A typical cultural expression among Kyrgyz nomads is the narration of epics. These are performed by the Akyns, the Kyrgyz epic tellers, who combine singing, improvisation, and musical composition. These epics are performed for religious and private celebrations, religious and seasonal ceremonies, and national holidays. They have survived the centuries by oral transmission. The first part of the Manas trilogy was documented in written form during the 1920s, based on the oral performance of the famous epic singer, Sagynbay.
There is a lot of value in the Kyrgyz epics, particularly their dramatic plots and philosophical underpinnings. They are an oral encyclopedia of Kyrgyz social values, culture, and history. The most famous Kyrgyz epic is the Manas trilogy, which was written over a thousand years ago. It is noteworthy both for its lengthy length (16 times longer than Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey) and for its rich content. The Manas blends myth and fact and immortalizes significant events in Kyrgyz history. It is about a solo narration of significant events in Kyrgyz history since the ninth century. The Kyrgyz also have several dozen “smaller” epics preserved that are generally accompanied by the komuz, a two-stringed Kyrgyz lute. Each epic has a distinctive theme, melody, and narrative style. Akyns were highly respected figures who traveled from region to region, performing storytelling contests whenever they were in the area. They were often appreciated for their proficiency in narration, their expressive gestures and intonation, and their lively mimicry. These were all well suited to the emotionally charged content of the epics.
Askyn often fully improvises in response to whatever is happening in society or in the situation at the time. On holidays, Akyn competitions are held. Contestants made fun of each other in poetry or chose an arbitrary theme. Sometimes the authorities wanted to impose Aytyus censorship when it came to property and politicians. In the past, the nomadic lifestyle and the speed of the art of Akynov did not allow the artist to produce works on paper. Unfortunately, most of the works of Akyn have been lost.
Prior to the Soviet era, Akyns played a very important role in the nomadic lifestyle and illiteracy of most of the rural population in Central Asia. They played an instrumental role in expressing people's thoughts and feelings, calling attention to social vices, and glorifying heroes. There were songs to Lenin in the repertoires of Akyns during the Soviet era. Epics continue to be an integral part of Kyrgyz identity, and they continue to inspire contemporary writers, poets, and composers. Even today, traditional performances of Akyn epics are still tied to a sacred cultural space, even with fewer practitioners nowadays. Recent revitalization initiatives, funded by the Kyrgyz government, allow the masters to continue to train young apprentices.
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