Golden eagles, tazy dogs and a first Asian Cup: East Kazakhstan’s festival begins

The fifth international Shygys Salburyny festival opened on 9 October in Bozanbay, East Kazakhstan, the regional administration said. This year the programme includes the first open Asian Cup in qusbegilik, the Kazakh tradition of hunting with trained birds of prey.

What visitors can see

Organizers expect around 150 practitioners from nine countries. Eagle hunters and falconers will demonstrate work with golden eagles, falcons and hawks at the Burkit Tobe venue. The programme also includes tazy dog races, horseback archery, other traditional sports, crafts and music. The main finals and awards are scheduled for 10 October.

The practice requires far more than a spectacular flight. Training takes years, knowledge of the bird’s behaviour and trust between handler and bird. That is why passing skills to younger generations is part of the festival’s purpose.

The figure of 150 is an expectation, not a final attendance count. Winners should be reported only after official results appear. For now, the event offers a rare chance to see a living East Kazakh tradition.

Source: official announcement.