MORE THAN 500 EAST KAZAKHSTAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THE BERKUTCHI FESTIVAL

The annual traditional international berkutchi festival ‘Shygys Salburyny-2024’ took place in the area of Bүrkit Tobе, near the village of Bozanbay, Ulan district, with the support of the Akim of East Kazakhstan region Ermek Kosherbayev and under the leadership of Mukhtar Toibazarov, an ambassador-brand in the field of tourism. The event was attended by more than 500 students and teaching staff, as well as our foreign guests from South Korea, Indonesia, Turkey, Poland, Italy and other countries.

-This event has become an important event aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people and promoting interest in national sports, – said Rector of East Kazakhstan University Mukhtar Tolegen.

It should be noted that a rich programme was organised for the guests of the festival with horse riding, hunting with birds of prey, archery and a lottery with valuable prizes. About 80 golden eagles, 30 falcons and 30 tazy hound dogs from Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary and Russia took part in the tournament. More than 20 yurts were set up on the territory, including a yurt from S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, where kyuys on dombra were performed and traditional songs were played.

-It was incredible to see berkutchi skills live! It was my first time at this festival and I am very proud that national culture and sports are so highly appreciated and popularised,’ said Anel Alpysbaeva, a student of East Kazakhstan University.

– The scale and organisation of the festival is at the highest level. Now I am in the yurt of Amanzholov University, here they play dombra, sing traditional songs, staying here is breathtaking, – said East Kazakhstan University student Aihat Adilov.

The university welcomed guests warmly and provided free pilaf to more than 500 students and festival participants.