Kazaks � Qazaqtar

Kazak games on horseback


A famous Kazak stamina-testing long-distance race is the Alaman Bäyge.




Qız qww, which translates as "Cathing the Girl", is a form of horseback kiss chase. The girl is given a two-horse length head start and the boy's aim is to try and catch up with her and steal a kiss. They race along a straight line of some 400 metres. As the boy gets closer the girl flails out with a whip to hinder her pursuer.




In the game of Teñge alw or Kümis alw ("pick up the coin"), the rider attempts to pick up a silver coin while moving at a swift gallop. Galloping at full speed, a competitor bends to pick up a coin or handkerchief.




Awdarıspaq gives an equine flavour to another favourite Kazak sport, wrestling, as the two contestants grapple on horseback aiming to unseat the other. Wrestling on horseback requires skill both in fighting and in trick riding. The one who succeeds in throwing his opponent off his horse is the winner.




Kökpar, or fighting for a headless goat's carcass, is one of the most popular game. Two teams of players compete to carry a headless goat carcass into a goal.

Kazak family, early 20th century

All of the people wear different types of the traditional robes called "şapan".
The lady and the boy on the right wear the round fur hat "börik", the old and young men wear the "malaqay" (or "tımaq") fur hat, the lady in the middle wears the bridal "säwkele" hat, and the old lady in the left wears the married woman's "kïmeşek" head-dress.




Kazak horseherd , early 20th century

This lasso-pole called "qurıq" is used to catch the horses.




Kazak wrestling (Qazaqşa küres), early 20th century

Qazaqşa küres is a traditional Kazak sporting event that is conducted on all festivals.
It is similar to the freestyle wrestling, but without the weight classes. Qazaqşa küres is distinguished by the absence of the parterre wrestling, the athletes wrestle only standing and by holding the belts.

The ancient Kazak tradition of qusbegilik eagle hunting


Kazak people call the eagle hunters - "qusbegi", which literally means "lord of the birds".

Falconry developed in Central Asia and for centuries Kazak men have hunted from horseback with trained golden eagles, the largest and most powerful of raptors. Fox, rabbit and even wolf are hunted for their fur and for the challenge they present, pursued across the snowy mountains and steppes.








































http://www.elisena.com/Berkut.htm

1954 National Geographic article about Kazaks

Download PDF file: http://www.kyrgyz.ru/images/elfiles/kazakhs_in_ng1954.pdf (4 MB)

Download archive: http://www.filefactory.com/file/3cb92d (71.5 MB)

Download the unique 50-years old NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC article "How the Kazakhs Fled to Freedom", which tells a story of the Kazaks who fought the Chinese communists and were eventually pushed into Kashmir (Pakistan/India) as refugees.

Some photos:

Kazaks ride into the mountain for hunting
The last rider have scooped up a little passenger. Even the fiercest fighters find time to play with and fondle their children



Kazak chief Qalïbek robed in magnificent snow leopard
Qalïbek was one of the leaders who fought against the Chinese communists and led the Kazak refugees to Kashmir




Kazak wrestlers lock heads in combat




Kazak chiefs give a party



Thanks to Janseyit for scanning this unique article!

These pictures are so great ! Thank you very much BAWIR$AQ !

this is great man,