Question 1: What do you know about the primary sources of the culture of the Kyrgyz people in modern times? Question

Primary sources of the culture of the Kyrgyz people in modern times.
The primary sources of the culture of the Kyrgyz people in modern times are diverse and encompass various aspects of their traditional way of life. These sources include oral traditions, folklore, literature, music, dance, craftsmanship, and visual arts.

Oral traditions and folklore play a significant role in preserving the cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people. Epic tales, such as the trilogy "Manas," are passed down orally from generation to generation. These epics narrate the heroic deeds of legendary Kyrgyz heroes and are considered a vital part of Kyrgyz culture.

Literature also contributes to the preservation of Kyrgyz culture. Notable Kyrgyz writers like Chinghiz Aitmatov have portrayed the Kyrgyz way of life in their works, capturing the essence of their traditions, customs, and societal values.

Music and dance are other important aspects of Kyrgyz culture. Traditional musical instruments such as the komuz, a three-stringed lute, and the kyl-kyiak, a bowed instrument, are used to create beautiful melodies. Traditional Kyrgyz dances, such as the At-Chabym and Jooro, are performed on various occasions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people.

Craftsmanship and visual arts also reflect the Kyrgyz culture. Traditional Kyrgyz yurts, adorned with intricate patterns, represent their nomadic lifestyle, while Kyrgyz textiles, carpets, and felt products showcase their mastery in craftsmanship.

Forms of oral folk art of the Kyrgyz people
The Kyrgyz people have a rich tradition of oral folk art. Several forms of oral folk art are prominently practiced and cherished by the community.

One of the central pillars of Kyrgyz oral folk art is the epic tradition. The trilogy of the epic "Manas" holds a special place in Kyrgyz culture. This trilogy narrates the heroic deeds, history, and cultural values of the Kyrgyz people. Passed down through generations orally, these epics serve as a source of knowledge and inspiration.

Aside from epics, Kyrgyz people also engage in various poetic forms of oral folk art, such as zhigit-toi (poetry competitions), toshtuk (short narrative poems), and salon (improvised rhymes). These poetic expressions often revolve around themes of love, nature, bravery, and moral lessons.

Another form of oral folk art is storytelling. Elders and storytellers delight audiences with their captivating tales about ancestral myths, legends, and everyday experiences. These stories, enriched with elements of humor, moral teachings, and historical accounts, connect generations and preserve cultural values.

Folk songs (kyu) are an integral part of Kyrgyz oral tradition as well. These songs encompass various genres and themes, such as lullabies, wedding songs, love ballads, and work songs. Sung during special occasions or simply for entertainment, these songs reflect the collective experiences, emotions, and aspirations of the Kyrgyz people.

The sharing of oral folk art is not only a means of entertainment but also an essential way of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage from one generation to another.

When was the trilogy of the epic "Manas" ("Manas. Semetey. Seytek") included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?

The trilogy of the epic "Manas" ("Manas. Semetey. Seytek") was included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on November 23, 2013. This recognition by UNESCO highlights the importance of the epic as an exceptional example of living heritage and its contribution to humanity's cultural diversity.

Manas is a monumental epic that embodies the history, traditions, beliefs, and customs of the Kyrgyz people. It consists of more than 500,000 lines of poetry and is considered the longest epic in the world. The epic tells the story of the legendary hero, Manas, his son Semetey, and his grandson Seytek, who fought for the independence and unity of the Kyrgyz people.

The inclusion of the trilogy in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage recognizes the significance of the epic as a symbol of Kyrgyz identity, unity, and resilience. It also aims to promote awareness and understanding of the cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people, both within the country and globally.

Kyrgyz dastans and their performers.

Kyrgyz dastans are traditional epic tales that have been performed and preserved by generations. These dastans are an integral part of Kyrgyz oral tradition and are characterized by their rich narrative style, poetic language, and cultural significance.

Dastan performers, known as akyns, play a crucial role in transmitting these epic tales to future generations. Akyns are skilled poets, storytellers, and musicians who possess the knowledge and mastery of the epic narratives. They have the ability to recite and improvise the intricate verses of the dastans while accompanying themselves with a stringed instrument called the komuz.

Akyns hold a respected position in Kyrgyz society as the custodians of the cultural heritage. Their performances not only entertain but also educate and inspire the audience. Through their storytelling, akyns transport listeners to a world filled with heroes, adventures, and moral lessons, fostering a sense of national pride and identity.

Over time, the tradition of dastan recitation and the role of akyns have evolved to adapt to modern times. Today, dastans are not only performed in traditional settings but also in various cultural events, festivals, and competitions. Akyns continue to play a vital role in the preservation and promotion of Kyrgyz cultural heritage through their passionate performances and unwavering dedication.

The musical heritage of the Kyrgyz people, expressed in the works of akyns and melodists.

The musical heritage of the Kyrgyz people is a significant aspect of their cultural identity and is predominantly conveyed through the works of akyns and melodists.

Akyns, who are considered the troubadours of Kyrgyzstan, are skilled in both poetry and music. They perform epic narratives, folk songs, and improvisational rhymes using traditional instruments like the komuz and kyl-kyiak. Through their compositions and performances, akyns capture the essence of Kyrgyz history, traditions, and beliefs, creating a profound connection between the audience and their cultural heritage.

Melodists, on the other hand, are composers and performers of instrumental music. They create mesmerizing melodies using various traditional Kyrgyz instruments, such as the komuz, sorny, temir-komuz, and choor. Melodists draw inspiration from nature, everyday life, and folk tales, crafting intricate musical compositions that evoke emotions and reflect the soul of the Kyrgyz people.

Both akyns and melodists have contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of Kyrgyz musical heritage. Their artistic expressions serve as a means of storytelling, cultural education, and collective celebration. The music they create reflects the values, aspirations, and experiences of the Kyrgyz people, keeping their cultural traditions alive and vibrant.

Упражнение: Provide a brief description of one Kyrgyz epic tale other than "Manas" and its significance in Kyrgyz culture.