Aitysh is an oral poetry contest consisting of improvised poetry spoken or sung to the accompaniment of traditional Kazakh dombra or Kyrgyz komuz musical instruments. It has significant cultural meanings. The element as an oral dialogic art was a traditional form of Kazakh and Kyrgyz oral heritage and reflected contemporary trends.
Two performers (akyns) compete against one another to create verses on topical themes. They alternate between humorous ripostes and philosophical reflections in a battle of wits.
An indispensable part of their daily lives, it is very popular among the people, and it is often referred to as a "folk tribune." Most regions of the country have bearers who carry out competitions, discussing the topical and urgent issues of social life and criticizing vices.
Two performers (akyns) improvised verses about topical subjects in a battle of wits that alternated between humorous jabs and piercing philosophical reflections. Each performer sits opposite the other, improvising a conversation on a topic chosen by the audience.
Performers who demonstrate the best musical skills, rhythm, originality, resourcefulness, wisdom, and wit are considered the winner. Expressions that are meaningful and witty often become popular sayings. Though traditionally held only by men, Aitysh/Aitys is now widely accepted by women, who use it to express their aspirations and opinions.
This element is used at local as well as nationwide events, with contestants sometimes using it to address important social issues. It is considered not only a performing art form but also a social communication platform between different residents of communities. And is regarded as a living form of art that embodies the best features of oral dialogic art, and uses modern communication means to respond to life conditions in a globalized world.
Furthermore, the poetic improvisations of practitioners of the element, which reflect people's aspirations, dilemmas, and realities, people learn and quote the most meaningful and witty expressions of performers.
However, element bearers are considered prominent components of multiethnic societies, and the element is an important part of their communities and their identities. In its life-affirming and optimistic nature, the element reflects the human spiritual world and social relations and embodies the unity of culture and life.
Today, Aitysh/Aitys play an important cultural role in Kyrgyzstan's and Kazakhstan's multiethnic cultures. Older performers keep teaching and passing their knowledge and skills to younger generations.
It's an oral poetry contest consisting of improvised poetry spoken or sung to the accompaniment of traditional Kazakh dombra or Kyrgyz komuz musical instruments.
Aitysh has significant cultural functions and meanings, the element as an oral dialogic art was a traditional form of Kazakh and Kyrgyz oral heritage and reflected contemporary trends. It fits the context of their time by spreading topical information among the communities.
Tokmo-akyns and aityskers see Aitysh/Aitys as an art of dialogue, in which the performers and their audiences participate. It is an indispensable part of their daily lives.
It is very popular among the people, and it is often referred to as a "folk tribune." In fact, most regions of the country have bearers who carry out competitions, discussing the topical and urgent issues of social life and criticizing vices. The element is practiced at local celebrations to national events.
Two performers (akyns) improvised verses about topical subjects in a battle of wits that alternated between humorous jabs and piercing philosophical reflections. Each performer sits opposite the other, improvising a conversation on a topic chosen by the audience. Performers who demonstrate the best musical skills, rhythm, originality, resourcefulness, wisdom, and wit are considered the winner. Expressions that are meaningful and witty often become popular sayings.
Though traditionally held only by men, Aitysh/Aitys is now widely accepted by women, who use it to express their aspirations and opinions.
This element is used at local as well as nationwide events, with contestants sometimes using it to address important social issues. It is considered not only a performing art form but also a social communication platform between different residents of communities. And is regarded as a living form of art that embodies the best features of oral dialogic art, and uses modern communication means to respond to life conditions in a globalized world.
Furthermore, the poetic improvisations of practitioners of the element, which reflect people's aspirations, dilemmas, and realities, people learn and quote the most meaningful and witty expressions of performers.
However, element bearers are considered prominent components of multiethnic societies, and the element is an important part of their communities and their identities. In its life-affirming and optimistic nature, the element reflects the human spiritual world and social relations and embodies the unity of culture and life.
Today, Aitysh/Aitys plays an important cultural role in Kyrgyzstan's and Kazakhstan's multiethnic cultures. Older performers keep teaching and passing their knowledge and skills to younger generations.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/aitysh-aitys-art-of-improvisation-00997) (https://ichlinks.geunnam.com/archive/elements/elementsV.do?nation=KG,KZ&page=65&elementsUid=13829896117218900070&mode=list&orderCd=D) |Subject=Art, Verbal Arts and Literature |Country=Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan |SDG=(05) Gender Equality, (09) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (16) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions }}