For the first time in history, an international Aitys (the
traditional poetic duel of improvisation) featuring eight renowned Kazakh and
Kyrgyz akyns (poets) was held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The event marked
the 10th anniversary of the genre’s inclusion in the Representative List of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The joint Kazakh-Kyrgyz nomination
was approved in 2015. Notably, the Aitys in Paris gave compatriots living
abroad a chance to connect with this ancient and unique poetic art form and witness
performances by outstanding akyns. According to the organizers, the event
became a vivid expression of the spiritual unity between the brotherly nations
of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic - right in the heart of Europe.
«Our compatriots, ethnic Kazakhs, members of the diaspora,
as well as Kyrgyz people living in France and across Europe, came together to
enjoy the aitys competition. We all experienced wonderful emotions and
spiritual delight from this art form,» noted Askar Abdrakhmanov, Permanent
Delegate of Kazakhstan to UNESCO.
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