Aqyn

Akyns, or aqyns (Kazakh: ақын, pronounced [ɑˈqən]; Kyrgyz: акын, pronounced [ɑˈqɯn]; both transcribed as aqın or اقىن), are improvising poets and singers in the Kazakh and Kyrgyz cultures. Akyns differ from the zhirau or manaschi, who are song performers or epic storytellers.

Statue of prominent Kyrgyz akyn Kazybek Mambetimin uulu (1901–1936) in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan

In song competitions known as aytys, akyns improvise in the form of a song-like recitative, usually to the accompaniment of a dombra (among Kazakhs) or a qomuz (among Kyrgyz). In the context of the nomadic lifestyle and illiteracy of most of the rural population in Central Asia in pre-Soviet times, akyns played an important role in terms of expressing people's thoughts and feelings, exposing social vices, and glorifying heroes. In the Soviet era, their repertoire incorporated praise songs to Lenin.[1]

Modern akyns may also publish their original lyrics and poetry.

Akyn Kazakhstan

Famous Kazakh Akynes: Zhanak Kambaruluy (1760-1857), Mahambet Utemsov (1804-1846), Suunbai Aronewa (1815-1898), Shernyz Zharylgasov (1817-1881), Birzhan-Sal Khodgulov (1834-1897), Ziaus Bayjanov ( 1835-1929), Akan Sere Corramsauluy (1843-1913), Jambul Jabaev (1846-1945), Gaziz Firesoll (mind 1930), Kenen Azerbaev (1884-1976), Aktan Kereyuly.

Akyn often fully improvizes, responding to any phenomena in society or at the situation on nationwide holidays, etc. On holidays, a kind of akyne competition is often held. During the aqua contest, having fun, alternately in poetry form, try to make fun of each other or choosing any arbitrary theme. Sometimes the authorities are trying to subjected to Aytyus censorship when it comes to the power of property or politicians.[2]

The nomadic lifestyle and the speed of the art of Akynov did not allow the work in the past and maintain works on paper. Most of the works of Aquins remained lost.

Literature
  • Nurmakhan, Zhanash: Kazaktyn 5000 Akyn-zhyrauy. Almaty 2008. ISBN 9965-742-70-7 (in Kazakh)

See also

References
  1. Vinogradov, V. (1970). "The Akyns Sing of Lenin". Yearbook of the International Folk Music Council. 2: 77–91. doi:10.2307/767426.
  2. "Цензура не сможет заткнуть айтыс только благодаря народу". Радио Азаттык (in Russian). Retrieved 2022-02-21.


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