Abstract:

This paper focuses on a comparative analysis of contemporary aitys(h) as a form of civic engagement in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Aitys(h) is a public contestation based on musical-poetry improvisation between aqyns (poets) which presumes that aqyns provoked each other to argue, spoke on behalf of people and could publicly criticize leaders for their wrongdoings and injustices. Aitys(h) performer, or aqyn, is a poet who speaks or sings oral improvised poetry in the accompaniment of traditional musical string instruments - Kazakh dombyra or Kyrgyz komuz. Historically, aqyns gained social recognition by traveling and performing throughout the steppes of Central Asia. We argue that aitys(h) has not lost its potential as a civic engagement tool. Academic scholarship approaches the study of aitys(h) from two main perspectives: as a form of folklore that is perceived as increasingly vulnerable within a modern societal context, as a nomadic institution, and a channel of communication among nomadic people, which functions are deemed unnecessary in today’s world. In contrast to standard perspectives, we argue that contemporary aitys(h) while keeping its major traits, managed to maintain its potential as a form of civic activism. The research revealed insights into the modern context, the interplay between aitys(h) and politics, social and geographic outreach of aitys(h), and the role of aitys(h) in raising awareness and inspiring action. The methodology employed a combination of in-depth semistructured interviews and participant observation: Ten aqyns from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were interviewed, as well as other stakeholders such as an organizer of aitys(h) and an expert on aitys(h) from Kygyzstan. Aqyns from both countries, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, highlight their role as high ambassadors capable of skillfully delivering messages from the people to the ruling elite, vice versa, and among different generations of people. It can be acknowledged that in Kyrgyzstan, the term "activist" has undergone a transformation in popular perception, influenced by the country’s authoritarian turn under Japarov, now often evoking images of radical protesters. As a result, conventionally, Kyrgyz aqyns do not commonly regard themselves as activists. However, Kazakh aqyns, while being less active in social commentary, are unanimous in the positive assessment of their role as civic activists. Their impact is tangible, with examples including opening an Alley of Poets, a school for young poets in Aktau, and others. The findings may be used to formulate recommendations for governments and NGOs to leverage aitys(h) as a platform for promoting civic engagement and dialogue.