The ancient art of hunting with birds of prey is being
revived in Kazakhstan. One of the families preserving the national traditions
of berkutchi (eagle hunters) is the Faizulla family
from Zhetisu. For seven generations, they have been taming birds of prey. The
head of the family, Burkіtbai Faizulla, has
dedicated 60 years to his beloved craft. He proudly says that he has trained
more than 10 golden eagles and has won multiple festivals.
«According to historical records, steppe dwellers have been
practicing hunting with birds of prey for over 3,000 years. It is an ancient
art. My family has been engaged in it for seven generations. My grandfather had
five sons, three of whom pursued this craft. My children and I, as my father’s
descendants, continue the tradition,» said berkutchi Burkitbai Faizulla.
Burkіtbai Faizulla’s son, Zhassulan, continues the
tradition. As a senior trainer in his region for hunting with birds of prey, he
admits that taming a golden eagle and instilling the necessary skills requires
patience and exceptional mastery. His goal is to pass this knowledge on to the
younger generation.
«It is better not to buy a trained golden eagle but to catch
one yourself. Nothing compares to raising and taming a bird on your own. This
is the fourth golden eagle I have trained, and he is the best one yet. This is
a wild golden eagle. To tame it, you need to keep the bird by your side for 15
days - only then will it start obeying you,» shared berkutchi Zhassulan
Burkitbai.
Related Articles
