Internews in Kyrgyzstan in cooperation with the Kyrgyz National Theater “Manas”, within the framework of the “Bilim Aitysh” project, held an annual aitysh – a competition of akyns-improvisers in poetic skills.
The third annual aitysh was held on September 20 at the Sultan Ibraimov National Kyrgyz Drama Theater in Osh city.
This year, the aitysh was dedicated “Language. Culture. Heritage” topic.
Before the competition, Tugolbay Kazakov, chairman of the jury, spoke about the versatile training of akyns within the framework of the Bilim Aitysh project, which noticeably raised their performing level, gave a deeper immersion in socially significant topics through a deeper study of the traditional culture, life, history of the Kyrgyz people and moral foundations.
According to him, in the past two years, most of the prizes at other republican and international competitions of akyns have been taken by participants of the Bilim Aitysh project.
Nazik Chekirova, Director of Internews in the Kyrgyz Republic, noted that Internews in Kyrgyzstan has been teaching akyns-improvisers new approaches to creating content on socially significant topics, as well as ways to disseminate them on social networks, and helps to preserve and develop traditional cultural and spiritual values.
According to her, the project program provided training, expert and technical assistance, scholarships for content creation, competitions on social networks and a final competition among akyns-improvisers.
Samat Kochorbaev, akyn, manaschy, Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic, called aitysh “a celebration of poetic skill and the spirit creativity of akyns.” He noted that among the participants there are both long-known and honored masters and young singers who have recently become popular.
In their works, akyns-improvisers raised topical social topics, problems of language and culture, turned to the history and spirituality of the Kyrgyz people, and talked about a careful attitude to nature, and the education of young people.
Good humor, witty words, vivid images, subtle hints, improvisation skills cause a positive reaction from the audience, who worthily appreciate the talents of akyns.
The competition “Bilim Aitysh 2024” was attended by:
Turat Zhumaev, Yyldyzbek Torokanov, Nursultan Maldybaev, Kutman Sadybakasov, Bayan Akmatov, Kubat Tukeshov, Aisaba Bazarbai kyzy, Mambettokto Omur uulu, Jamaica Tokonova, Tynarbek Buraev, Abdibali Akimbekov, Tynctyk Esenbai uulu, Mambettokto Matbetorozo uulu, Bakyt Sharshenaliev.
The jury selected three winners from seven pairs of akyns.
As a result, the winner was Mambettokto Omur uulu.
The second place was awarded to Nursultan Maldybayev.
Third place – Kutman Sadybakasov.
For more information, please visit our YouTube channel and Instagram page @BilimAitysh.
“Bilim Aitysh” is held within the framework of the Internews Media Project in Kyrgyzstan and thanks to the assistance of the American people provided through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
