In the high valleys of Kyrgyzstan, the golden eagle is far more than a bird. It is a partner, a symbol, and a living legacy. Between nomadic traditions and ecological challenges, this ancestral art reveals the rare alliance between humankind and the wind.
Article by Damien Lafon & Photographs by Quentin Tournier
The eagles of Kyrgyzstan, kings of peaks and wind
Kyrgyzstan, a land of mountains and steppes, is home to one of the world’s most impressive birds of prey: the golden eagle. Majestic and formidable, Aquila chrysaetos soars at over 3,000 meters above sea level. Its wings, spanning more than two meters, allow it to cross entire valleys with ease. For centuries, Kyrgyz nomads have admired its strength and loyalty. Thus, the bird has become a cornerstone of their identity. It embodies freedom, power, and the wisdom of the peoples of the steppe.
In these mountains, hunters known as berkutchi learn to raise and train an eagle from a very young age. The process demands extreme patience. The bird is first hand-fed, gently tamed by voice and gesture. Then, an unbreakable bond forms one built on trust and discipline. Through this training, the eagle becomes able to spot prey from kilometers away, dive at nearly 200 km/h, and seize it in a single strike. This partnership illustrates perfect harmony between animal instinct and human skill. Yet behind such mastery lies a deeper, spiritual relationship a mutual respect forged through centuries.
Did you know?Female golden eagles used for hunting can weigh up to seven kilograms, almost twice as much as males. Their extraordinary strength allows them to capture a full-grown fox in mid-flight.
The art of training the eagles of Kyrgyzstan
Training an eagle is a rite. Each master carefully selects a chick, often a female, as they are stronger and more loyal. Then the bird learns to hunt foxes, hares, and sometimes even wolves. The learning process lasts several years and demands near-military discipline. At each stage, communication relies on precise gestures, whistles, and silent understanding. Beyond technique, eagle rearing preserves knowledge passed from father to son. This intergenerational bond reflects a rare respect for nature and the transmission of ancestral wisdom.
However, eagle hunting is no longer a question of survival. Today, it has become a living art celebrated across the country. The most famous event, the Salbuurun Festival, takes place every year near Lake Issyk-Kul. The best berkutchi compete in spectacular demonstrations, showcasing precision, speed, and the deep connection between hunter and bird. These events attract tourists and photographers from around the world. Kyrgyzstan thus stands as guardian of an intangible heritage brought into the modern era. Yet the question of ethics and animal welfare remains at the heart of contemporary debates.
Did you know?A trained eagle remains loyal to its master for more than ten years. After this time, it is traditionally released back into the wild a gesture symbolizing freedom and the hunter’s gratitude toward his companion.
The conservation challenges of Kyrgyzstan’s eagles
Despite their mythical aura, the eagles of Kyrgyzstan face several threats. First, the decline of prey due to climate change disrupts their breeding cycles. Then, deforestation and the fragmentation of the steppes reduce their nesting territories. In addition, some young eagles are illegally captured for tourism or commercial falconry. Lastly, the lack of clear regulation on rearing weakens the transmission of traditional knowledge. Still, several NGOs and local initiatives work to protect these raptors and guide the practice responsibly. Such efforts help preserve a delicate balance between cultural heritage and ecological ethics.
At dawn, in the cold of the Tian Shan mountains, a berkutchi raises his gloved arm toward the sky. The eagle takes flight, cuts through the air, then vanishes into the golden light. In that instant, man and bird become one. Together, they extend an alliance forged over millennia one of respect, courage, and freedom. The eagles of Kyrgyzstan represent not only tradition; they remind us that a harmonious coexistence with nature remains possible, even in a changing world.
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