Traditional knowledge and cultural contexts of making… (Kyrgyzstan)
Nomination: Representative List 2025
EN: Maksym, a Kyrgyz traditional beverage made of coarsely ground wheat, barely or corn. It is a calorie-rich and nutritious beverage beloved by people.
EN: Maksym consists of natural and ecological ingredients such as talkan (e.g. ground wheat), water, salt, some flour and sheep fat.
EN: Usually women are responsable for preparing maksym, while men are responsible for providng ingredients. Nonetheless, these rules are flexible and depend on individual households. Maksym is easy to make and both children and adults drink it with pleasure.
EN: Students of the Kyrgyz National Agricultural University learning about traditional techniques of making maksym and its pecualarities.
EN: A family in a Jailoo pasture is drinking maksym. Maksym is a very refreshing drink that quentches thirst well. That is why, during spring and summer seasons, it helps people to get over the sweltering heat.
EN: Youth drinking maksym during the celebration of Nooruz in 2023. Kyrgystan is a multi-ethnic country, which brings together at least 80 different nationalities. Maksym is well known among all citizens and guest of Kyrgystan and one of the favorite traditional drinks.
EN: Community based research on traditional drinks including maksym are constantly conducted in all regions of Kyrgystan. These activities ensure the participation of communities and the spirit of cooperation between different stakeholders.
EN: Traditionally, the knowledge and skills about maksym were transmitted within the family, from the elders to the youth through the practice of making. During family gatherings or celebrations, people exchange recipes of making or reveal their secret ingredients. The process of making maksym has a symbolic meaning and is also connected with other ICH elements, e.g. blessings.
EN: Maksym is prepared by each household at home to be enough for the entire family. Both urban and rural populations drink maksym with pleasure. It positively affects the human body and its calorie-rich components provide energy and power.
EN: Students are preparing a presentation about maksym and constructing the process of making it from Lego. Nowadays, ICH is promoted and transmitted through school education. Students learn about traditional drinks, including maksym, during regular lessons and prepare research projects on selected elements.
