The first Open Asian Cup in hunting with birds of prey, Shygys Salburyny 2026, was held in the village of Bozanbay in the Ulan District of the East Kazakhstan Region. Organised for the fifth time, the international festival brought together masters of traditional hunting, admirers of national culture and guests from different countries.
This year, the event welcomed representatives from Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Russia, China, Hungary, Spain, Georgia, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. A total of 176 eagle hunters and 52 Tazy breeders and trainers demonstrated their skills.
Kusbegilik, the traditional art of hunting with birds of prey, reflects the centuries-old experience of the Kazakh people, their worldview, close relationship with nature and respect for tradition. Events of this scale help preserve national heritage, pass it on to younger generations, strengthen the ethnocultural environment and promote international cultural dialogue.
D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University actively supports initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting national heritage. At the festival, the university presented its Digital Yurt and demonstrated the potential of artificial intelligence and digital solutions for exploring ethnic history. The project showed how modern technologies can be used to study, systematise and present cultural heritage in new formats.
EKTU students from different regions of Kazakhstan, along with international students, also participated in the festival. They had an opportunity to learn more about the culture and traditions of the Kazakh people, experience the art of hunting with birds of prey and become part of an international cultural exchange. Such experiences broaden students’ spiritual and ethnocultural outlook, encourage respect for historical heritage and strengthen their civic responsibility and understanding of national identity.
This approach reflects Abai’s concept of “Tolyk Adam”. The university considers its mission to extend beyond training knowledgeable and qualified professionals. It also seeks to nurture responsible, spiritually mature and open-minded individuals who understand and value their cultural roots.
For the students, Shygys Salburyny was more than a cultural event. It became a meaningful educational platform that helped them gain a deeper understanding of history, tradition and their place in contemporary life. Bringing cultural heritage together with modern technology creates new opportunities to preserve and develop it in formats that engage younger generations.
