| Description |
‘Ak terek – Kok terek’ (“white poplar — green poplar”) is a fun and exciting game for children. Two teams line up against each other at a distance of 20 meters in one line, holding hands. The team that starts the game asks another team: “White poplar- green poplar. Which of us do you want?” The other team, having consulted, answers to the question in the same way: “We want (name of the player) to join us”. The player who is called by the team runs up and tries to break the chain between any two members. If he succeeds, he takes one player from the opposing team to his own. In case of failure - he remains in this team himself. Then the teams switch the roles, and the game continues. The winning team is the one who took away more of the ‘opponent’ players.
In the southern Kyrgyzstan, the game is called Chartek. In Alai region it is called El Chabar.
`Kachma top` (means escaping/dodging the ball). It is a traditional Kyrgyz game for children and adolescents somewhat similar to baseball.
The game participants are divided into two teams. On a field measuring 50x100m, a line (maaru) is marked at both ends. By drawing lots, an offensive team (team of hitters) is appointed, which positions itself on the court. The ball server (pitcher) is selected (the ball is rolled up from animal fur). Then the order of hitters is established. The hitter enters the line, picks up a meter-long stick and strikes the tossed ball. Hitting as hard as possible, he must run to the opposite line. Then the players change.
‘Tak teke’ is an old, traditional wooden dancing goat puppet, which is put to life by the movement of the player’s fingers. ‘Tak teke’ was performed during celebrations or in a free time. The vertical stick was installed by hinges on the surface of a small table. A small wooden figure of the goat was attached to the stick. This stick, under the table, acceded to the strings of komuz (musical instrument) by the streaks. During the performance on komuz, the goat figure moves with a melody.
`Besh tash` also known as top tash a game of five stones or group of stones. It is one of the ancient games that is mentioned in the Manas epic.
This game is played by young girls in small groups of 2-6 people. A game is played with 5 pebbles with smooth surface.
Each player performs a series of throwing and catching exercises with those pebbles. Exercises get more and more challenging from level to level. There are usually 7 levels but players can improvise and add extra levels based on mutual agreement.
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| Social and cultural significance |
Folk games and entertainment play a crucial role in the life of Kyrgyz people. Not a single folk festival or holiday takes place without them. The nature of many games was associated with the conditions of nomadic lifestyle. Games were part of the general culture of the people and widely reflected their livelihood.
Most of the Kyrgyz children's games were related to the physical training of children. These games developed such physical qualities as agility, speed and endurance through running, throwing and jumping. Games also played an important social role, helping to build relationships between children, between young people, between children and adults. Adults educated their children while playing with them, simultaneously strengthening their spiritual connection with children. Folk wisdom was passed on to children through games.
Games for children have long been aimed at helping the development of cognitive skills, fine motor skills and gross motor skills of the child. Many children's games are seasonal. They are designed to keep the kids busy and shorten the long winter evenings.
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| Transmission method |
Traditional knowledge concerning the children’s games has been mainly transmitted in a natural way through demonstration. They are also transmitted to the players though participation in festive and social events in ordinary life.
There are numerous clubs and studios where children as well as adults may enroll and master their skills and knowledge. In some schools, children play games in extracurricular activities.
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| Community |
Community of traditional games practitioners, wide community of people. |
