The village of Bozanbay in the Ulan District of the East Kazakhstan Region is a recognized center for preserving the ancient nomadic tradition of hunting with birds of prey. For the locals, this is not just history; it is a living way of life. The village is home to entire dynasties of hereditary eagle hunters — from white-haired elders to very young masters — and the majestic birds in their courtyards are considered full-fledged members of the family.
At the heart of the art of sayatshi (eagle hunting) lies an extraordinary bond between human and wild bird. Master kusbegi (eagle hunters) do not break the eagle's will; instead, they become its equal partners. Training takes years: the bird is accustomed to the hunter's voice, hand-fed, trained with a special lure (shyrgha), and fitted with a leather hood (tomagha) to prevent distractions. It is believed that the golden eagle can understand its master's thoughts and sense their mood.
Here, you can experience this culture in its natural environment: listen to the hunters' stories and personally feel the power of the bird by holding it on your arm using a special thick leather glove (biyalai). Working in an inseparable tandem with the golden eagles are the Kazakh Tazy sighthounds — smart and resilient dogs that are considered yet another treasure of the nomads.
Bozanbay gained special fame thanks to the annual international festival "Shyghys Salburyny." Every autumn, the best kusbegi from Kazakhstan and neighboring countries gather at the "Burkit Tobe" ethno-ground. During these days, the steppe witnesses the swift, diving hunts of birds of prey, dynamic Tazy dog races, and national equestrian games, truly bringing the atmosphere of an authentic nomadic aul (village) to life.
