Bokonbaevo

Falcon hunting, mountain winds, and the customs of nomads

The Bokonbaevo village is located 270 kilometers away from Bishkek, in the Issyk-Kol region of Kyrgyzstan, on the south bank of the Issyk-Kol Lake. From the ancient times, the inhabitants of Bokonbaevo have been famous for breeding prey birds that are used for hunting for wild animals. 

Hunting has always played a big role and has been an essential part of the nomad culture. It has always been accompanied by special customs and rituals. Falcon hunting is not just a hobby or a past time, it is a unique tradition which has been with the Kyrgyz nomads since X century. That was when the first Kyrgyz tribes began to use golden eagles and other predator birds as their loyal companions.

Golden eagle is the largest breed of eagles; their wingspan can reach 2.4 meters in its length and golden eagle can see its prey from 2 kilometers away. Golden eagles hunt for hares, foxes, goats, and sometimes even wolves and gazelles.

Hereditary golden eagle hunters know their way around the strong, proud, and freedom-loving bird very well. Hunters pass their knowledge down to their sons to keep the traditions alive. The kids learn how to live among predator birds and are taught the art of controlling them very early in their lives. The studies begin with the easier things and develop to explain the more complicated rituals: beginners are shown how to domesticate sparrow hawks, goshawks, saker falcons, peregrine falcons, and gyrfalcons. Only then, while still being supervised by their teacher, the student is allowed to raise a bigger and stronger bird – a golden eagle. Step-by-step, each hunter forms an intuitive connection with their bird which later in life helps them cooperate in a harmonious, quick, and effective way.

The mountainside of the Bokobaevo village is breathtakingly beautiful. The village itself traditionally hosts the festival of birds of prey “Salbuurn” (competition between hunters) during which you can witness the ritual of true falcon hunting and get acquainted with the best hunters of this region. The guests are also allowed to look at the unique well-trained golden eagles up close and to even hold them in their hands. You can also ride a horse to jailoo – local grasslands located in high altitudes. The experience includes visiting the barns where national felt hats and shirdaks – felt carpets for yurts, are made.

Photos of falcon hunting:

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