Информационно-туристический интернет-портал «OPEN.KG» / The Education of the Ancient Kyrgyz

The Education of the Ancient Kyrgyz

Education of the ancient Kyrgyz


We do not have data on the development of science and education among the nomadic peoples of ancient Kyrgyzstan. However, they did possess some initial scientific concepts. This is evidenced by the ancient nomadic population's ability to work with metal, gold, improve weaponry, and some cultural achievements (for example, the 12-cycle calendar, whistling arrows). The acquisition of primitive scientific ideas among the nomadic population was also facilitated by their proximity to the ancient civilization of China and other oases of Central Asia, especially the ancient state of Dayuan.

The nomadic peoples did not invent writing, but they could have used the writing systems of China and Sogdiana. The Turkic (ancient Kyrgyz) script, which emerged in the 6th century AD, has its roots in Sogdian writing.

The Huns were the progenitors of the system of nomadic statehood. Therefore, we can assert that they, including the Kyrgyz, had rudimentary legal skills. Based on the customs and traditions of the people, the norms and rules of social life among the ancient Huns were passed down from generation to generation and became immutable canons. The Chinese believed that the laws of the Huns were easily enforceable. Serious crimes were punishable by death. Those who committed minor offenses were branded on the face. Those caught stealing lost all their property, and within 10 days, their family members were also held accountable. During the period of increased power of the shanyu (3rd-1st centuries BC), laws were introduced that provided for responsibility for crimes against the interests of the state. For example, those who evaded military service or violated military discipline were sentenced to death.

The scientific concepts of the settled population of Kyrgyzstan, that is, the inhabitants of the state of Dayuan, were more significant. For instance, the culture of the Ferghana Valley reached a high level. Irrigation works were carried out, particularly the construction of artificial irrigation canals, which significantly increased agricultural efficiency. In the 4th-1st centuries BC, the Dayuan people mastered glass production, developed a special variety of rice (the ancestor of the modern Uzgen rice variety), improved cotton cultivation, and used the most progressive technology for flour production. The breeding of thoroughbred horses indicates the presence of initial scientific ideas in the field of animal breeding.

Significant development occurred in grape growing and winemaking. Ancient Chinese sources indicate that many grape varieties and a special type of grass (bede) for fattening horses were brought to China from Dayuan. These facts suggest that ancient Ferghana had the beginnings of agronomy.

According to indirect evidence, during the period of the Dayuan state, some residents of Ferghana could write, and therefore, one of the varieties of Sogdian writing was used in the state.
11-03-2014, 15:13
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