International Accolade Granted to New York Photographer for Stunning Falconry Snaps Taken in Kazakhstan
A Fresh Take on Eagle Hunting in Kazakhstan
Meet Karolina Wojtasik, a U.S. photographer who recently ventured into the heart of Kazakhstan to document the captivating art of kusbegilik—the ancient practice of hunting with birds of prey. Her stunning images, replete with the deep-rooted essence of Kazakh culture, bagged the prestigious Communication Arts Awards last month, she announced on social media.
The backdrop for this epic journey? The verdant landscapes of the Almaty Region, nestled in the picturesque village of Kurty and the foot of the Ile Alatau. Here, seasoned berkutchi (falconers), the guardians of this timeless tradition, shared their centuries-old secrets with Wojtasik. Through her lens, she documented breathtaking moments of humans and birds locking eyes in a dance as old as time itself.
"These world-class berkutchi, champions in their craft, illuminated the Kazakh spirit for an eager outsider," reported Kazakh Tourism national company. With each click, Wojtasik not only captured the aesthetic appeal of this ancient sport but also its profound meaning, rooted in centuries of heritage and tradition.
Wojtasik's series, unveiled at an international competition, has sparked curiosity worldwide, shedding light on the hidden treasures of Kazakh culture.
Beyond a photography maestro, Wojtasik is a well-decorated artist, boasting the coveted Lucie Award, the photography world's equivalent of an Oscar.
For those yearning to uncover more about the eagle-related customs of the Kazakhs, including an exclusive video on Burabay and eagle hunting, dive into The Astana Times YouTube channel. Catch the video here or read the accompanying article here. As the ancient sport of kusbegilik persists in holding a revered position in contemporary Kazakh culture, it truly embodies the resilience and endurance of this unique nomadic tradition.
Unveiling Kusbegilik: More than Meets the Eye
Delve deeper into the heart of kusbegilik, the Kazakh art of hunting with golden eagles:
Historical RootsKusbegilik is a tradition deeply ingrained in the nomadic lifestyle of Central Asia, stretching back many centuries. This practice centers around humans and eagles—most notably the golden eagle—forming a harmonious partnership that reflects the cultural ingenuity and the intimate relationship between the Kazakhs and their natural environment.
Cultural SymbolismPulling more than just a hunting method, kusbegilik represents a respected cultural heritage and a cherished symbol of Kazakh identity. The art is passed down through generations, with berkutchi (falconers) dedicating their lives to raising and training these magnificent birds. They are considered the custodians of tradition and celebrated for their skill and dedication within Kazakh society.
Sacred Bonds and Contemporary RelevanceKnown for its aesthetics and the powerful bond it portrays between humans and nature, this timeless art remains a vital aspect of modern Kazakh culture. International attention, spurred by awards and documentaries, has brought global attention to this unique aspect of Kazakh heritage, with events and competitions showcasing the skills and traditions of eagle hunting, further cementing its significance.
- Karolina Wojtasik, a U.S. artist renowned for her Lucie Award, recently traveled to Kazakhstan in April, capturing breathtaking images of the ancient practice of eagle hunting, known as kusbegilik.
- Her photographs, which encapsulate the deep-rooted essence of Kazakh culture, garnered the prestigious Communication Arts Awards last month.
- The lifestyle of the Almaty Region, with its picturesque villages like Kurty and the Ile Alatau mountains, served as the backdrop for this historic journey, where Wojtasik documented the sacred bond between humans and golden eagles.
- The series of photographs she created, featuring humans and eagles in a dance as old as time, has sparked curiosity worldwide, shedding light on the cultural-travel aspect of Kazakhstan.
- For those interested in exploring more about the eagle-related customs of the Kazakhs, including exclusive videos on Burabay and eagle hunting, The Astana Times YouTube channel is a must-visit destination.
