Archive: July 26th, 2010
The Chopo Choor is one of the oldest of Kyrgyz traditional instruments. Originally a children’s toy, (hence it is not difficult to play), it has developed into an instrument with a fine timbre and in the hands of a master can produce haunting melodies. Originally it was found mainly in the rural areas in the south of [...]
Among the numerous national instruments the most widespread and popular is the komuz, which has rich repertoire. It is a stringed instrument, made from a single piece of wood (apricot or juniper are the favoured timbers), and plucked like a guitar. While playing it, the three strings are clasped by the left hand to the [...]
Beshbarmak is, perhaps, the most typical of all Kyrgyz dishes. The dish is meant to be eaten with the hands, not with a knife and fork! – “Besh” means five, and “barmak”, finger. Beshbarmak is served when guests arrive and at almost any festive gathering. This meal consists of noodles, which are mixed with boiled [...]
Doughs occupy an important place in Kyrgyz cuisine. The popular, ancient, ritual dish of boorsok is cut pieces of rolled dough deep fried in oil. They form a traditional table “decoration” and are produced in large quantities to be spread over the dastorkon (tablecloth) at every major celebration.
There is an English saying that “Rules are made to be broken, but traditions are to be kept”. This could easily be a Kyrgyz motto – especially when it comes to traditions associated with age. Toi : There are several occasions when it is traditional to hold a party to mark some milestone in the [...]
On Saturday, I was invited to a birthday party … not just any old birthday party, a Tushoo Kyrgkuu, a party to celebrate a child’s first birthday. Amongst the Kyrgyz this is a an important rite of passage for a child growing up, and I felt very honoured and privileged to have been invited to [...]
