In chronological order, the list of manaschy is presented, supplemented by verses written by manaschy Rysbai Isakov, who is also known for entering the Guinness Book of Records for recounting the epic "Manas" over 124 hours.
Nurbek Talantbekov noted that manaschy and the art of storytelling are not just entertainment, but a form of art with deep roots.
“The art of manaschy and the world of 'Manas' possess a unique power that is still not fully explored, as confirmed by myths and historical events. The epic 'Manas' inspired heroes to feats and the defense of their people and land, and the influence of the words of manaschy cannot be overestimated. Therefore, individuals like Baytik and Kydyr Ake considered it their duty to support and develop this art,” he emphasized.
The question of how many manaschy have been preserved in history and how many remain unknown is still open. The public still lacks accurate information about the number of existing manaschy.
According to the author, his goal is to bring the names of all manaschy to a wider audience. In the future, the list will be updated.
In the new section of AKIpress "The History of Manaschy," we will share the life stories and creativity of each of the 150 manaschy.
Aktan Tynybek uulu (1888-1951)
Aktan Tynybek uulu, a poet, manaschy, dastanchy, virtuoso komuz player, witty storyteller, and genealogist, was born in Tegerek-Bulak (now part of the village of Ming-Bulak) in the Naryn region. He belonged to the Tynymseyit clan of the Bughu tribe and was the son of the famous storyteller Tynybek.
According to his records, Aktan began his creative journey with playing the komuz and poetic improvisations. At the age of 18, he attended a gathering in modern Balykchy, where he witnessed performances by masters such as Murataly Kuroonkoy uulu and Kalik Aky uulu, which had a significant impact on his development as an artist.
During the 1916 uprising, Aktan found himself in Turpan (China), where, thanks to his talent, he was able to support an entire village. Later, he wrote the poem "Urkun," which he submitted to the manuscript fund of the Academy of Sciences in 1927. He also created the famous instrumental piece "Aktan's Dream."
Returning from China in 1917, Aktan actively participated in the establishment of Soviet power, working in the Regional Executive Committee from 1923 to 1928, then in the district administration until 1931, and becoming the chairman of a collective farm in 1932. From 1933 to 1935, he worked at the Naryn district radio station, and from 1935, he was accepted into the Kyrgyz Musical Drama Theater in Frunze and became part of the new Kyrgyz State Philharmonic in 1936.
Aktan represented Kyrgyzstan at the decade of Kyrgyz literature and art in Moscow in 1939. In 1940, he became a member of the Union of Writers of Kyrgyzstan, and in 1946, he was awarded the title of Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz SSR. That same year, he retired and returned to his homeland, where he passed away on November 5, 1951, after a long illness.
Based on the epic "Manas," Aktan created significant musical works such as "Chon Koshun" and "Semetey Kuu." He submitted fragments from "Manas" and "Semetey" to the manuscript fund of the Academy of Sciences.
The epic "Er Tabyldy" has been published four times:
• in 1940 under the editorship of Tügölbay Sydykbekov,
• in 1957 under the editorship of Zhanibek Tölöev,
• in 1970 under the editorship of Batma Kebekova,
• in 2002 in the 12th volume of the series "Folk Literature" of the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic.
In 1964, his poems were also published, including the poem "Asan-Jamal." Literary scholar Omor Sooronov collected and published Aktan's stories in 1991 under the title "Aktan," as well as materials on Kyrgyz folk games.
A middle school in the village of Ming-Bulak, where he was born, is named after Aktan Tynybek uulu.
Poet Ismail Boronchiev, in his mournful poem "Kosh, Alimkul," fondly recalls the multifaceted talent of Aktan, emphasizing his outstanding place among the masters of his time:
With a keen ear, dark tongue,
He never left the ground unheard.
He spoke the great ancestral words,
Connecting them with his speech.
Who spoke the tales of Kökötöy,
He kept in his heart.
Like a person who walked together,
I wrote down a word he didn't say.
He was a person who listened –
Tynybek's Aktan.
Wherever he went, he was not missed,
The people gathered around him.
Not a single person, not even a black fly,
Could get news of his absence,
Under the black earth,
Only heads remained.
There is no death in labor,
He left his writings among his people.
