The great akyn-thinker of the past century Arstanbek Buylashov (1840 — 1882) — akyn, komuz player, a bright representative of the artistic movement "zaman" (literally, "time, era"). He was born in the mountainous region of Syrt, now in the Jety-Oguz district of the Issyk-Kul region, to the younger wife of the bey Buylash. From childhood, he showed musical abilities, learning songs and tales from adults.
For many years, Arstanbek was close to the Andijan datka Alymbek, performing in solo and dialogical akyn genres. In his song-poetic improvisations, Arstanbek reflected historical events of which he was a witness. Serious, measured assessments were given to such pages of Kyrgyz history as the dominance of the Kokand Khanate, the internecine strife of the Bughu and Sarybagysh tribes, the colonial policy of Russia, and others.
An incomplete poetic version of the major akyn poem by Arstanbek Buylashov titled "Tar zaman" ("Narrow Era") has reached us, which was likely performed by the akyn accompanied by the komuz.
