Abstract:

Traditional games related to horses are one of the most ancient and unique issues and results of human activities. Especially, Uzbek traditional games like “Ulak-kupkari” or “Kiz kuvdi” have many functions among people, and they are the main social network and collaboration point of nomad and settler people who live in farmer villages and pastorals. Traditionally, these games formed as a result of knowledge of animal breeding and the national Uzbek wrestling sport, which performs mixed rules. They can participate in this game called "Palvan,” which means “brave” or "hero,” and they are very popular around the territory or whole region. All traditional games with horses are important in Uzbek society as a social identification process between horsemen and horses. This game formed the highly regarded behavior codex among participants and saved them from passing Uzbek gentleman’s rules during the thousand years. Now, with these games, people try to save their traditions and the non-material heritage of their ancestors.

The games with horses influenced children's games among Uzbeks and formed “eshak mindi," “eshak kupkari," "poyga,” and others. Young generations make their own games with horses, but they don’t play these games with horses. This is the main chance to feel participants as riders, or “palvans.”. They prepare themselves to be horse riders and replace the real brave horsemen of their own society. This game is hugely complex and is one of the main events that plays an important role in Uzbek society.