Kazakhstan's Altayyñ – Altyn Besiğim Crowns East Kazakhstan in Epic Aitys Showdown
Republican Team Aitys "Altayyñ – Altyn Besiğim" Held in Ust-Kamenogorsk
The republican team aitys (traditional Kazakh poetic contest) "Altayyñ – Altyn Besiğim" (Altay, My Golden Cradle) took place in Ust-Kamenogorsk, organized by the akim (governor) of East Kazakhstan Region with support from the AMANAT party, Liter.kz reports.
The competition brought together akyns (improvisational poets) and creative ensembles from East Kazakhstan and Karaganda regions. Participants showcased various forms of aitys—sūr aitys (serious debate), türe aitys (ritual contest), käik aitys (humorous duel), and contests between young men and women. The event also featured traditional songs, zhyrau (epic poetry), terme (philosophical verses), and kui (instrumental melodies).
The event was hosted by Amanzhol Altai, a member of the Mazhilis (lower house of parliament) and AMANAT faction deputy, as well as a renowned akyn. He noted that this marks the second year of the large-scale cultural project in this format.
"Team aitys not only expands the reach of national art but also paves the way for young talent. Today, representatives of Saryarka and Altay have gathered in Ust-Kamenogorsk to demonstrate the power of words and poetic mastery. Such projects strengthen spiritual values and breathe new life into the tradition of aitys," he said.
Nurmbet Saktaganov, akim of East Kazakhstan Region, emphasized that aitys is the soul of the people and a vital part of national culture.
"Aitys embodies the uniqueness, traditions, and centuries-old history of the Kazakh people. The regional Akyn School named after Aktan Nurbayev, opened last year, is already helping young talents develop and take the stage. We plan to hold republican and international aitys competitions in the region annually," he stated.
Yerkebulan Zhaulybayev, director of the political work department at AMANAT's central office, highlighted the project's significance.
"The republican team aitys is a major initiative supported by our party. I would like to emphasize that promoting national art and fostering spiritual values remain our top priorities," he said.
The East Kazakhstan team was led by akyn Serik Kusankabayev, while the Karaganda team was captained by akyn Aitbay Zhumagulov. Both teams included not only aityskerler (poetic duelists) but also zhyraus (epic singers), kui performers, terme reciters, and traditional song artists, making the program richer and more diverse.
The jury was chaired by Zhursin Yermakhan, a People's Writer of Kazakhstan, and included prominent figures from the worlds of culture and literature.
Following the competition, the East Kazakhstan team emerged victorious and advanced to the next stage.
