Hungarian and Kazakh History Collide at World Nomad Games
Hungarian-Kazakh Cultural Organization’s Assyq Team Wins Bronze at World Nomad Games
The Hungarian-Kazakh Cultural Organization’s Assyq team from Hungary, led by Zhanargul Bakhtygereikyzy, achieved a remarkable feat by winning a bronze medal at the fifth World Nomad Games (WNG). Despite being newcomers to the sport, this team brought a piece of Kazakh heritage to the global stage, showcasing the cultural fusion between Hungary and Kazakhstan.
Zhanargul Bakhtygereikyzy, a strong and passionate Kazakh woman who moved to Hungary 14 years ago, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between the two cultures. Her dedication to preserving and promoting Kazakh traditions abroad led her to establish a cultural organization in Budapest, where she teaches the Kazakh language and traditional games.
In Hungary, there is a historical game similar to Assyq called bikazash, which was popular among children in the 1970s. Since the cultural organization’s inception, there has been a growing interest among Hungarians in Kazakh traditions. The organization’s mission extends beyond games, focusing on cultural preservation and community building.
The road to the World Nomad Games was a challenging yet rewarding journey for the Hungarian team. Despite limited resources, they trained in parks, using rocks and chalk to simulate game conditions. Their hard work and dedication paid off as they secured a bronze medal, competing against professional teams from Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic.
Team member Balázs Göntér expressed his excitement about discovering the World Nomad Games and Assyq through Zhanargul Bakhtygereikyzy. He emphasized the team’s passion for tradition and their desire to grow the cultural community.
Another team member, Tímea Janurik, shared her unique experience of joining the organization as a musician and a leader of a Turkic ensemble in Budapest. Her journey led her to perform Kazakh songs at the WNG’s cultural concert, showcasing the musical exchange between Hungary and Kazakhstan.
The Hungarian-Kazakh Cultural Organization serves as a testament to the power of cultural exchange and preservation. By participating in the WNG, the team highlighted the shared history and values between Hungarian and Kazakh cultures. Zhanargul Bakhtygereikyzy’s vision for the future includes establishing an Assyq and Togyzkumalak federation in Hungary to promote traditional games and improve eye health through physical activity.
As the organization continues to grow, Bakhtygereikyzy aims to raise awareness about traditional games like Assyq and inspire more people to embrace their cultural heritage. Through her efforts, she hopes to make Assyq a popular sport in Hungary and create opportunities for both children and adults to engage in this traditional Kazakh game.
