
03/04/2025
Eagle Hunting in Issyk-Kul: A Thrilling Ancient Tradition 🦅🏔️
Eagle hunting (bürkütchülük) is one of the most fascinating traditions of the nomadic Kyrgyz people. In the breathtaking landscapes of Issyk-Kul, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and vast open steppes, skilled hunters continue to pass down this ancient art from generation to generation.
1. The Eagle Chooses Its Master
A true bürkütchi (eagle hunter) doesn’t just take an eagle—it must accept him. Young eagles are taken from their nests at about 3-4 months old, but if the bird doesn’t bond with its hunter, it is released back into the wild. 🤯