In the book, manaschy are presented in chronological order, and their stories are complemented by poems created by Rysbay Isakov. He is also known for entering the Guinness Book of Records for retelling the epic "Manas" for 124 hours.
Nurbek Talantbekov emphasizes that manaschy and their art are not just a form of entertainment, but an important part of culture that is performed with musical accompaniment.
"The art of manaschy and the epic 'Manas' possess unique qualities that have yet to be fully explored. This is evident from the myths and stories, and from the events we are witnesses to. The epic inspired heroes to feats and struggles for their land, and the influence of the words of manaschy cannot be overstated. Therefore, individuals like Baytik and people with inner strength like Kydyr Ake considered it an honor to support and develop this art," he noted.
How many names of manaschy have survived to this day, and how many remain in the shadows of history? Even now, society does not have accurate information about the number of manaschy.
The author of the book stated that their task is to convey the names of all manaschy to the people, and this list will be expanded in future editions.
In the new section of AKIpress "Manaschy History," we will share the life stories and creativity of each of the 150 manaschy.
Akun Tash uulu (1890-?)
Akun was born in the wintering grounds of Belek-Sart, located in the Nookat district, and belonged to the Kozhek clan of the Börü tribe. He learned the art of storytelling "Manas" from his father, Tashy Syba uulu.
The family was large, and Akun lived in modest conditions, primarily providing for the family through hunting. During the Soviet era, he worked as a linkman in a collective farm. Akun recorded fragments of the epic, such as "Childhood of Manas" and "Manas's Marriage to Kanykey."
His recordings contain unique episodes not found with other manaschy: for example, how Manas begins to speak while still in his mother's womb, how he strives for feats while lying in the cradle, and how it is said that there are herds of six breeds of horses located "beyond the Altai Mountains" with Jakyp. It also describes how Manas's main enemy becomes a huge predatory alpsary-kush, whom he ultimately defeats by shooting with a bow.
