KYRGYZSTAN: “Aitysh” In UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Kyrgyz improvisation art “Aitysh” was inscribed to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It was reported by the National Commission. According to it, nomination of “Aitysh/aitys” was presented by Kyrgyzstan along with Kazakhstan.

One of the traditional forms of the folk song poetry “Aitysh” is a competition of two people in art of oral-poetic improvisation. Listeners gather around the performers and put forward themes to them. Contestants start reading poems composing them on the spot to the accompaniment of traditional national musical instruments, such as dombra or komuz. The winner is the performer considered to have demonstrated talent, wit, the best musical skills, and originality.

“Aitysh”, as the Kyrgyz state, is not simply a form of folk entertainment, but rather a symbol of national identity of the people of Central Asia. The genre of this oral art is common among Kazakhs, Bashkirs, Uzbeks and Turkmens.

Earlier, the UNESCO List of Kyrgyzstan included the art of akyns (performers of epos) and the holiday of Navruz.