Throat singing, known as zhirau, became widely popular among the Karakalpaks towards the end of the 18th century. This period also marked the beginning of significant developments in Karakalpak literature and music. Prominent figures such as Djien-zhirau (1730-1784) and Kunkhodzhi (1799-1880) were key representatives of this era. Their performances, enriched with emotive music, added a poignant and unique twist to their poems and epics, often recounting the somber history of the Karakalpak people forced to migrate from their homelands.
The Karakalpaks have a long history of valuing freedom, and this is a recurring theme in their music. During the 18th and 19th centuries, they fought for independence from Kazakh and Khiva khans. After being defeated by Kazakh Khan Abulkhair, the Karakalpaks were compelled to migrate towards Tashkent and Khorezm. The poem «The Wandering Nation» by Djien-zhirau captures this tragic period and is still performed by zhirau singers in his honor.
Adzhiniyaz, a renowned 19th-century poet and bakshi, is celebrated for his patriotic, humanistic, and philosophical works. His famous pieces like «Buzatau,» which depicts the Karakalpak’s pilgrimage, and «Dzhigits» highlight his deep connection to his people and their struggles.
Berdakh (Berdymurad Kargabay ogly) is another seminal figure in Karakalpak literature and music. Inspired by great poets like Navoi and Fuzuli, Berdakh began his artistic journey at 18, combining poetry with the music of the dombra. His works, rich in patriotic and historical themes, solidified his reputation as one of the most skilled bakshi singers.
Karakalpak music is diverse, with different types of musical works known as kosik. These include ritual songs such as lullabies, funeral dirges, wedding songs (like synsu, bet ashar, and korimlik), as well as love lyrics and historical ballads.
Throat singing (zhirau) plays a significant role in Karakalpak music, with performers often narrating lyric poems and stories of historical and mythological significance. A zhirau singer must be a poet, storyteller, and musician, and several schools of zhirau singing have developed over the centuries. The Djien-zhirau school, existing for over two centuries, is particularly renowned.
The primary instrument used by Karakalpak zhirau singers is the kobyz, an ancient stringed bow instrument prevalent among Turkic peoples. The kobyz, with its unique structure and inimitable sound, is crafted from horsehair strings that produce a resonant and atmospheric Eastern melody.
