The Epic of Manas

The Epic of Manas stands as a cornerstone of Kyrgyz culture and is renowned as one of the longest epic poems globally, dwarfing even Homer’s Odyssey by a factor of twenty. This monumental tale chronicles the life of Manas, a legendary warrior, along with the exploits of his son and grandson. Originally conveyed through oral tradition by performers known as manaschi, the epic was first transcribed in the 1800s, with the complete version published in the 1920s. Since then, it has been translated into numerous languages and published both within the Soviet Union and internationally.

The epic begins with Manas, who is believed to have originated in the Talas Region. Central to the narrative are his efforts to unite the disparate tribes and establish a homeland for his people. His wife, Kanykei, a wise and noble figure from Samarkand, and his loyal advisor, Bakai, play significant roles in the story. The subsequent sections of the epic follow the heroic deeds of Manas’s son, Semetei, and his grandson, Seitek, as they continue the battle to secure their legacy.

A mausoleum in Talas is traditionally believed to house Manas’s remains. During renovations in 1969, the discovery of a male skeleton was made, despite the mausoleum’s inscription indicating it was intended for a woman. According to the epic, Kanykei and Bakai chose to bury Manas under a false name to protect his resting place from desecration by his enemies, a practice common at the time to ensure the preservation of one’s legacy.

Whether or not Manas was a historical figure, his influence on contemporary Kyrgyzstan is profound. The national flag features 40 rays of the sun, symbolizing the 40 tribes that Manas united, forming the first Kyrgyz state. Numerous landmarks honor Manas, including Manas International Airport, Manas Prospect, and Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University in Bishkek. Manas Peak, standing at 4,482 meters (14,704 feet), is the highest point in the Talas Range, and the minor planet 3349 Manas, discovered by a Soviet astronomer in 1979, is named in his honor.

Statues of Manas are scattered throughout the country, celebrating his enduring legacy. In Bishkek, a prominent statue depicts Manas on his magical horse, vanquishing a dragon, in front of the Philharmonia. Surrounding this statue are busts of Kanykei, Bakai, and some of the most renowned manaschi, including Bokonbaev, Toktogul, and Togolok Moldo, who also have streets named after them in Bishkek. Another statue of Manas stands next to the official flagpole on Ala-Too Square, reinforcing his status as a central figure in Kyrgyz national identity.