Celebrate the Tradition of Eagle Hunting on Kazakhstan’s National Sports Day
Eagle Hunting: An Ancient Kazakh Tradition Celebrated on National Sports Day
On March 20, as part of the Nauryz festivities in Kazakhstan, National Sports Day is celebrated, highlighting the ancient traditional sport of eagle hunting that continues to hold its rightful place in Kazakh culture.
The period after snowfall, known as kansonar, creates ideal conditions for hunters as fresh snow reveals the tracks of birds in flight and animals on the move. The Astana Times recently ventured into the white wilderness to meet traditional eagle hunters just before their hunt.
For Kakharman Zhanibekov, eagle hunting is almost a daily winter activity that he is passionate about. Zhanibekov shared his journey into eagle hunting, stating, “I used to go out with a gun and a dog, but over time, I met a friend who was an eagle hunter. I was fascinated by the bird he carried and asked if I could learn. He gave me a bird, and together with Erlan Kenzhetayev, we started hunting with eagles and dogs in 2018. Now, thank God, we compete in many tournaments and have won several awards.”
The close connection between humans and nature is highlighted when watching magnificent golden eagles in action. Zhanibekov emphasized the importance of patience, strength of heart, and discipline when handling an eagle, as it is a bird of character that requires mutual respect and understanding.
Eagle hunting tournaments, such as the Kansonar competitions which kick off annually in September, involve rigorous training and preparation similar to any professional sport. Handlers train their birds from a young age, building a bond through daily interaction, feeding, and handling. Conditioning the bird for competitions involves helping it shed excess weight and build endurance, with daily flights to refine its skills.
During tournaments, judges assess the eagle hunters on the bird’s speed and ability to fly directly to the handler from a distance of 500 meters. The process of training an eagle not only teaches the handler valuable skills but also helps shape their character, creating a mutual exchange of learning and growth between human and bird.
As Kazakhstan continues to preserve and celebrate its cultural heritage, eagle hunting remains a cherished tradition that showcases the country’s rich history and connection to nature.
