Kazakh National Games: Kokpar, Asyk Atu, Kyz Kuu & Togyzkumalak Guide

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Kazakh National Games: A Cultural Heritage and Sporting Tradition

Kazakhstan’s traditional games and sports represent a vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage that has been preserved through generations. These games not only serve as entertainment but also embody the historical values, nomadic traditions, and spiritual beliefs of the Kazakh people. From horseback competitions that showcase the remarkable bond between humans and horses to strategic board games that challenge the intellect, Kazakh national games offer unique insights into the country’s rich cultural identity.

Historical Significance of Kazakh National Games

Kazakh national games are a treasure passed down from generation to generation, from elders to youth. These games emerged from the pastoral nomadic culture that developed in the Eurasian steppes around the first millennium B.C. and persisted for several millennia. The nomadic lifestyle significantly influenced the development of these games, with many reflecting the daily activities, survival skills, and military training necessary for life on the steppes.

The historical significance of these games extends beyond mere entertainment. They served as practical training tools for developing strength, agility, strategic thinking, and horsemanship – all essential skills for nomadic survival. Many of these games trace back to ancient times and have survived as a vital part of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage.

In contemporary Kazakhstan, traditional games continue to play a crucial role in cultural identity. They are widely practiced during national holidays like Nauryz (Persian New Year) and other festive occasions, showcasing their enduring relevance in modern Kazakh society.

Equestrian Games and Sports

Kokpar: The Iconic Horseback Contest

Kokpar stands as one of the most beloved and widely recognized national games of Kazakhstan. This dynamic equestrian competition, also known as “Dead Goat Polo” in some regions, involves teams of horsemen competing to gain possession of a goat carcass and deliver it to a designated scoring area.

The game’s origins are ancient and its popularity extends beyond Kazakhstan to other Central Asian countries. In different regions, it goes by various names: Altaians call it “kok-boru,” Kyrgyz refer to it as “ulak-tartysh,” and Bashkirs name it “kuk-bure”.

How to Play Kokpar:

Kokpar is played on a field approximately the size of two football fields. Two teams of 8-12 players on horseback compete to seize a goat carcass and deliver it to their goal. The basic rules are:

Players must grab the goat carcass while on horseback
They must prevent other players from taking it
The objective is to throw the carcass into the opposing team’s goal or designated area
The team with the most successful deliveries wins

This intense sport requires exceptional horsemanship, physical strength, coordination, and strategy. It serves as a test of riders’ grip, riding skills, and teamwork capabilities.

Kyz Kuu: The Romantic Chase

Kyz Kuu, literally translated as “girl chasing,” is a traditional equestrian game with romantic undertones. This unique competition showcases both horsemanship skills and the playful courtship traditions of Kazakh culture.

The rules are straightforward: a young man on horseback waits at the starting line while a young woman, also on horseback, begins galloping from about 10 meters behind him. When she passes him, he gives chase and attempts to catch up with her before reaching the finish line.

If he succeeds in catching up, he earns the right to kiss her while both are still riding. However, if he fails, the young woman turns around at the finish line and pursues him with a whip back to the starting line. This game not only tests riding abilities but also adds an element of romantic excitement and social interaction.

Traditionally, Kyz Kuu served as a form of courtship among young Kazakhs, somewhat akin to a dating ritual. Today, it remains a popular demonstration during festivals and cultural events, maintaining its place as both entertainment and a connection to traditional values.

Baige: Traditional Horse Racing

Baige is a traditional medium-distance horse race that has been a cherished component of Kazakh celebrations for centuries. Unlike modern horse racing, Baige incorporates elements that reflect the historical importance of horses in nomadic life and warfare preparation.

The races are categorized based on the horses’ age divisions:

For horses under three years old: races cover distances up to two kilometers
For horses under four years old: races cover distances up to five kilometers
For horses over five years old: races cover distances up to nine kilometers

Baige competitions are featured prominently during holidays and cultural festivities, allowing participants of all ages to showcase their horsemanship and the quality of their horses.

Audaryspak: Horseback Wrestling

Audaryspak represents another fascinating dimension of Kazakh equestrian sports – horseback wrestling. In this physically demanding competition, two wrestlers mounted on horses attempt to pull each other off their mounts. The rider who succeeds in unseating his opponent is declared the winner.

This sport requires not only wrestling skills but also exceptional balance, strength, and horsemanship. Audaryspak demonstrates the remarkable versatility of Kazakh equestrian traditions and the importance placed on developing multiple skills while mounted on horseback.

Traditional Non-Equestrian Games

Togyzkumalak: The Strategic Board Game

Togyzkumalak, meaning “nine pellets,” is a traditional board game that has been played in Kazakhstan for generations. This intellectually stimulating game is designed to develop logical and mathematical thinking, strategy, and endurance.

The game is structured around the number nine, which was considered sacred by ancient Mongols and Turks. Players must use all four basic mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) while developing strategic approaches to gameplay.

A single game of Togyzkumalak can last four to five hours, demonstrating the depth of strategy involved. It’s accessible to people of all ages, making it an ideal intergenerational activity that helps preserve mathematical and strategic thinking traditions.

Kazaksha Kures: Kazakh Traditional Wrestling

Kazaksha Kures is one of the most ancient Kazakh sports and remains highly popular today. This traditional wrestling sport bears similarities to freestyle wrestling but operates under distinct rules and techniques.

The primary objective in Kazaksha Kures is to force your opponent onto their back. A unique aspect of this sport is that wrestling is only permitted while standing – the match immediately ends once one competitor puts the other on the mat.

The sport combines physical strength and speed with resourcefulness and skill. Originally, Kazaksha Kures had no weight or age restrictions, though these were introduced after the establishment of formal competitions and governing bodies.

The cultural significance of Kazaksha Kures was formally recognized in 2016 when UNESCO included it in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, acknowledging its importance to Kazakh cultural identity.

Assyk Games: The Ancient Bone Game

Kazakh traditional Assyk games represent one of the oldest forms of entertainment and skill-building activities in Kazakh culture. These games utilize “Assyks,” traditionally made from the talus bone of sheep, along with a “Saka” that is dyed in bright colors.

How to Play Assyk:

Players use their Assyk to knock out other Assyks from the playing field, with the outcome determined by the position of the bone after impact. The game requires precision, strategy, and dexterity.

Assyk games are primarily played by children between the ages of four and eighteen, though adults may also participate. Beyond entertainment, these games help develop children’s analytical thinking and physical coordination while fostering friendship and social inclusiveness.

In 2017, UNESCO inscribed Kazakh traditional Assyk games on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing their cultural significance and contribution to Kazakhstan’s heritage.

Modern Sports in Kazakhstan

While traditional games maintain their cultural importance, modern sports have gained significant popularity in contemporary Kazakhstan. The sports industry in the country is experiencing rapid growth, with several international sports gaining widespread participation and viewership.

International Sporting Events

Kazakhstan has established itself as a host for significant international sporting events. The country successfully organized the 2017 Winter Universiade and the 2019 Asian Winter Games, showcasing its modern sports infrastructure and organizational capabilities.

Kazakhstan regularly participates in the Olympic Games, with the national team proudly representing the country’s sporting traditions and achievements on the world stage. For the 2024 Paris Olympics, special uniforms were designed that reflect Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage while meeting modern athletic requirements.

National Symbols in Kazakh Sports Culture

The Steppe Eagle: A National Icon

The steppe eagle holds a special place in Kazakh national identity and sports symbolism. This majestic bird appears on the flag of Kazakhstan and serves as the national bird of the country. The image of the steppe eagle is one of the main heraldic attributes used on coat of arms and flags, representing courage, freedom, and the proud spirit of the Kazakh people.

The significance of the steppe eagle extends beyond official symbols into the realm of sports, where it embodies the strength, precision, and nobility that Kazakh athletes strive to demonstrate in competition.

National Sports Day Celebration

Kazakhstan celebrates National Sports Day on March 20, coinciding with the Nauryznama Decade of cultural activities. This day is dedicated to promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles while highlighting the integral role of sports in Kazakh culture.

During National Sports Day, various events are organized nationwide to showcase the diversity of national sports and participants’ skills. Special demonstrations of traditional games are conducted, allowing both locals and international visitors to experience Kazakhstan’s rich sporting heritage.

Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Games

The preservation of traditional games is considered essential for maintaining Kazakhstan’s cultural identity. Various initiatives are underway to ensure these ancient practices continue to thrive in modern society.

Educational Integration

Traditional Kazakh games are increasingly being incorporated into educational programs. As noted by researchers, using elements of Kazakh national games in teaching – including language instruction – can significantly enhance student engagement and motivation. These games serve as effective tools for developing physical abilities, strategic thinking, and cultural awareness among younger generations.

International Recognition

The inclusion of games like Kazakh traditional Assyk games and Kazaksha Kures on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List has brought international recognition to these cultural practices. This acknowledgment has bolstered efforts to document, preserve, and promote these traditions both domestically and internationally.

Modern Competitions and Festivals

Traditional games are featured prominently in modern sports competitions and cultural festivals. The World Nomad Games, which Kazakhstan actively participates in and has hosted, provides an international platform for showcasing traditional sports. These events help ensure that ancient games remain relevant and accessible in contemporary society.

Conclusion

Kazakh national games represent a living bridge between the country’s nomadic past and its dynamic present. From the thundering hooves of horses in Kokpar competitions to the quiet concentration of Togyzkumalak players, these games embody the diverse skills, values, and traditions that have shaped Kazakh identity through centuries.

As Kazakhstan continues to develop as a modern nation, these traditional games serve multiple purposes: preserving cultural heritage, promoting physical fitness and strategic thinking, fostering community bonds, and providing distinctive entertainment that connects generations. Through formal recognition, educational integration, and continued practice, Kazakh national games are ensuring that the wisdom and skills of ancient nomadic culture continue to enrich the lives of present and future generations.

The harmonious coexistence of traditional games alongside modern sports demonstrates Kazakhstan’s ability to honor its heritage while embracing contemporary global culture – a balance that strengthens national identity while fostering international connections through the universal language of sport.