Ethnography

Military-Police Institute and the Institute of Seniority among the Kyrgyz

Military-Police Institute and the Institute of Seniority The Military-Police Institute in ancient times was called "choro" or "kyrk choro" (forty heroes), later - "zhigitter" - "jigits", "jasak" - lieutenants, "atkaminer" - horsemen (late 19th - early 20th century). Initially, this institute was the foundation of a military-democratic structure, and later became the personal guard of khans and tribal leaders. In conditions of

15.12.2021, 22:14

"Semetey" in prose

Semetey. Childhood and Youth of Semetey. The Flight of Kanakei to Bukhara. Part - 1

The Escape of Kanikei to Bukhara. When Manas died, Kёbёsh became the khan in his place, while his brother Abike and Adzhibai went to Hindustan and Afghanistan at that time to settle the quarrel of three khans. At that very moment, old Jakyp plotted something evil against Kanikei. One day he summoned all his children and angrily said to them:

12.12.2021, 13:06

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of the Orphan Boy. Part - 1

The Orphan. Part - 1 In ancient times, there were many orphans on the earth. One of them served as a shepherd for a wealthy man. One day, the orphan boy was herding sheep on the slope of a mountain. At noon, he dozed off next to the sheep, and when he woke up, the flock was gone; it had been stolen by thieves. The boy ran for a long time in search of the flock through the gorges and ravines, but all in vain. Suddenly, he saw three men resting on a hill. He ran up to them and plaintively asked

11.12.2021, 12:20

Flour products

May Tokoch (Kyrgyz Pancakes)

"Mai Tokoch" The cuisines of nomadic peoples are simple. They predominantly feature dishes made from meat, milk, and flour. Therefore, such flatbreads replace bread for first courses, and they are also served with tea. In modern Kyrgyz cuisine, there is an effort to preserve traditions and national dishes. The pancakes made from this recipe turn out fluffy, airy, and delicious. To prepare Kyrgyz pancakes, you will need the ingredients listed below.

10.12.2021, 01:20

Ethnography

Three Types of Roofing Used in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Roofing of Houses The construction of the walls of the house is preceded by the laying of the foundation (pai duval). For this, a trench is dug 25–30 cm deep and about 60–80 cm wide. Pre-assembled boulders of various sizes are laid in it and covered with sand and fine gravel. In older houses, trenches were not made; the walls were placed directly on the ground or on stones laid in a row on the ground. Frame houses are more often built in the western regions of the area, using all the

09.12.2021, 17:21

"Semetey" - poetic story

Semetey. Childhood and Youth of Semetey. The Flight of Kanikey to Bukhara. Part - 1

Childhood and Youth of Semetey. The Escape of Kanakei to Bukhara Brother of Kyobesh, Abyke, and Adzhibai Went to Afghanistan and Hindustan, at that time To bring reason to this land To settle the endless quarrel of the khans Evil was plotted against Kanakei by Jakyp He called the children to him and said: - Six thousand dzhambas, a thousand beaver skins Ormonbek, son of Tekechi, has bribed Bakai!

09.12.2021, 16:53

Ethnography

Slavery in the Social Structure of the Kyrgyz

Slavery in the Social Structure of the Kyrgyz Among the Kyrgyz of the South, there also existed a category of sharecroppers - chayrikers, day laborers - mardikers, characteristic of the Tajik and Uzbek populations of the Fergana Valley. In the trade sphere, there was a layer of people daldalchy, ortomchu, engaged in intermediary services: facilitating transactions, reconciling the interests of the seller and the buyer. Between the strata of the rich and the poor were the middle class - orto

05.12.2021, 18:01

Kyrgyz heroic epic "Manas"

Announcement of the second part of the trilogy - "Semetey"

CONTINUATION OF THE EPIC: "SEMETEY" The death of the beloved hero, the sorrowful end of the poem, did not satisfy the listeners. The tale was supposed to have a continuation, especially since there was a reason left - the main rival of Manas, the treacherous instigator of all bloody confrontations, Konurbai, escaped in the "Great Campaign." The beginning of the poem "Semetey" is tragic. Power is usurped by the envious relatives of Abike and Kebesh, who destroy

01.12.2021, 18:04

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of the Dough Giant

THE DOUGH GIANT An old man and an old woman had no children. And they were very sad about it. One evening, after kneading the dough, the old woman went outside and, with a plea, raised her hands to the sky: “Oh Almighty, if only you could turn this dough into a child!”

30.11.2021, 12:13

Flour products

"Snails with Onions in Kyrgyz Style"

Kyrgyz-style 'Snails' with Onions Delicious fried flatbreads are very popular in Kyrgyzstan, where they are served hot, straight from the skillet, usually with soup. In this case, the "snails" called "kattama" can be made with or without yeast, but the sweet and slightly spicy caramelized onions in this recipe are essential. INGREDIENTS:

29.11.2021, 19:22

Ethnography

Characteristics of Types of Houses and Estates of Southern Kyrgyz People

Three Methods of Wall Construction among the Kyrgyz When starting to describe the types of houses and estates, it is necessary to first provide a general overview of the building material and some basic technical methods used by the southern Kyrgyz. In the comprehensive work of A. K. Pisarchik, all the main data on the techniques of house construction in Fergana are presented. Similar methods are observed in the construction practices of various regions of Southern Kyrgyzstan. The main

27.11.2021, 15:48

Kyrgyz heroic epic "Manas"

"Traces of the Ancient Beliefs of the Kyrgyz in the Epic 'Manas'"

Religion in the Epic "Manas" Comparing variants recorded from the words of different narrators, it is easy to notice not only thematic and plot coincidences but also certain similarities. They sometimes concern the composition of the epic; for example, the campaigns of Manas to the North and West are only mentioned by the narrator Sagymbay Orozbakov, while the pilgrimage of Chubak to Mecca is noted by Sayakbay Karalaev. Sometimes the well-known motif of the unification of Kyrgyz

27.11.2021, 14:46

Ethnography

The Poor Kyrgyz in the Second Half of the 19th Century

Poor Kyrgyz in the Second Half of the 19th Century A numerous social category consisted of the poor - kedeiler - ordinary nomads and farmers. During military actions, they formed the backbone of the khan's armies, while in peacetime, kedeiler were the support of the tribal elite. In the 18th and the first half of the 19th century, the poor were generally economically viable, providing for themselves all that was necessary. In case of war, they had at least two battle horses and armor at

23.11.2021, 20:01

Poetic retelling of the epic "Manas"

The Epic "Manas". The Death of Manas

The Death of Manas At night, secretly Kanykey Gathered the loyal warriors, Far along the mountain paths She led them to the gorge in the morning. At the cliffs on the stone wall She made them break through a passage And there, for eternal rest, She built a grotto for Manas. When Kanykey returned: — Is everything ready? — asked Manas. — Now call my relatives here, My friends and warriors, I want to see them one last time… And people came from all sides To pay their last respects. When all the

19.11.2021, 22:08

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of Khan Zhanibek

Khan Janibek Once, Khan Janibek summoned the leader of one of the ails, Sultanmamit Khan, and said to him angrily: — Your stallions attacked my mares, and they are about to give birth to foals. Pay me for this, or you will be in trouble! Saddened, Sultanmamit Khan returned to his ailing and began to collect tribute from the people. He noticed a beardless young man sitting on a horse, staring at what was happening. Sultanmamit Khan got angry and shouted at him: — It's people like you who

17.11.2021, 10:01

Sweet dishes of Kyrgyzstan

Shirin Alma – a dish from Kyrgyzstan

Shirin alma. In translation from Kyrgyz, it means – sweet apple. To prepare this dish, you do not need any exotic ingredients or special spices, which are usually abundant in Eastern cuisine recipes. Shirin alma can be very easily and quickly prepared at any moment in any kitchen, and anyone without culinary skills can do it.

16.11.2021, 17:50

Ethnography

Four Kyrgyz Types of Settlements

Kyrgyz Settlements The character of the settlement, as well as the dwellings themselves, shows great diversity in southern Kyrgyzstan, influenced by a number of historical, social, economic, and geographical factors. Kyrgyz villages in the 19th and early 20th centuries were sharply different from the Tajik and Uzbek villages bordering them. The latter were characterized by narrow (straight and winding) streets with high walls surrounding each homestead.

15.11.2021, 19:50

Poetic retelling of the epic "Manas"

The Epic "Manas". The Testament of Manas

Manas's Testament Embracing Kanike by the shoulders, He said to his beloved: — Be brave, my faithful, It seems my time has come. Take care of yourself for our son! When you bury me, Run to Bukhara, to your father — Let our Semetey grow there! Here, in his homeland, He will not see bright days. And the brothers Abike, Kobesh Will not let you live here, And if you resist, They will find a reason and kill. And they will turn our son Into a mankurta right away, Forcing him to herd cattle.

15.11.2021, 19:26

Ethnography

Kyrgyz Elite During the Domination of the Kokand Khanate

Kyrgyz Elite During the dominance of the Kokand Khanate, some changes occurred in the social hierarchy. Many southern Kyrgyz rulers of clans and tribes became part of the ruling elite of the khanate: Kubat bi, Akboto bi, Azhy-bek datka, Alimbek datka, Kurmandzhan datka, and others. Additionally, part of the khanate's cavalry consisted of Kyrgyz warriors, led by Kyrgyz military leaders. The khan conferred titles upon the leaders of Kyrgyz clans and tribes: datka, bek (head of a bekdom - a

13.11.2021, 22:22

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of the Fortune Teller

THE FORTUNE TELLER Once upon a time, there lived a poor man with a nagging wife. One day, his wife said to him: — Are you a man or not? How long will I have to walk around in tattered rags and only dream of being full someday? Go and bring me money for food and new clothes! — Who will give me money? — the husband was surprised,

07.11.2021, 08:47

Poetic retelling of the epic "Manas"

Epic "Manas". Return from the Great Campaign. Part - 2

Return from the Great Campaign. Part - 2 When they passed the Great Wall of China, They settled down for a rest, Suddenly someone in the distance saw, That behind them a horse was coming, The rider lay, embracing the horse, The helmet and armor shone in the sun — And everyone recognized: it was The horse of Almanbet — Sarala. — My Almanbet! You are alive, dear! Has God truly forgiven me, If you have returned alive? — Manas cried out with joy And, despite the wounds and pain, Ran to meet his

06.11.2021, 20:01

Soups of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Shepherd's Soup

Shepherd's Soup If you want to experience the charm of the nomadic life of a Kyrgyz shepherd and feel like a free herder in the valleys of Kyrgyzstan, then you can simply prepare a real Kyrgyz shepherd's soup. The base of most soups is broths made from meat, poultry, game, and vegetables. In the menu, soup usually comes first or follows a cold appetizer. Prepare shepherd's soup according to our delicious and quick culinary recipe from the national Kyrgyz cuisine.

04.11.2021, 23:43

Ethnography

The Transition of the Kyrgyz to Sedentary Life

Sedentary Life among the Kyrgyz The transition to sedentary life, being an extremely complex process, involves "the replacement of one form of economic life — pastoral-nomadic, with another — agricultural-sedentary," which led to a significant disruption of long-standing traditions and primarily a change in the form of housing. Initially, the yurt retained its significance as the main dwelling. In winter, it was insulated. Later, the yurt became only a summer dwelling and was used

03.11.2021, 21:37

Poetic retelling of the epic "Manas"

Epic "Manas". Return from the Great Campaign. Part - 1

Return from the Great Campaign. Part - 1 On one of the gloomy nights Kanykey woke up in tears, Taking the infant in her arms from the swaddling, Sobbing, she gave him her breast. And, recalling the terrible dream, She could not hold back her tears. By the river, a little gray bull Suddenly began to bellow like a child — Almanbet has probably perished. And the white falcon in flight Broke its mighty wings — It seems Chubak has fallen into trouble! The chinar tree, standing tall, Suddenly fell

30.10.2021, 21:53

Ethnography

The Institute of Heroism

Hero. The Institute of Heroism evolved from a military-democratic structure. The main purpose of a hero (baatyr) is to ensure the safety of society. From ancient times until the early 20th century, the hero was a key figure in military operations, a commander over a group of fighters. Among the outstanding, fearless, and far-sighted heroes emerged the founders of nomadic khanates, states, and empires. In the history of the Kyrgyz people, there is a notable array of heroes who took the

30.10.2021, 21:27

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of Karach the Hero

KARACH THE HERO In ancient times, there lived an old man and an old woman, and they had two sons — Egizbek and Segizbek. They lived in prosperity, confident in their future. When the children grew up, their father sent them to graze cattle in the most remote pasture, visiting them only once a year. On one of those visits, the father saw that the yurt where his sons lived was destroyed, the cattle had been stolen, and the children had disappeared. In despair, the father wept and returned home,

26.10.2021, 19:18

Poetic retelling of the epic "Manas"

The Epic of "Manas". The Death of the Heroes

The Death of the Heroes A rumor swept through China That Khan Manas was wounded. The spirit of the Kangai people rose. For Konurbai and Neskara Their long-awaited hour had come. Surrounding Beijinge in three circles, To ensure that not a single one Of the buruts left China alive, And to drive out the Muslims, They incited the townspeople to revolt. And behold, a hundred thousand troops Marched towards the city of Chet-Beijing, To capture and destroy the Kyrgyz forces. Raising Manas' red

22.10.2021, 18:49

Meat and offal dishes

Chyz-byz is a famous dish of Kyrgyz cuisine.

Chyz-byz Chyz-byz is a well-known dish of Kyrgyz cuisine. It is a dish of shepherds, which they used to eat and still eat during their long journeys across the pastures. In Kyrgyz cuisine, the dish is made from lamb meat and lamb offal. During cooking, it is important not to stray far from the pan. You need to keep everything under control, stir, and add the ingredients one by one. Chyz-byz cooked over an open fire, infused with smoke, is undoubtedly delicious. But it can also be prepared in

21.10.2021, 19:53

Ethnography

The 19th Century — A Century of Radical Change in the Lives of the Kyrgyz

Settlements and Permanent Housing The 19th century was a turning point in the life of the Kyrgyz. It marked the beginning of their settlement on land. One of the most important factors that led to the gradual transition to settled life among the southern Kyrgyz was the historical event of Southern Kyrgyzstan's annexation to Russia. This decisively changed the lifestyle of the Kyrgyz: conflicts and wars between Kyrgyz tribes and neighboring peoples ceased, economic life began to stabilize,

21.10.2021, 18:44

Poetic retelling of the epic "Manas"

The Epic of "Manas". The Prayer of Manas

Prayer of Manas Almighty God! My Creator! I am on my knees before you. You gave us the sun above, You illuminate the earthly world, Dimming the light at night, You leave us with darkness. Holy prophets, wise men You give us, Creator, yourself. You send us brainless, foolish fools To the earth. So that we live in wars and struggles, You send us enemies. Giving the heart flame and love, You create heroes yourself. Creator of heaven and earth, Only you can judge us! I led your sons into battle,

18.10.2021, 20:32

Ethnography

The Wealthy Social Layer Among the Kyrgyz in the Late 19th Century

Bais, Biis, and Manaps The measure of wealth and the main equivalent in trade and economic relations was livestock; accordingly, the prosperity of a household was determined by its quantity. Bais were categorized based on the composition and size of their herds, as well as their lifestyle and personal qualities: “1) chon bai - big bai or mart bai - generous (a wealthy person who was not stingy and was acquainted with the powerful); 2) saran bai or koltukchu bai - stingy bai (lived poorly,

16.10.2021, 17:09

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of the Woodcutter Sultanala

THE WOODCUTTER SULTANALY Once upon a time, there was a woodcutter named Sultanaly. When the time came for him to marry, he took as his wife the daughter of a poor man, just like himself. Her name was Umsunay. They formed an ordinary young family, as they say, two poor people and one horse. Later, they had a son whom they named Myrza. To feed his family, Sultanaly had to work twice as hard, but the money he earned was barely enough to survive. Sultanaly really wanted to save some money to

13.10.2021, 21:23

Poetic retelling of the epic "Manas"

Epic "Manas". The Beginning of the Battle. Part - 3

The Beginning of the Battle. Part - 2 Hearing the joyful news, Kanykey was not pleased: — Taking Beijing, the Chinese throne, He has doomed himself to death. Let him return quickly — Here a son has been born, Semetey! And if suddenly he perishes there His father, my beloved, Our only child Will become an orphan from swaddling clothes, — Kanykey wept bitterly. Shuutu rushed to Beijing, Brought news to Manas, That a son had been born to him, That they named him Semetey, And that Kanykey asked To

10.10.2021, 19:00

Main dishes of Kyrgyzstan

"Dymdama in Kyrgyz"

Dymdama Dymdama is a mixture of vegetables that are stewed in a special way. It has many names - dymlyama, dumlyama, domlyama. There are similar dishes - khashlama, basma. The vegetables are partially steamed, while the lower layers cook in their own juice. It is very tasty and healthy. Traditionally, it is made with lamb with fat tail. However, it can be made with any meat. The amount of vegetables can vary depending on the size of the pot. The vegetables used for dymdama include cabbage,

08.10.2021, 20:04

Ethnography

The migrations of Kyrgyz people from winter encampments to spring and summer pastures

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

08.10.2021, 18:10

Poetic retelling of the epic "Manas"

Epic "Manas". The Beginning of the Battle. Part - 2

The Beginning of the Battle. Part - 1 From morning till night, the slaughter went on, And from night again until morning They fought, sparing no lives. A mountain of corpses rose high. And the blood from the fateful battle Flowed like a red river. And everywhere there were groans, curses, screams, You could not distinguish strangers from your own. Zholoya er-Chubak caught up, Pierced him through with a spear, But then the Chinese khan Ushan Drove a spear into Chubak's side. And the

05.10.2021, 11:00

Ethnography

Social-Professional Structure among the Kyrgyz

Social and Professional Structure. The Kyrgyz did not have closed caste associations, typical of the settled population of Turkestan, except for the so-called chosen ones of the spirits - carriers of special knowledge and skills of a religious-mystical nature, although sometimes such people were also newcomers from outside. It was not necessary to have wealthy and noble ancestors to gain authority among one's tribesmen; the main thing was to show energy and skill, courage, and bravery.

02.10.2021, 16:10

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of Chotur the Orphan. Part - 3

Part - 3 Meanwhile, the dzhigit who stole the stone and threw Chotur into the well arrived in Baghdad and presented the magical stone to the Baghdad padishah. In gratitude for the gift, the padishah appointed him as his vizier. Soon, Chotur also reached Baghdad. The treacherous dzhigit saw him, went to the padishah, and said: — A homeless young man has arrived in our city. He is plotting evil against you. He must be killed at all costs! The padishah ordered to capture Chotur and throw him into

30.09.2021, 00:20

Poetic retelling of the epic "Manas"

Epic "Manas". The Beginning of the Battle. Part - 1

The Beginning of the Battle Karagul rushed to the khan And informed Konurbai That the cunning Almanbet Had stolen the entire herd of Kyrgyz. — I will pierce the traitor and fugitive Through and through with my spear Or I will capture him alive! Binding him, I will bring him to the square, And publicly cut off his head! — Roared Konurbai in anger. In the narrow gorge on both sides Almanbet and Syrgak lay in wait, To set up an ambush there, To wipe out the troops from above, And to capture

27.09.2021, 21:29

Flour products

"Yutaza" - a dish of Kyrgyz cuisine

Yutaza (a dish made from sour dough, steamed) Yutaza is a national dish of Kyrgyz cuisine that will appeal to those who love steamed dishes. It is a very interesting yet simple recipe. Yutaza is made from yeast dough, which is greased with oil, rolled into tubes, and steamed. Ingredients:

26.09.2021, 10:13

Ethnography

Yurts of the Rich and Poor Kyrgyz

Yurts of Rich Herdsmen vs. Dwellings of Poor Shepherds The yurts of rich herdsmen were usually large: they consisted of ten or more lattice segments. Such yurts were commonly referred to as "ordo uy." While fulfilling orders for wooden parts of yurts for wealthy individuals, craftsmen connected the lattice framework with silver hinges; each dome pole, and sometimes even the wooden rim, was adorned with silver decorative plates. Special attention was paid to the decoration of the yurt

24.09.2021, 19:36

The epic "Manas" in prose

Epic "Manas". The Great Campaign. The Death of Manas

The Death of Manas. In Talas that night, Kanikei woke up in fear from a terrible dream. The heavy-horned gray bull Roars by the riverbank. Is my sultan Alma really lost? The white falcon Akshumkar, who chased the raven, Suddenly lost his wings. Has Chubak, my sultan's friend, Met with terrible misfortune? Has my priceless Syrgak really died? The tall chinar Helplessly bent towards Kybla, By the golden throne, on which my sultan sat, When he was the khan of eighteen nations, One leg broke.

23.09.2021, 13:19

Ethnography

Social Hierarchy of Kyrgyz Men

Social Hierarchy of Men A man was considered the continuation of the family line, the heir to family traditions, and the life and safety of the family and clan depended on his actions. A boy was raised in harsh conditions. His life consisted of the following stages: infancy - bala chak, childhood - testier, adolescence - balagat boz ulan, young adulthood - zhigit, maturity - chon kisi, old age - aksakal, and elder - abyshka, chal. From an early age, boys were introduced to work. Their

20.09.2021, 17:46

Kyrgyz fairy tales

The Tale of Chotur the Orphan. Part - 2

Part - 2 Chotur thanked his friend, said goodbye, and set off on the road that his adoptive father had advised him against. Terrifying beasts ran out to meet him from time to time, but they did him no harm. Chotur traveled for a long time, grew tired, and decided to rest. He dismounted from his horse, tied it up, and let it graze. He then sat down to the side. At that moment, he noticed a snake skin.

18.09.2021, 11:29

Poetic retelling of the epic "Manas"

The Epic "Manas". In Reconnaissance

In reconnaissance They came to the valley of Teshik-Tash, Where fragrant flowers Bloom on the meadows, Fruit gardens are in bloom And tea bushes grow in the fields. Here Almanbet dismounted from his horse. He fell face down into the grass And, like a child, began to cry: — Forgive me, my land! Syrgak, this is my homeland! My mother gave birth to me here, And from the umbilical cord, The native land accepted my blood. Here along the riverbank I ran barefoot in my childhood. Over there, under

15.09.2021, 10:31

Main dishes of Kyrgyzstan

Salad "Zhanilyk"

Salad "Zhanilyk" The salad belongs to Kyrgyz cuisine and features a very interesting combination of ingredients. It is served with greens and canned cherries. The salad is hearty and meaty, enough to feed 4-5 people! Ingredients:

13.09.2021, 21:12

Ethnography

The Interior Decoration of Yurts among the Kyrgyz

The Interior Decoration of a Kyrgyz Yurt The interior decoration of the yurt has been established over centuries, and to this day, there is a significant consistency in the arrangement of various items and the purpose of different parts of the space. For example, there are still distinctions between the women's and men's halves, the honored place, and the place for the fire (the Kyrgyz call it kolomto). The fire is lit on a flat surface or in a small depression. For the cauldron, an

13.09.2021, 18:13

The epic "Manas" in prose

Epic "Manas". The Great Campaign. The Wounding of Manas and the Return of the Kyrgyz to Talas. Part-3

The Great Campaign. The Wounding of Manas and the Return of the Kyrgyz to Talas. Part-3 When Almambet was in battle, Konurbai sent the eloquent Changtiybes as an envoy to Manas and asked to suspend the battle for seven days. Manas agreed and announced a seven-day truce. Hearing this, Almambet was very upset and said to Manas:

10.09.2021, 09:12