Kyrgyz akyns

[Krafft, John M.]

Songs of Themselves
The millennia-old musical tradition of aitysh remains relevant in
modern Kyrgyzstan.
by Aibolot Aidosov 31 July 2013

http://www.tol.org/client/article/23882-kyrgyzstan-aitysh-arts-culture.html?utm_source=TOL+mailing+list&utm_campaign=90537f0357-TOL_newsletter_27_8_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_35d0a711b5-90537f0357-298051226

BISHKEK |(the capital of Kyrgizstan)

The art of akyns is inextricably bound up with the culture of
Kyrgyzstan. These bards and their song competitions, known as aitysh,
are prominently mentioned in the Epic of Manas, the 500,000-line poem
claimed by Kyrgyz as a national treasure.
 A branch of akyns called Manaschi gain renown with their performances
of this centuries-old – possibly millennia-old – tale of a fierce
warrior, his sons, and their battles. But akyns sing on all manner of
subjects – and in an aitysh, the two competitors only learn the topic
when the contest begins. Their goal is to write a poem and set it to
music, in real time.
 Also practiced by Kazakhs, this form of folk art is recognized by
UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral heritage, and it remains beloved in
Kyrgyzstan today.
 VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
 NARRATOR: According to some researchers, the Kyrgyz national epic,
Manas, dates back 3,000 years. Among its hundreds of thousands of
lines of verse telling the tale of a warrior and his descendants,
Manas makes mention of akyns, or bards who compete in song contests.
These traditional contests are known as aitysh.
 AKYN (SINGING): Kyrgyz people, enjoy the talent of our visitors from
Kazakhstan.
 Kyrgyz people, enjoy the performances of singers and musicians whose
songs gladden.
 Be generous with applause and standing ovations, do not miss the
moment, and be happy to receive these guests.
 NARRATOR: A unique feature of the aitysh is that the singers are
given particular topics to sing about before they perform. They
improvise these songs, accompanying themselves on the komuz, a
traditional stringed instrument. The judges and the audience assess
the singers' ability to most clearly capture the topic. Akyns are very
popular with the public; some have even been elected to parliament.
 AZAMAT BOLGONBAEV: People pay close attention to akyns' views. When
the country experiences political turbulence, problems, and injustice,
people anticipate hearing what akyns have to say, how they evaluate
the situation. To be a national akyn is very hard work.
 NARRATOR: Ancient Kyrgyz history tells of instances where an aitysh
between eminent akyns would go on for weeks. The people revered the
bards' skills, and rulers feared offending songwriters. Azamat
Bolgonbaev of the Aitysh Foundation says aitysh represents a complete
philosophy – a unique vision of the world that not everyone possesses.
 BOLGONBAEV: In the 18th century, two famous Kyrgyz akyns named
Zhenizhok and Esenaman competed with one another, and the words
composed during the competition were so strong that their aitysh is
remembered to this day. Akyns' songs are full of philosophical
content, and an aitysh can be about events from the past as well as
current developments.
 NARRATOR: Aitysh has no nationality; there are similar song
competitions in other countries. But only in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
is the love for this folk art truly nationwide.
 In 2003 the art of akyns was added to UNESCO's list of “masterpieces
of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.” And today this art
form is getting a second wind: women have begun taking on the mantle
of akyn, matching men in composing songs on stage – although this
trend does not sit well with everyone.
 BOLGONBAEV: In my personal view, Kyrgyz national culture and creative
work should be divided by gender. Strong Manaschi [performers of the
Epic of Manas] are men as well as akyns. To become a strong akyn one
must be strong not only physically but also spiritually, and women are
not. At the same time, there is a special place for women in our
culture.
 NARRATOR: Azamat Bolgonbaev is an akyn, too, and he composed a song
for our production team, on the spot.
 BOLGONBAEV (SINGING): They say America has countless riches, they say
Russia has endless gas resources, and they say Arabs have never-ending
oil.
 But all the riches on Earth come from the creator, and they belong to him.
 The riches of the Kyrgyz are their culture, heritage, and customs,
their values and traditions. This wealth must be appreciated,
cherished, and not wasted.
 Those who do not honor the culture, those who disgrace the honor of
the land, should be punished, and those who promote it should be
honored and respected.
 The Kyrgyz people need to know, honor, and cherish the culture. It is
our greatest wealth.