Culture

Kazakh National Aitys Contest: Impromptu Poets Mark Abai’s Anniversary (Video)

By Aidana Yergaliyeva on 26 November 2020

NUR-SULTAN – One of the core forms of entertainment for Kazakhs from times immemorial was something called the Akyndar Aitysy, which is a contest of improvised oral poetry spoken or sung to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments. Since Kazakhstan’s independence, the Kazakh government has revived the ancient tradition...