Aitysh

Aitysh

 

(in Kirghiz; aitys in Kazakh), one of the traditional forms of sung folk poetry, performed at public contests of akyns [poet-improvisers and singers]. Aitysh is a dynamic genre, requiring considerable inventiveness and improvisational skill. The Soviet akyns Dzhambul, Nurpeus, Isa, and others have developed the best traditions of the aitysh, which was created in the 19th century.

WORKS

Aitys, vol. 1. Alma-Ata, 1942.
Step’ poet. Alma-Ata, 1958.
Kostanai akyndarynyng aitysy. Kystanai, 1958.
Karaghandy obi. akyndarynyng aitysy. Karaganda, 1958.
Aitys, vols. 1–3. Alma-Ata, 1965–66.

REFERENCES

Auezov, M., and L. Sobolev, “Fol’klor i epos kazakhskogo naroda.” Literaturnyi kritik, 1939, nos. 10–11; 1940, no. 1.
Ismailov, E. Akyny. Alma-Ata, 1957.
Fabdullin, M. Kazakh khalkynyng auyzë debieti. Alma-Ata, 1958.
Kyrgyz sovet adabiiatynyn tarykhynyn ocherki. Frunze, 1960.