Tuutanbay Abdiev (born 1937) — akyn-improviser, People's Artist of the Republic (1993), member of the Union of Writers of the USSR (1990). He was born in the village of Ichke-Sai, now in the Uchterek District of the Jalal-Abad Region, in a peasant family. His first singing lessons were given to him by local akyns Sarykunan and Kadyrkul.
In 1954, Tuutanbay met Korgool Dosuiev and performed with him in a welcoming "aytysh" with the songs "uchurashuu." In the 1960s, he became an artist of the Jalal-Abad People's Theater. In 1968, upon the recommendation of Toktosun Tynibekov, Tuutanbay Abdiev was accepted into the Kyrgyz State Philharmonic as a soloist of the folklore group. In 1993 and 1995, he was the winner of international competitions for akyns-improvisers held in Bishkek.
T. Abdiev created examples of classical "terme." His style is academic, and his manner of performance is balanced and strict, with recitation flowing evenly and smoothly.
The akyn also confidently masters the style of epic recitation. His interpretation of the dastans of Moldu Niyaz, Zhenizhok, Barpy, as well as the folk poems "Kurmanbek," "Janış-Bayış," "Ak Meer," and episodes from the epic "Manas" is characterized by bright individuality.
