Kazakhstan hosts Falconry competition to revive hunting tradition

Participants from ten countries, including Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Russia, and Spain, competed in the first Open Asian Falconry Cup as part of the Shygys Salburyny International Festival.

The two-day event in Kazakhstan showcased traditional hunting techniques using golden eagles, hawks, and saker falcons, a practice known as qusbegilik. Around 15,000 people watched falconers and other athletes compete in events like sighthound races and horseback archery.

Serikbolsyn Zhalgasuly of the Zhambyl Region won the golden eagle competition, with Zaki Makhmudkhan winning the hawk competition and Temirali Tolegenuly taking the title for saker falconry. Golden eagle hunters, called berkutchi, displayed their skills alongside other falconers. Organisers held the event to preserve Kazakhstan’s centuries-old hunting heritage and gain international recognition for these traditions. They believe the competition will help ensure these skills continue for future generations.