Part - 2 There was this Belyokbay, a close friend of Manas, the chief over the forty cripples guarding Manas's treasury. He himself was a cripple, ugly in appearance. After Manas's death, Abike and Kyobesh beat Belyokbay and his forty cripples during the division of property and drove them into the mountains like dogs. Since then, he wandered in the mountains, living off hunting. That day, Belyokbay had a dream: he dreamed that Semetey had arrived.

21.03.2022, 13:12

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of Naabat

Naabat Once upon a time, they say, there lived a khan named Azil. He ruled his people wisely and justly. The people, they say, lived in peace and contentment. Life flowed joyfully, happily, and carefreely. But one day, a gigantic dragon appeared in those lands. It lay at the edge of the kingdom and blocked all the rivers, depriving the population of water, and the people did not know what to do or how to fight the monster, for it was so terrifying and strong that when it inhaled, huge stones

17.03.2022, 19:52

Soups of Kyrgyzstan

Loya Ash – Kyrgyz Lamb Soup with Beans

Lamb Soup with Beans Loya Ash is the name of a Kyrgyz soup made with lamb, beans, vegetables, and herbs. I recommend using this culinary recipe to try authentic Eastern cuisine. Moreover, it is a very tasty, nutritious, and healthy soup. Ingredients:

14.03.2022, 18:52

Ethnography

Wall Niches in Southern Kyrgyz Housing

Wall Niches Wall niches are one of the characteristic features of the dwellings in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and the houses of Eastern Turkestan. They are also popular in Southern Kyrgyzstan, but are most typical, as noted above, for flat-roofed Ferghana-type houses. Niches add a special style to the room's interior and, in the absence of furniture, serve as a convenient introduction. They replace cabinets, help keep household items organized, and give the dwelling a unique charm.

14.03.2022, 12:33

"Semetey" - poetic story

Semetey. The Childhood of Semetey. Part - 4

Childhood of Semetey. Part - 4 The rumor that Semetey does not eat, does not drink Lies motionless for twelve days Meanwhile, with sadness and worry It reached his mother, the unfortunate Kanakei She decided, if the rumors are confirmed To not see her son – the young man – suffer She would kill herself, took a sharp sword with her And rushed to the palace to Semetey!

11.03.2022, 22:45

Ethnography

Councils - Important Institutions of Governance for the Kyrgyz Tribe and Clan

Kyrgyz Councils Councils were important institutions of governance for the tribes and clans. Those held at the tribal level were called chon jyiyn, chon top, meaning big council. Decisions were made on a collegial basis, where each participant was required to express their opinion, and the final decision belonged to the supreme biy (manap) of the tribe. During warm weather, councils were held outdoors, in elevated places dёbё (or dёbёge chyguu, which meant to consult). Typically, the beginning

01.03.2022, 22:52

"Semetey" in prose

Semetey. Semetey's Trip to Talas. Part - 1

Semetey's Trip to Talas. For several days, without stopping day or night, Semetey traveled and reached the border of Kokand's domain. Here he remembered his mother's words, who warned him not to approach the city of Kokand and to go around it. Despite this, Semetey decided, "Whatever will be, will be," and rode straight through the city of Kokand.

25.02.2022, 12:34

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of the Foolish Dzhigit and the Beautiful Wife

THE FOOLISH JIGIT AND THE BEAUTIFUL WIFE There was a wealthy man who had a son. After marrying a beautiful girl, he thought he could live happily ever after, as he had plenty of money, livestock, and a beautiful wife... Time passed. The father died. Soon the wealth left to him by his father was gone. Then the wife said: — The money from your father is finished; you will have to earn a living yourself.

24.02.2022, 22:36

Salads and appetizers

Spicy Salad

SPICY SALAD Spicy salad is a wonderful appetizer that stimulates the appetite. It can be enjoyed as a snack, complemented with bread. It offers a variety of flavors. This salad is quite easy to prepare, making it accessible even for a hostess without culinary experience. Ingredients:

23.02.2022, 13:53

Ethnography

Windows and Doors in the Homes of Southern Kyrgyzstan

Teshik and Eshik In the homes of Southern Kyrgyzstan, it is not difficult to trace the evolution of the light source. All its variations are represented. In the high walls of Pamir-type houses built in the last century, there were no window openings; light entered the room through a smoke hole in the ceiling and the entrance door. Modern houses, on the other hand, are built with large windows, double frames, sills, and carved shutters. In Pamir-type houses, light openings measuring about 20x20

22.02.2022, 21:35

"Semetey" - poetic story

Semetey. The Childhood of Semetey. Part - 3

Childhood of Semetey. Part - 3 Temirkhan had a brother – Sarytaz For seven years he contested the Bukhara throne He caused the death of many people in the process But still, Sarytaz was defeated! As punishment, he was expelled from the palace Sent as a coal burner to the Gultokoy forest Eighty camel loads of coal He must burn with his own hands every month

22.02.2022, 21:21

Ethnography

Elders in Kyrgyz Society

Elders - Real Power in Kyrgyz Society Before joining Russia, there existed the institution of kurultai. It was convened rarely and only to address momentous issues. A kurultai could be convened by a single tribe independently or by a group of tribes with prior agreement. For instance, in 1825, a kurultai of the Bugyn Kyrgyz was convened in the Zhyrgalan area on the Tyup River (Issyk-Kul), where the question of the Bugyn tribe accepting Russian citizenship was discussed; in 1842, a kurultai was

19.02.2022, 10:26

"Semetey" in prose

Semetey. The Childhood Years of Semetey. Part - 3

The Childhood Years of Semetey. Part - 3 The news that Semetey had returned in anger and was lying at the gates quickly reached the ears of Temir-khan and Ismail. Hearing this news, Temir-khan hurriedly ran to the place in fear. After slaughtering a calf, he began to persuade Semetey. But Semetey did not open his closed eyes and continued to lie still. Then Temir-khan and Ismail invited the mullahs, and they began to recite prayers for him, but Semetey still lay with his eyes closed.

15.02.2022, 21:27

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of the Clever Old Man

THE WISE OLD MAN In ancient times, there lived a young khan. He observed his subjects and saw that everything was done by the young, while the old only ate what was prepared. And then the khan ordered: — Behead those who are over forty years old, and soon there was not a single person—man or woman—who was over forty. Only one young man, feeling sorry for his father, hid him in a chest. After the khan's order was carried out, he commanded to find and bring him black worms. Until his order

14.02.2022, 20:47

Salads and appetizers

Shakarap Salad

Achik-Chuchuk (Shakarap) A delicious, simple salad made from tomatoes in Uzbek cuisine, served alongside the national Eastern dish — plov. It is prepared extremely simply and quickly, yet turns out amazing, harmoniously adding a sour-spicy taste to the fluffy rice of the plov. Variations of the Achik-Chuchuk tomato salad are widely spread in Central Asia. Kyrgyz cuisine has named it Shakarap. Ingredients:

13.02.2022, 19:24

Ethnography

Stove-Fireplace in Kyrgyz Houses

Stove-fireplace The stove-fireplace with a wide chimney that narrows towards the top has become widely used in Southern Kyrgyzstan. Therefore, the Kyrgyz call this stove moru (chimney). It is never closed. Its mass appearance, evidently, dates back to the late 19th century, as many houses of that time still used a home hearth and made smoke holes in the roofs. This is mentioned in some literary sources, and the same is recounted by the elders. The main purpose of the stove is the same as that

11.02.2022, 15:50

"Semetey" - poetic story

Semetey. The Childhood of Semetey. Part - 2

Childhood of Semetey. Part - 2 Semetey enjoyed the khan's power Not knowing that his father was Manas He considered himself the son of Ismail Not knowing his mother and homeland – Talas! At that time, Chiyyrdy turned ninety-five She became a weak, hunched old woman But she heard that Semetey was the khan of Bukhara!

11.02.2022, 15:23

Ethnography

The Power System of All Groups of Kyrgyz in the Late 18th - First Half of the 19th Century.

Tribal Institutions of Power The power system among all groups of Kyrgyz was similar and did not imply centralized governance. It was limited to the tribal level, led by the clan nobility, and governance was primarily based on unwritten adat rules. The relationships of dominance and subordination were built on traditional institutions. In the late 18th - first half of the 19th century, with the inclusion of the peripheral, Pamir-Alai, and Talas Kyrgyz into the orbit of the state policies of

07.02.2022, 19:00

"Semetey" in prose

Semetey. The Childhood Years of Semetey. Part - 2

Childhood Years of Semetey. Part - 2 Semetey did not know that his father was Manas, his mother was Kanykey, and his homeland was Talas. Considering himself the son of Ismail, he enjoyed the khan's power and amusements. At this time, Chiyyrdy had reached the age of ninety-five. From old age, she had become weak, powerless, and a hunched old woman. She had never seen Semetey. From Kanykey, she had heard that he had become the khan of the city of Bukhara.

03.02.2022, 17:56

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of the Old Man "What a Pity..."

“HOW SAD...” Once upon a time, there was an old man. Every new day, he greeted with the same words: “How sad...” One day, a passing traveler asked him: — Why do you say these words every morning: “How sad...”?

17.01.2022, 10:33

Salads and appetizers

Salad "Zhai"

SALAD "ZHAI" Salads have become an integral part of modern meals. They are always tasty, diverse, and can be prepared for any occasion. Salads can adorn a festive table or be an essential part of everyday menus. Their amazing property is that extraordinarily delicious salads can be made from the most ordinary ingredients. There are many salad recipes — from simple to quite complex. We offer you one of such salads.

16.01.2022, 15:13

Ethnography

Southern Kyrgyz Houses at the End of the 19th - Beginning of the 20th Century

Southern Kyrgyz Houses For a family consisting of several married couples, a different house plan is typical, taking the form of an elongated rectangle divided into separate living cells. Each living cell is a one-room (or two-room) space with a separate entrance. The number of such living spaces, arranged in a row, depends on the number of married sons or brothers of the head of the family. Such structures are widespread throughout the region. They are characterized by flat roofs. In houses

16.01.2022, 14:24

"Semetey" - poetic story

Semetey. The Childhood of Semetey. Part - 1

Childhood Years of Semetey. Part - 1 Growing up, Semetey did not yet know That his father was the hero Manas That his mother was Kanykey And that his homeland was Talas At twelve, he became unruly Once he beat, to bloody wounds Eighty khojas and a hundred priests They hastened to complain to Temirkhan

14.01.2022, 21:15

Ethnography

The Division of Kyrgyz into Tribes and Clans

Kyrgyz Division into Tribes and Clans Despite the absence of a centralized state, the Kyrgyz had their own territory, an ethnic identity, and a cultural community. In the 18th to the first half of the 19th century, the system of power and governance institutions were based on tribal organization and patriarchal relations. The Kyrgyz were divided into tribes (uru) and clans (uruk), which clearly identified themselves with the common ethnonym "Kyrgyz." There is reliable historical

12.01.2022, 13:54

"Semetey" in prose

Semetey. The Childhood Years of Semetey. Part - 1

Childhood years of Semetey. When Semetey grew up, he was completely unaware that Manas was his father, Kanikei was his mother, and Talas was his homeland. At the age of twelve, he was a wild and audacious boy. One day he beat up eighty hodjas and a hundred priests until they bled. The hodjas and priests he had beaten gathered and went to complain to Temir Khan, trying to slander Semetey before him, but Temir Khan did not listen to their complaints, executed many of them, and imprisoned the

05.01.2022, 22:40

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of Joomart and Adile

JOOMBART AND ADIL In ancient times, there were khans among neighboring peoples—Joombart-khan and Adil-khan. Joombart-khan was just and sought for all people to live equally well. He worked until noon, and in the second half of the day, he walked among the people, noticing if there were any hungry or poorly dressed. Adil-khan was quite different. People said of him that he was a man who played on dark strings. When he needed to learn something, he would summon someone for interrogation and

04.01.2022, 13:17

Meat and offal dishes

Kuyruk Boor - a popular snack in Kyrgyzstan

Kuyruk Boor Kuyruk Boor or Kuyryk Bauyr is a popular snack prepared in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. There is a similar dish in Uzbekistan called Dumba Jigar, but it is served very rarely, as people prefer to make delicious shashlik from these ingredients. Traditionally, before serving the main dish - Beshbarmak / Et asu, a series of snacks are offered to guests to stimulate their appetite, among which is Kuyruk Boor. The name of the dish comes from two words - Kuyruk (Kuyryk) meaning lamb tail

03.01.2022, 17:39

Ethnography

Fergana and Mixed Type Houses in the South of Osh Region

House with a high gable roof. Aksy District. Fergana and Mixed Types of Houses. While the spread of the first type of dwelling (Pamir type), according to the data we have, was limited, the second type (Fergana type) has been widely constructed in both variations throughout the southern part of the Osh region for a long time and has the broadest distribution among all the types of houses we have noted. The third, mixed type, starting from the late 19th century and especially in the early 20th

31.12.2021, 11:52

"Semetey" - poetic story

Semetey. Childhood and Youth of Semetey. The Flight of Kanikey to Bukhara. Part - 3

The Escape of Kanykey to Bukhara. Part - 3 Kanykey jumped up, performed ablution Stuck the spear into the ground and in hope A miracle happened, the lake filled up The trees turned green again, just like before! Out of happiness that a miracle occurred The fugitives believed in the joyful hour: - Semetey will grow up safely And will be braver than his father – Manas!

31.12.2021, 11:40

Ethnography

Kyrgyz Management System

POWER SYSTEM AND MANAGEMENT INSTITUTIONS According to historical sources, the Kyrgyz people went through a series of stages of state-political development from the end of the 3rd - beginning of the 2nd century BC to the first half of the 19th century. This development ranged from the simplest political organization in the form of "ownership" to a centralized medieval empire in the 9th-10th centuries. In Southern Siberia and Eastern Turkestan, until the early 18th century, there were

26.12.2021, 23:56

"Semetey" in prose

Semetey. Childhood and Youth of Semetey. The Escape of Kanikey to Bukhara. Part - 2

The Escape of Kanikey to Bukhara. Part - 2 A day passed, then another, after the departure of Bakay. Kanikey could not remain calm and decided to set off again. They traveled for a long time and finally approached a sacred place called Baiterek. There, both fugitives fell into a deep sleep, with Semetey lying between them. While they were sleeping, a female white argali approached them. Seeing Semetey, she struck her hoof against his cradle. The boy woke up from this, crawled out of the

22.12.2021, 18:57

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of the Orphan Boy. Part - 2

Part - 2 Many years passed. The boy grew into a young man. One day he asked the old man what was behind the locked doors. The old man showed him six rooms filled with all sorts of wonders, but he did not show him the seventh, explaining: “If you enter this room, you will condemn yourself to sufferings that may end in your death. Why should I open it, when I have come to love you so much, and you have become like a son to me?” The young man said nothing in response, but the thought of the

21.12.2021, 18:35

Meat and offal dishes

Shishkebab (lamb shashlik)

Shishkebek Shishkebek is a dish from Kyrgyz cuisine, consisting of kebab made from lamb or beef, marinated in onions and vinegar with the addition of spices. Ingredients:

20.12.2021, 10:59

Ethnography

Four Types of Houses Being Built in Southern Kyrgyzstan

The Influence of Other Peoples on the Craftsmanship of Kyrgyz The builders of Kyrgyz houses in the 19th century were masters from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Uyghur, and Russian (since the end of the last century). In some areas, local Kyrgyz and those who came from Kashgar also built houses. Among our informants were Kyrgyz masters whose teachers were their fathers and even grandfathers. This fact may serve as indirect evidence that southern Kyrgyz began constructing settled dwellings a long time

20.12.2021, 10:33

"Semetey" - poetic story

Semetey. Childhood and Youth of Semetey. The Flight of Kanikey to Bukhara. Part - 2

The Escape of Kanikey to Bukhara. Part - 2 Bakay, after losing his support Began to wheeze from grief, unable to bear He fulfilled the last wishes of Kankor Left his affairs, began to herd camels One morning, after praying for the hero He decided to visit Semetey, his orphan When he arrived, he saw that from the palace and throne Nothing was left at all

19.12.2021, 13:26