National traditions

European tourists have long been fascinated by the ancient traditions of the nomads. Hunting with berkuts is considered especially popular.

Burkutshi - as the Kazakh hunters call themselves - are the main characters of this picture, along with their predatory feathered pets – berkuts. Berkut is a strong bird with a large wingspan, a powerful beak and prehensile claws. The golden plumage on the neck and back of the head gives this bird a second name – "Golden Eagle". Berkutshi are subtle psychologists since childhood. Girls and boys learn to communicate with the bird at a fairly young age. The first hawks, saker falcons, hunt for small rodents, hares – these are only preparatory steps to mutual understanding with a large bird.

If you wish to see these spectacular competitions of the Kazakh berkutshi, you need to come to the Urzhar District, where the republican championship of hunting with birds is held annually. The authentic hunter festival is a spectacular event that is definitely worth a visit. It has an ethnic atmosphere and incredible energy.

During competitions, berkuts catch hares, foxes, pigeons and crows. It is practically impossible to escape from the golden eagle. For example, attacking, the falcon reaches a speed of up to 100 kilometers per hour. Berkutshi say that the union of man and bird is a union of equals, implying that sooner or later the golden eagle will have to be released into the wild.

Kokpar

Participants of the Kazakh national game "Kokpar" were zhigits from neighboring auls. They were preparing for the event in advance, as it was a competition for strength, agility, endurance, and the ability to stay in the saddle.

On the day of the competition, all participants and spectators were gathering on the field. Then, at a distance of 50-60 paces from the competitors, the carcass of a goat was thrown, and the fight for kokpar began, which could last from lunch to evening. The fight was conducted on horseback. The aul that eventually got kokpar wins. After winning the "battle trophy", the dzhigits proudly rode around the most respected courtyards of the aul, and the residents congratulated them and gave them gifts.

There are two variants of kokpar. In the first variant, dzhigits from two different auls take part in the fight, the fight for the carcass is conducted between the auls. This version of the fight is called dada-tartys. As for the second variant, the fight for the carcass can be conducted by the dzhigits of one aul among themselves. In that case, only one young man will be the winner, that type of fight is called zhalpy-tartys. Kokpar is still very popular today.

Audaryspak

Baige

Baige is a cross-country race over a long distance (5-15 km; in the past it was more than 50 km), in which the tactical skill of the rider plays a crucial role. Its origin is associated with the nomadic way of life, the need to prepare horses for long passages. Currently, the races are held at racetracks. Sometimes baige takes place in the form of a chase after the rider, who was given the opportunity to break away from the group beforehand.

Alaman baige - long-distance cross-country horse race. Only adult animals from 3 years and older participate in this race. There is no single standard for the length and distance of the race. In Kazakhstan, distances of 21 and 31 kilometers are usually used. Occasionally, races for 50 and 100 kilometers are held. This type of race is dependent solely on the endurance of the horse, and therefore, based on the practical experience of Alaman baige, thoroughbred horses of valuable breeds (English, Arabian, Akhal-Teke and others) are not allowed to take part in the race. Only horses of local Kazakhstan breeds participate in Alaman baige.

Kunan baige - horse racing on two-year-old colts.

Kume alu (Pick up the coin)

The game has very deep historical roots. The rules of the game have not changed much over time, only the attribute did. According to the rules of the game, dzhigits, while riding from the start line to the finish, must collect as many coins as possible. The coins are wrapped in kerchiefs, and scattered across the field before the game starts. Previously, in ancient times, silver bars were used for the game, which were later replaced with coins. Children can also play Kume Alu. It is a very fun and agile game. The children's version of the game is as follows: First, start line and finish line are marked on the playground. Then the coins are laid out along the playing field. Zhigits stand along the start line, and on the command "start", imitating riders on horses, run "at a gallop" along the field to the finish line, gathering coins. The first one who, without stopping, "at a gallop", will collect the most coins and reach the finish line, is declared the winner of the game. The players need to simulate a horse race all the time until they reach the finish line, the coins have to be picked up on the go too.

Zhamby atu

Zhamby atu is a competition among dzhigits in archery. Zhamby is a silver disk that was hung on a thin rope of horsehair to the crossbar. The goal of the participants was to shoot it down with an arrow. There were several variants of such competitions - on horseback and on foot, in the second variant, participants from a certain distance alternately tried to shoot down the disc. Whoever did it with the least number of attempts won.

Altybakan

Altybakan is a Kazakh national game, an entertainment for young people. Nevertheless, traditional moments of its educational significance are of no small importance. In the evening, all the youth of aul, dzhigits and girls, assemble the "altybakan" (swing: alty — six, bakan — pole) outside the aul. The game is of great importance in the knowledge of art, the views of young people, and their relationships. Parents look at various amusements among youth with indignation, but they have no right to not let them go on "altybakan" (especially girls). Here young people sing songs, play various games, and this fun continues until midnight. "Altybakan" is a kind of entertainment activity.

Bastangy

Bastangy is an analogue of modern parties. When the parents left the house and went on a long travel or a short trip, the young people gathered together as a group and had a merry feast. The main purpose of such gatherings was simple. Boys and girls wished their relatives an easy road, a successful journey, nice travelers, and good health. The young people wanted the relatives who had left to return home as soon as possible, and remember their journey only as a joyful and peaceful one. Such ceremony was never forbidden and was even welcomed by the elders, as the young people demonstrated their care and respect in this way.

Togyz kumalak

A game called "Togyz Kumalak"is one of the oldest Kazakh national games. It is a board game that trains logic and ingenuity, and is also designed to develop thinking and self-control. The game belongs to the Mankala family, which includes games like wari or kalah. The number 9 (9x9=81 and 2x9x9=162), which was considered sacred by the ancient Mongols and Turks, is the basis of the game. In the scientific world, it was called "shepherd algebra", because during the game, the opponents have to use all four basic mathematical actions. The game is based not only on the speed of counting, but also on tactics.

Khan "alchi". Asyk

5 to 10 children can take part in this game. You will need a sufficient number of asyks. Then you will need to choose the largest one and repaint it red. This asyk will be the "khan". First, the game leader is selected with the help of a nursery rhyme. He needs to collect all asyks in a handful, then throw them in front of the rest of the players sitting in a circle. After that, they should carefully look at which side the "khan" landed on. If the " khan" landed on the "buk", "chic" or "taiki" sides, then the leader must knock out the nearest asyks using his forefinger with the help of his thumb. He takes the knocked-out asyks for himself. The "Khan" can be knocked-out only by the most recent asyk, which fell on the same side as the "khan". If the game leader accidentally touches other asyks with his hand or his asyk, the right to lead the game passes to another player. If the "khan" lands on the "alchi" side, then each of the players should try to get it for themselves. Whoever gets the "khan" is the winner. The winner starts the next game.

Ak suyek

Participants of the game stand into a row. The game leader takes a white bone (you can use a rubber ball, a wooden key, carved sticks, etc.) and sings: White bone - symbol of happiness, the key, may you fly to the moon, to the white snow peaks! Smart and happy is the one who will find you in a heartbeat!

Afterwards, the leader throws the bone behind the row of players. During this moment, no one should look back, so as not to see which way the bone is flown. Once the bone falls, the game leader says: Find a bone - and you will find your happiness! And the one who is faster and more agile will find it!

The goal is to quickly find the bone and bring it to the leader without anyone noticing. When the children notice the player with the bone, they chase him, and, with a light tap on the shoulder, take away the bone, then also run to the leader. In order to be inconspicuous and bring the bone to the leader without hindrance, players can show their cunning and quickness. Some players, under the pretense that they can't find the bone, walk to the leader, while distracting the attention of their opponents in various ways (for example, they speak loudly, point at the other player, and claim that they have the bone, etc.). If the player was lucky and found the bone, and brought it to the leader, then one of the players or the whole group fulfills his wish: they sing, read poems, imitate the voices of animals.

Oramal

The game leader gives a handkerchief tied in a knot to one of the participants. Participants form a circle around the leader. On the command of the game leader, " One, two, three!", everyone runs away. The leader has to overtake the player with the hanky, touch his shoulder and take the handkerchief. During the chase, the player with the hanky can pass it to a friend, the friend - to the next, etc. If the leader catches the player with the hanky, he has to fulfill any of his wishes: sing a song, read a poem, etc. Afterwards, he becomes the game leader.

Respect for elders

The tradition of respecting others is the main value that Kazakhs place on a par with the knowledge of their native language. They understood that otherwise the people could disappear. Mutual respect and especially respect for elders is instilled from childhood. And it appears in relationships with parents, relatives, and even strangers. In Kazakhstan, you can very often see how people treat each other with respect. For example, in public transport, young people immediately give their seats to older ones. As for respect for parents, it is the most sacred thing. The Kazakhs have a special respect for their ancestors, the Aruakhs. Among the traditions associated with the rituals of respect, special preference is given to the mother's relatives. Kazakhs always remember and often repeat the golden rule: "Ananyn ak suti ushin nagashyndy sila" ("for mother's milk, respect her relatives"). And to this day, at every toi after the bata (blessing) of the elders, the congratulatory word is given to the nagashy (maternal relatives).

Shildehana

The birth of a child is joyful news not only for the parents themselves, but also for all their loved ones. Since there were no mobile phones before, happy dad and mom would send a messenger to their relatives. The family gathered at the festive table and presented the first gifts to the child. It was also customary to play the dombra and sing ritual songs loudly to prevent evil spirits from harming the child. The new mother also received a lot of attention. She accepted congratulations, and was also treated with broth and boiled mutton (the ritual of "kalzha"). It was believed that such dishes would help to quickly recover after childbirth.

Hospitality

The Kazakhs are very hospitable people, and the reception of guests is an important event. Since ancient times, Kazakh traditions say: If a guest who asks for water and food does not get what he wants, he can complain to the biy, for which the owners of the house will pay a fine. If a guest got eyes on a thing he likes, he has the right to take it away, to which the owners should not even pay attention.

The guest was always warmly welcomed, seated in the most honorable place, treated to the best that was in the house. First of all, the guest was served kumis, shubat or ayran, after which - tea with milk or cream, baursaks, raisins, irimshik, kurt. Next came snacks of horse meat or mutton - kazy, shuzhuk, zhal, zhaya, sur-et, karta, kabyrga. At any table, there were always flatbreads made from wheat flour. The decoration of any dastarkhan and the most favorite dish among the Kazakhs has always been considered to be et (meat in Kazakh). Boiled meat was usually served in large, uncut chunks.  The host cut the meat, treating each guest with tasty morsels: the pelvic bones and lower leg were given to the honored old men, the brisket - to the son-in-law or daughter-in-law, the neck vertebrae - to the girls, etc. The host usually presented the most honored guest with the head of a ram cooked in a special way. The guest had to divide the head among those present, following a specific ritual, which reflected the ancient custom of respect for guests, the elderly, children, close and distant relatives. In our time, the feast has changed its forms in many ways, yet it has not lost the ancient laws of hospitality. Moreover, its boundaries have widened: nowadays not only Kazakhs gather at dastarkhan, but also Russians, Belarusians, Tatars, Ukrainians, Uzbeks, Germans, Uyghurs, Dungans, Koreans, and many other people who live in a large multinational republic.

Tusau kesu

Another interesting custom is the cutting of cords. When the child began to walk, his legs were tied with a special black and white cord. Then the baby was placed on a white path, at the end of which various objects were laid. The ritual began by cutting the bonds. It was usually done by a person with a good fate, often a grandmother or grandfather. It was believed that this way the baby will grow up successful and happy. After that, the child chose one of the items that would indicate his or her future occupation. Also, at the age of three, five or seven, boys were waiting for the rite of sundetke otyrgyzu (sundet toi). In another word, it is circumcision. Thus, the future man entered adulthood. Then the ceremony was followed by a lavish feast. The traditions of the Traditions of the Kazakh people associated with the birth of a child were considered among the most important. They had a huge impact on the future life of a baby. The Kazakhs also had many traditions that accompanied the child until he came of age.

Kuda tusu

Kudalyk is an important rite and the initial stage of wedding rituals among the Kazakhs. Although representatives of other nations can participate in Kazakh weddings, even urban Kazakhs perform the kudalyk rite only within their own environment. Having agreed in advance on the size of the kalym, the groom's father or his representatives, together with several companions, arrive to visit the parents of the future bride. After a treat of kumis or tea, the host asks if he will be ordered to cut the ram? A positive response shows a strong intention to become related. In the past, the groom's father was gifted with a herd of horses, camels, various clothes and a riding horse. For the other members of the delegation, gifts were given in proportion to their significance and attitude. Afterwards, the groom's side begins to bring the kalym in the form of cattle. In modern Kazakhstan, it is considered undesirable for the groom to increase the number of guests, because this entails significant material costs. The head of the delegation from the groom's side is called bas kuda, the rest - zhanama kuda. Upon arrival at the bride's house, bas kuda hung the whip in the place of honor of the house. When it was not possible to arrange a marriage, the whip was returned to the owner. A special dish - kuyryk-bauyr (lamb tail and liver) was prepared for the guests, which symbolized the consolidation of agreements between the parties.

Betashar

Betashar is a ceremony of revealing the bride's face (showing the bride to the groom's relatives and guests) is necessarily accompanied by a traditional song-zhyr. The bride in her wedding dress is led to the yurt of the groom's father, where guests gather. On either side of the bride, holding her by hands, are courteous, well-bred daughters-in-law. "Betashar" consists of introducing the bride to her husband's relatives, and their good advice and wishes for the future in family life. The singer-improviser, characterizing the venerable relatives in verse, invites the bride to bow before everyone; in response to this, the husband's close relatives give " korimdik "(a gift "for a look"). "Betashar" ends with guidance, wishes, and advice.