In Kyrgyzstan, traditional ritual practices associated with sacred sites were neglected due to rapid social change and a lack of social recognition. To address this situation, ritual practitioners, pilgrims, and guardians worked together to create an inventory to safeguard these practices. This initiative documented around 1,230 sacred sites and 35 rituals for the national inventory of living heritage, trained over 85 community members in inventorying methods, and developed a safeguarding manual. Additionally, videos showcasing community rituals were broadcast nationwide. These efforts demonstrated the importance of collaboration among NGOs, government, universities, and media, empowering communities and strengthening their cultural identity.
© Cholpomai UG, Aigine CRC, 2019
What was the need?
Pilgrimages to sacred sites and ritual practices, a defining element of nomadic culture, are an integral part of the cultural identity and heritage of the Kyrgyz people, shaping their attitudes toward each other and nature. Although banned during the Soviet era, these rituals were passed down and are still practiced by many pilgrims. However, the rituals were poorly documented and not considered important for the country. In addition, rapid social change linked to urbanization and social media, as well as marginalization under the influence of radical religious movements, threatened their transmission to younger generations. The Aigine Cultural Research Center, in close collaboration with Kyrgyz communities, initiated the documentation and identification of sacred sites and associated ritual practices.
‘The involvement of communities in the design of the project ensures that the issues identified and the safeguarding measures chosen truly reflect the needs and preferences of the community members and other stakeholders, as they are the ones who understand the real situation from within.’
NGO Aigine Cultural Research Center
© Cholpomai UG, Aigine CRC, 2019
What approaches were implemented?
The inventorying methodology was structured in four stages, covering seven provinces in the country:
- Stage 0 involved the formation of a steering committee consisting of community representatives, academics, and experts, who conducted an extensive desk review and needs assessment, identified gaps, and planned safeguarding measures.
- Stage I focused on establishing regional coordinators and local working groups in each participating province. The emphasis at this stage was on building participants’ capacity in inventorying methodologies and laying the groundwork for fieldwork at selected sacred sites.
- Stage II involved on-site workshops at the sacred sites, where local practitioners could reassess the relevance of the planned measures. Photos and videos for documentation were produced, along with a first draft of a safeguarding manual. This stage also included awareness campaigns, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
- Stage III focused on finalizing the safeguarding manual, incorporating feedback from working groups. The manual engages readers by providing a virtual pilgrimage through the sacred sites (see link below).
This process was supported by International Assistance from the 2003 Convention’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund (2018-2020).
‘Inscription in the inventory gives much hope for the community members to safeguard their living heritage practices. Also, the awareness-raising activities and publication of the manual contribute greatly to spreading understanding, building dialogue, and nourishing acceptance of ancient rituals and pilgrimages as communities’ intangible cultural heritage.’
NGO Aigine Cultural Research Center
© Cholpomai UG, Aigine CRC, 2019
How did it work?
The inventorying process trained over 85 community members and stakeholders through seven on-site workshops. Some 1,230 sacred sites and 35 rituals were inventoried for inclusion in the national inventory, and the safeguarding manual was published in Russian and Kyrgyz. Additionally, nine videos showcasing sacred sites, ritual practices and community stories were broadcast online and aired on national TV (see below).
The collaboration with local communities, stakeholders and institutional partners, including Kyrgyz Radio TV, was crucial for enhancing the visibility and recognition of these practices. These efforts helped strengthen the network of practitioners, building their capacities and raising awareness of their heritage significance. The inventorying process provided bearers with a strong foundation for proudly practicing their living heritage. It has empowered communities, boosting their self-esteem, sense of identity and ownership. Additionally, the safeguarding manual now serves as a practical resource for integrating living heritage into education and promoting intergenerational transmission.
© Cholpomai UG, Aigine CRC, 2019
How was the community involved?
With the coordination and technical support of the Aigine Cultural Research Centre, community members participated in all activities, including identification, research, development of safeguarding measures, manual revision, video production, etc. Community members were also part of the steering committee and representatives from each province were appointed as regional coordinators. They proposed the sacred sites to be inventoried and selected participants for the on-site workshops, including sacred site guardians, traditional healers, epic singers, pilgrims, scholars and experts. During the workshops, participants collaboratively identified the risks and threats facing the selected sacred sites and pilgrimage practices and developed safeguarding measures to address them.
Contacts for sharing experience
Aigine Cultural Research Center
93 Toktogul St., 720040, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Languages for contact: English, Kyrgyz and Russian
+996 312 664832; +996 312 661951
office@aigine.kg, aiza@aigine.kg
