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Epic of Manas: Kirgiz heroic legacy
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
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The epic Manas, a monumental piece of oral tradition among the Kirgiz people, has been passed down through generations since the 16th century in regions like Xinjiang’s Kizilsu and Ili prefectures, as well as in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Afganistan.
Centered on the warrior Manas, the epic chronicles the lives of his descendants over eight generations. Typically performed by a solo singer, sometimes accompanied by a komuz or a chorus, Manas was recognized by UNESCO in 2009 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
