Almaty Honors Kyrgyz Hero 'Manas' With Street Name, Epic's Influence Endures
Almaty's 'Manas' Street pays tribute to a Kyrgyz hero, replacing a Civil War hero's name in the 1990s. The 'Manas' epic, a unique blend of storytelling, acting, and performance, continues to captivate global audiences and inspire cultural landscapes.
The epic's influence spans centuries. In the 19th century, scholars like Wilhelm Radloff and Chokan Valikhanov contributed to its preservation. Kirghiz ethnographer Sagymbai Orozbakov, active around 1867-1930, is considered one of the most prominent Manaschi, or singers of the epic. His version was first recorded in the 1920s. The epic's impact is evident today, with streets, monuments, and institutions named after 'Manas'. In 2025, it's gaining renewed attention through exhibitions and discussions on its relevance in the digital age.
The 'Manas' epic, a shared heritage of Kyrgyz and Kazakh people, is the world's longest, with 500,553 verses. Recognized by UNESCO, it offers an immersive, multisensory experience that transcends digital platforms. Despite its length, it remains accessible and valued in printed form.
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