The Legend of Salbuurun
In ancient times,nomads gathered in groups and rode with their golden eagles,taigan dogs,and bows and arrows to hunt for many days on end. This represents the roots of Salbuurun,or traditional Kyrgyz hunting. These extended hunting trips helped to distinguish the most courageous and dexterous of hunters,as well as the most agile of golden eagles, the most intelligent of taigan dogs and the sturdiest of horses. Salbuurun is a comprehensive hunting game — and the only one in the world — that combines the teamwork of a golden eagle,a taigan dog and traditional archery while on horseback.
Under Soviet times,the techniques and culture behind Salbuurun were discouraged,and this nomadic tradition almost died out. The Salbuurun Federation, based in Bokonbaevo has made considerable effort in the last 10 years to preserve these techniques and traditions and bring them back to life to teach younger generations of their importance to Kyrgyz heritage.