Perhaps a quick Kazakh lesson to get us started:
The Kazakh word for eagle is bürkit (although it is transliterated differently at times).
Adding the suffix -şi (-shi) to a word creates the meaning of a person who does that kind of work, or has that hobby.
Therefore, when Kazakhstan Today reports that competitors from nine countries have arrived in East Kazakhstan to take part in a traditional eagle hunting festival, the word bürkitşi has far more relevance, although it should be noted that not all of the competitors are accompanied by eagles.
Just keeping my teacher’s hat on for a moment longer: bürkitşi means eagle hunter. Бүркітші in Cyrillic.
The East Kazakhstan Region this week welcomed many of them to the Shygys Salburyny 2026 Asian Cup, the 228 arrivals representing not only the traditionally nomadic Central Asian peoples, but also Russia, Hungary, and Spain. The venue is the village of Bozanbay, Ulan District, East Kazakhstan Region.
Bürkitşi, dressed in traditional clothing, are competing in several categories in which they are able to showcase their skill, but not only that, also the understanding they have with their eagle, developed over years of careful training and patience. Falcons and other types of bird are often used in this sport, and have their own categories.
For homework, also learn the word qusbegilik, which is a generic term for hunting with birds of prey. The video above is not of the current event taking place, but will be a fascinating insight into the ancient custom. Recent years have seen a revival in the practice and the resurgence of devotion to what in essence is no longer required for most people to survive as communities.
What matters almost as much, is for cultures to survive, which is why this event is not just about qusbegilik, and on the same day that the champion bürkitşi are crowned and rewarded with generous cash prizes, spectators will also be able to enjoy much much more.
Tazy, hunting dogs, are set to race each other over 1,000-metre courses, mounted archers remind people that their sport is not just for the World Nomad Games, and perhaps not unlike the American fascination of bucking bronco, local horsemen will demonstrate their skills in pacifying horses yet to be tamed.
There will also be mas-wrestling, other games, and a concert.
