Eight Akyns Selected for International Kyrgyz-Kazakh 'Aytyš' Competition in Bishkek

Bishkek has selected eight 'akyns', traditional improvisational poets, to advance to the final round of the international Kyrgyz-Kazakh 'aytyš' competition. This event is a highlight of the VI World Nomad Games.

The rigorous selection took place on August 10 at the Kyrgyz National 'Manas' Theater. Participants were paired through a draw, and a jury assessed their skills in improvisation, vocabulary, eloquence, wit, artistic expression, performance on the 'komuz' instrument, stage presence, and their ability to convey national values.

The finalists chosen are Akmatbek Sultan uulu, Asylbek Maratov, Chyngyzhan Kozhoshev, Zhylzdyzbek Torokanov, Kubat Tukeshov, Kutman Sadybakasov, Nursultan Maldybaev, and Elmirbek Imanaliev. The competition boasts a total prize fund of 3 million Kyrgyzstani som.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, in collaboration with the Kyrgyz National 'Manas' Theater and the 'Aytyš' Public Foundation, the international 'aytyš' aims to foster the art of improvisational poetry. It also seeks to popularize national cultural heritage and reinforce the cultural bonds between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.