Traditional & Folk Games in Kazakhstan

An indispensable attribute of any Kazakh holiday is the National Games. This is a baiga (jumps at a distance of 25,50 or 100 km), Kazakh wrestling – kazakhsha kures, kyz-kuu (or catch a girl), as well as bass altars – a swing for 6 poles and others
Bright feature of the Kazakh culture are the numerous games reflecting all depth of cultural heritage of the country. Historians note that the most part of national games appeared at the beginning of formation of the Kazakh culture, having passed then a huge way up to now. Some of these games, unfortunately, did not remain, however, scientists-ethnographers managed to restore a certain part. At the same time it is important to note that regardless of the ultimate goal, all Kazakh games surely carried out an important social role:
education of younger generation;military and sports preparation;commemoration of the left ancestors;holding thematic pleasure actions;

kokpar
It is separately necessary to stop on the fact that the most part of all Kazakh national games had exclusively public character. Ethnographers explain it with desire of skilled nomads to transfer the skills to younger generation. The practical experience shows that the collective way of training allows not only to expand an influence aura, but also to increase efficiency of the process. At collective games of people studies not only itself, but also helps others.
The most significant Kazakh traditional games
Development of public relationship constantly affected traditional the Kazakh games. Among their general quantity, on the basis of a research of many historical documents, and mass funeral ceremonies and classical jumps were considered as the most significant. The funeral ceremony called in the country the Expert was always held to certain time in honor of the elder of a sort who left this world long ago. This day all people, regardless of their social or property status, gathered in earlier stipulated place. The commemorative events becoming a part of legends and songs continued from three days to one week.
During the funeral ceremony various national games and also various competitions were constantly held. In the last day of a grandiose ceremony one of the biggest races called Alaman of a bayg was always arranged. Historians at the same time note that results of these races became for long months the main subject for discussion, but not glorification of memory of the most worthy Kazakh who left this world.

KAZAKSHA-KURES
Kazakh people have always been known for its sports games that reflect its rich history. Another popular type of struggle is for Ka kures CSA, which is always arranged during major national events.
Unlike other forms of struggle, which implies a ranking of athletes based on their weight and level of training, Ka for CSA kures did not put forward stringent requirements for the participants.All bouts are required to attend standing. As a tool to combat the participants using traditional belt.

NATIONAL MARRIAGE GAME “CATCH UP WITH THE GIRL”
Not all traditions which remained in Kazakhstan up to now reached us in original state. For example, the national wedding game Kyz to a ku that can be translated “catch up with the girl”, underwent serious changes. The first mentions of it belong to the Middle Ages when the Kazakh men and women were completely balanced in the rights. Those years everyone could saddle a horse or does military service therefore cases when arranged to future grooms of the bride the real tests also were frequent.
Today this tradition lost many really bright elements, having turned just into one of wedding ceremonies. If the Dzhigit manages to satisfy all conditions of family of the bride, then he can take the darling in lawful wives. It is necessary to recognize that in modern Kazakhstan Kuza’s game carries a kua, rather ceremonial, than sacral sense. Despite it, many Kazakhs believe that only this way it is possible to choose really worthy groom.

KUMIS-ALU: ACCURACY, DEXTERITY AND SPEED
Some national games of the people of Central Asia have the general roots. For example, the competition Alou’s Koumiss meets practically in all Central Asian republics. A main objective of this action is check dexterity and speeds of participants. Sitting on a fast racer, players have to collect as fast as possible the coins scattered on the earth. At the same time the Dzhigit has to operate skilfully a horse, practising also in flexibility of the body.
These competitions were held various level of complexity, depending on a specific goal and experience of equestrians. For example, in the field could be from one to two tens coins which needed to be collected. Was considered that the game Alou’s Koumiss helped to choose the most dexterous Dzhigit not only in a sort, but also in all the region.

WEDDING SWING ALTYBAKAN
The national game Altybakan which name can be translated approximately as “six columns” was held to time of a wedding ceremony. This huge swing created by means of the basis including six columns. Each of these columns was connected with others by means of the strong rope tied to their ends. Over columns the big cross pole from the place for fastenings was mounted.
The fastenings placed on a cross pole were used for fixing of seats and legs. Driving always took place in the evening when young people were in pairs shaken on Altybakana. At the same time some could begin the fervent song which the others at once picked up. Sometimes in qualities of accompaniment the dombra was used.

NATIONAL STRUGGLE TO AL AKSHA KURES
Kazakh people have always been known for its sports games that reflect its rich history. Another popular type of struggle is for Ka kures CSA, which is always arranged during major national events.
Unlike other forms of struggle, which implies a ranking of athletes based on their weight and level of training, Ka for CSA kures did not put forward stringent requirements for the participants.All bouts are required to attend standing. As a tool to combat the participants using traditional belt.

TENGE – ALU
Some national games of Central Asian peoples have common roots. For example, match the Tenge-alu (to use the mind ALU) is found in almost all the Central Asian republics. The main objective is to test the skill and speed of participants. Sitting on a swift steed, players need to quickly collect the coins scattered on the ground. This horseman must skillfully control the horse, exercising more and his body flexibility.

KOKPAR
Kazak culture distinguished not only by handiest diversity of literate properties, but furthermore a big wide diversification of stringently observing. One maximum colourful country broad refinement is sort of combat referred to as Kockpar. Joining Kazakhstan tour at least once, you will be deeply surprised by local traditions variety, well as national games. Primarily, it emerged uncovering vital detail of preparation programm for forthcoming warriors, however sooner or later was brilliant Kokpor ethnical event. Destiny fighters determined some greatiest gens represantatives either extended family. More often than not, Kokpir carried out throughout mostly huge-range jubilations, becaming one of  approaching fairs principal occasions. Inside chronicle facts saved denoting that Kokpur regularly presented an intercontinental feature. For instance, in southen Kazakstan villages decent Kyrgizstan and Kazakhston representatives participated within fightings among each other. Opposition prizewinner proclaimed participant who could drop your contestant off saddleback.