Representative List
CONVENTION FOR THE SAFEGUARDING OF THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR THE
SAFEGUARDING OF THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
Twelfth session
Jeju Island, Republic of Korea 4 to 8 December 2017
Nomination file no. 01294
for inscription in 2017 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
A. State(s) Party(ies)
For multi-national nominations, States Parties should be listed in the order on which they have mutually agreed.
Kyrgyzstan
B. Name of the element
B.1. Name of the element in English or French
Indicate the official name of the element that will appear in published material.
Not to exceed 200 characters
Kok boru, traditional horse game
B.2. Name of the element in the language and script of the community concerned, if applicable
Indicate the official name of the element in the vernacular language corresponding to the official name in English or French (point B.1).
Not to exceed 200 characters
Көк бөрү
B.3. Other name(s) of the element, if any
In addition to the official name(s) of the element (point B.1) mention alternate name(s), if any, by which the element is known.
Ulak-tartysh
C. Name of the communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals concerned
Identify clearly one or several communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals concerned with the nominated element.
Not to exceed 150 words
1. 'Kok-boruchu' are the members of the team of the horse game, the bearers of the element.
Players are primarily men.
2. Regional and National Federations unting the Kok boru traditional horse game bearers and practioners.At present, the community of Kok boru players are united in 16 Higher League teams, 80 semi-professional teams, and over 600 amateur teams practising the element in the villages of Kyrgyzstan.
3. Public in general.
D.
Geographical location and range of the element
Provide information on the distribution of the element within the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s), indicating if possible the location(s) in which it is centred. Nominations should concentrate on the situation of the element within the territories of the submitting States, while acknowledging the existence of same or similar elements outside their territories, and submitting States should not refer to the viability of such intangible cultural heritage outside their territories or characterize the safeguarding efforts of other States.
Not to exceed 150 words
In all regions of Kyrgyzstan: Batken, Chui, Issykkul, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, Osh, Talas, as well as in some regions of other countries where ethnic Kyrgyz people live (Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, Tadjikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan).
E. Contact person for correspondence
E.1. Designated contact person
Provide the name, address and other contact information of a single person responsible for all correspondence concerning the nomination. For multi-national nominations provide complete contact information for one person designated by the States Parties as the main contact person for all correspondence relating to the nomination.
Title (Ms/Mr, etc.): Ms
Family name: Korchueva Given name: Elnura
Institution/position: Secretary-General, National Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic for UNESCO
Address: 54, Erkindik, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic Telephone number: +996 312 62 67 61
E-mail address: [email protected]
E.2. Other contact persons (for multi-national files only)
Provide below complete contact information for one person in each submitting State, other than the primary contact person identified above.
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1. Identification and definition of the element
For Criterion R.1, the States shall demonstrate that ‘the element constitutes intangible cultural heritage as defined in Article 2 of the Convention’.
Tick one or more boxes to identify the domain(s) of intangible cultural heritage manifested by the element, which might include one or more of the domains identified in Article 2.2 of the Convention. If you tick ‘other(s)’, specify the domain(s) in brackets.
oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage performing arts
social practices, rituals and festive events
knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe traditional craftsmanship
other(s) ( )
This section should address all the significant features of the element as it exists at present, and should include:
a. an explanation of its social functions and cultural meanings today, within and for its community, b. the characteristics of the bearers and practitioners of the element,
c. any specific roles, including gender or categories of persons with special responsibilities towards the element,
d. the current modes of transmission of the knowledge and skills related to the element.
The Committee should receive sufficient information to determine:
a. that the element is among the ‘practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills — as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith —’;
b. ‘that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize [it] as part of their cultural heritage’;
c. that it is being ‘transmitted from generation to generation, [and] is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history’;
d. that it provides communities and groups involved with ‘a sense of identity and continuity’; and
e. that it is not incompatible with ‘existing international human rights instruments as well as with the requirements of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, and of sustainable development’.
Overly technical descriptions should be avoided and submitting States should keep in mind that this section must explain the element to readers who have no prior knowledge or direct experience of it. Nomination files need not address in detail the history of the element, or its origin or antiquity.
(i) Provide a brief summary description of the element that can introduce it to readers who have never seen or experienced it.
Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words
Various types of traditional games began to be revived and practised in the beginning of the 20th century. It concerns Kok boru traditional horse game. Kok boru is a synthesis of traditional practices, performance, and the game.
‘Kok-boru’ is a traditional game played by two teams on horseback, where the players try to maneuver with a a goat's carcass, or ‘ulak’ and score by putting it into the opponents' goal, or
‘tai-kazan,’ while riding on their horse companions. Modern games last for 60 minutes, with 3 periods of 20 minutes each. The team scoring most ulaks into the opponent's tai-kazan wins.
A codification of modernized rules and regulations in terms of securing safety of the players and the horses has started to manage domestic competitions in 2000s. The system of developed rules and penalties ensure safety for participants of the game. Nowadays, the goat's carcass is replaced by a moulage.
The traditional forms of the game (named ‘alaman’, ‘dodo’, ‘jatma’ and ‘jayiltma’) are played using unwritten rules and unlimited space along with a contemorary one.
(ii) Who are the bearers and practitioners of the element? Are there any specific roles, including gender or categories of persons with special responsibilities for the practice and transmission of the element? If yes, who are they and what are their responsibilities?
Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words
Bearers of the element are players of Kok boru, which ensure its sustainability and significance.
They are primarily young men.
The main role of the trainers are in transmission of the element. Trainers provide horse riding skills, explain special features and rules that are core of the game.
The most experienced and known ones serve as the referees (kalystars).
There is other category, so called ‘Kalystar’ (elders), which ensure fairness principles of the game. Disputes are solved by the group of elders and with participation of all teams thus, expressing equality in decision-making. There are Referee Corps, which participate in official games and monitors compliance with approved rules and regulations.
Kok boru would not be sustainable game without special knowledge, techniques and means.
Two categories of horsekeepers are observed among the practitioners. There are ‘synchy’ or connoisseur, who select horses and ‘sayapkers’ for horse training and care. For instance, Myrzakmatov Taalai - connoisseur; Sardybaev Marat – sayapker. The goal of horse training is to teach a horse that is safe for bearers of the element, to handle and able to perform to benefit of players and horses as well. Specialists responsible for preparing the gear create comfortable and safe atmosphere for both, the player and the horse.
(iii) How are the knowledge and skills related to the element transmitted today?
Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words
The specific features and knowledge concerning the element has been mainly transmitted in a natural way through demonstration. They are also transmitted to the players though participation in festive and social events in ordinary life, and to the audiences as well, through their ability of embracement as a mean of pleasure and traditional sport type, a subject of perception of the culture.
Both, at the professional and amateur levels, the transmission is enhanced by formal and informal components of the game. Along with the nuances of strategy and tactics, coaches transmit the knowledge on rules and behavioral norms in the game and towards the horse.
Kok boru players are mostly representatives of the rural culture and able to stand on a horse well from the childhood. At the initial stage trainers teach young players how to keep saddle and maneuver while moving quick, throwing techniques, horse care, gear use. The important component of knowledge transfer at the beginning is to inculcate principles of ethics and moral to the players as well.
The next stage of the training includes direct participation in games under the supervision of the coach. Thus, players improve their physical skills and at the same time, widen their knowledge about traditional components of the practice.
The growth of the number of followers of the Kok boru, including the bearers of the element and those from the public indicates close interaction among them, thus, contributing to the transmission of culture of the game in a more broad understanding.
(iv) What social functions and cultural meanings does the element have today for its community?
Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words
Kok boru is an expression of cultural and historical tradition and is spiritual identity of its practitioners. It attracts a large number of audience and each of them interprets is in his/her own way. For the public in general, it is, undoubtedly, more than just a traditional game. It is a competition, which consolidates concerned communities regardless of the self-identification and of social status.
The game fosters a culture of teamwork, responsibility, respect for players of the opponent team through the game itself and transmission of knowledge between all bearers of the element. The game requires not only physical but, life skills as well, such as the expression of patience towards and respect for the animal as from the players and other practitioners of the element as well.
In this regard, the Ethic code of ‘Kok boruchuu’ plays an important role for the development of life skills. It is, by its nature, bears informal character i.e. the player accepts and follows it voluntarily. However, each player tries to pursue the philosophy of honour and fairness. It also concerns the ‘ethics’ of behavior towards the horse whereby horses are perceived and recognized as partners of the players, not the instrument of the game or the player. All these help to foster socially responsible personality.
(v) Is there any part of the element that is not compatible with existing international human rights instruments or with the requirement of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, or with sustainable development?
Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words
Kok boru sets sets no restrictions that may undermine existing international human rights instruments as it is based on rights to cultural heritage, principles of fairness, moral and honor.
The nature of the game neccessitates the strong physical skills from its players and as any traditional equestrian practices carries some risks. Therefore becoming kok-boruchuu is one’s choice and voluntary decision.
It is also does not restrict any women to participate in practices related to Kok boru.
There are also cases, when people with limited health disabilities or representatives of ethnic groups participate in life of the community. They perceive the game as a part of their culture as well. For instance, Ruslan Bokonbaev, a man with a congenital defect of the right hand, is a Higher League player of the Kok boru. Mutasov Maksim and Abdymominov Azizjon are representatives of the Russian and Uzbek nationalities. Such practices help to promote dialogue, respect for other cultures, sustainable development of the person as society as a whole.
Thus, the element and its components are compatible with international instruments on human rights and meets the requirements of mutual respect among concerned communities.
2. Contribution to ensuring visibility and awareness and to encouraging dialogue
For Criterion R.2, the States shall demonstrate that ‘Inscription of the element will contribute to ensuring visibility and awareness of the significance of the intangible cultural heritage and to encouraging dialogue, thus reflecting cultural diversity worldwide and testifying to human creativity’. This criterion will only be considered to be satisfied if the nomination demonstrates how the possible inscription will contribute to ensuring visibility and awareness of the significance of the intangible cultural heritage in general, and not only of the inscribed element itself, and to encouraging dialogue which respects cultural diversity.
(i) How can inscription of the element on the Representative List contribute to the visibility of the intangible cultural heritage in general and raise awareness of its importance at the local, national and international levels?
Not fewer than 100 or more than 150 words
The inscription of Kok boru in the RL will contribute to ensuring visibility and importance of the ICH as a part of cultural heritage recognized by different communities in Kyrgyzstan and may become an indispensable part of the world culture.
Being an example of the competition based on fairness, honour and respect, it helps to strengthen the self-identity of its bearers in a multicultural world, and thus, raises its significance.
Moreover, the components of the element are reflected in literature, films, art works, and in folk art works as well, thus, serving as a mean for intercultural dialogue and exchange.
The inscription will ensure visibility of the element at international level and as it embodies a strong spiritual component, expressed in connection between communities, cultures, and animals as well, thus, contributing to the sustainable development. These values are equally important at all levels: local, national, and international.
(ii) How can inscription encourage dialogue among communities, groups and individuals?
Not fewer than 100 or more than 150 words
The status of ICH element of world’s significance will help to strengthen feelings of empathy and and pride by and among concerned communities, and of the feeling of belonging to the world’s culture. It will encourage dialogue and interaction among them though implementation of joint activities on safeguarding and transmission of knowledge and practices, thus, popularizing and ensuring viability of the element in the future.
The inscription may contribute to the dialogue and cooperation to develop links between and among bearers, business community, and governmental and research organizations. For instance, to develop modern playgrounds and facilities adapted to ensure well being of bearers and horses. Such facilities may also promote the development of formal education as now the element is transmitted mostly in an informal way.
(iii) How can inscription promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity?
Not fewer than 100 or more than 150 words
The inscription will strengthen the existing inter-exchange and dialogue among concerned communities and will become a demonstration of respect to the bearers of the element at the international level.
Kok-boru is very multifaceted and entertaining. Its components exemplify cultural peculiarities that are expressed in spiritual and traditional knowledge, which are, for instance, may be found in crafting horse equipment and outfit of the bearers.
The inscription, by promoting a dialogue among concerned communities, groups or individuals will become the example of respect to the national and world’s culture, human creativity that are attributable to the other ICH elements, forms of cultural expressions, and art works.
The inscription will help the bearer communities to produce cultural products, thus, promoting human creativity, national and world culture. This, in its turn, will improve a well-being of concerned communities that impacts the sustainable development positively.
3. Safeguarding measures
For Criterion R.3, the States shall demonstrate that ‘safeguarding measures are elaborated that may protect and promote the element’.
3.a. Past and current efforts to safeguard the element
(i) How is the viability of the element being ensured by the concerned communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals? What past and current initiatives have they taken in this regard?
Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words
Efforts of the communities practising Kok boru contribute to the viability of the element with the aim to protect and promote further. These efforts are implemented through:
- transmission of traditional knowledge and skills by individuals, Kok boru bearers;
- participation in research works. Bearers and other concerned communities serve as informators in inventorying and documentation and actors in videodocumentation at the national level;
- membership in public organizations, thus, strenghening institutionalization process to safeguard the element;
- provision of necessary territory, infrastructure and horses to the bearers by the local administrations. There are special training camps operating in some localities used for horse riding and Kok boru as well.
The National Kok-Boru Federation uniting all regional federations was established in 1998 and participate in the development and organization of activities to protect and promote the element.
The most experienced representatives of concerned communities participated in the development of the rules of the game, which were approved by the Federation and Directorate of National Kinds of Sports.
At present, discussions on granting the status of a document to the ethics code of Kokboruchu are going on at various levels.
Bearers and practitioners participated in drafting of the Law on National Kinds of Sports (2003) and the National Program on ICH Preservation (2012).
The practitioners have published informational materials dedicated to the history, rules, regional features of the game along with instructions for the players on nutrition and horse care.
Tick one or more boxes to identify the safeguarding measures that have been and are currently being taken by the communities, groups or individuals concerned:
transmission, particularly through formal and non-formal education identification, documentation, research
preservation, protection promotion, enhancement revitalization
(ii) How have the concerned States Parties safeguarded the element? Specify external or internal constraints, such as limited resources. What are its past and current efforts in this regard?
Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words
Efforts to safeguard, protect, and popularize the element at national level are provided below.
The legal framework on the ICH safeguarding is developed and updated on a regular basis.
- Law on Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Kyrgyz Republic was adopted in 2012;
- Law on National Kinds of Sports was adopted in 2003;
- Culture Development Programme of the Kyrgyz Republic up to 2020 (Governmental Decree
№736, 27.10.2015);
- Regulations on the Classification of the ICH elements is approved by the governmental decree on 5 August 2015; the National ICH Inventory was approved by the same governmental decree in which Kok boru is registered under #29;
The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic has established institutions on the ICH safeguarding.
These are the Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism, ICH National Committee, Directorate on the National Sports under the State Agency for Youth Affairs, Physical Culture, and Sports.
The latter actively works with the Kok Boru National Federation, which is a public organization.
The project on the ICH video-documentation is being implemented by the National Commission for UNESCO and Institute of Language and Literature supported by the international partners. It is also aimed at producing visual materials for educational purposes, including Kok boru traditional horse game (2015-2017).
Starting from 2014 governmental structures are involved in infrastructure development projects in cultural sphere, including construction of the modern hippodrome for horse games.
There are no constrains related to the safeguarding of Kok boru as it is one of the country priorities.
Tick one or more boxes to identify the safeguarding measures that have been and are currently being taken by the State(s) Party(ies) with regard to the element:
transmission, particularly through formal and non-formal education identification, documentation, research
preservation, protection promotion, enhancement
revitalization
3.b. Safeguarding measures proposed
This section should identify and describe safeguarding measures that will be implemented, especially those intended to protect and promote the element. The safeguarding measures should be described in terms of concrete engagements of the States Parties and communities and not only in terms of possibilities and potentialities.
(i) What measures are proposed to help to ensure that the element’s viability is not jeopardized in the future, especially as an unintended result of inscription and the resulting visibility and public attention?
Not fewer than 500 or more than 750 words
Ensuring the viability of the element is one of the most important parts of cultural policy of the Government of Kyrgyzstan.
In this view, state and non-governmental organizations, bearers and practitioners of the ICH are involved in activities to safeguard, transmit and popularize them. Measures to protect such heritage aimed at ensuring their transmission and protection, and protecting their value and significance against any deterioration or loss of as well.
Measures to ensure further safeguarding, transmission, and promotion of the Kok boru traditional horse game taken at different levels are directed to transmitting the knowledge and skills continuously, thus, contributing to the sustainable practice of the element. These measures are the following.
In the framework of the legislation and of institutions dealing with the ICH issues, the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic has established the Steering Committee under the State Committee on the ICH to follow up the nomination on the Kok boru traditional horse game and ensure implementation of activities planned to promote Kok boru by the concerned organizations in 2012-2015.
Measures planned (some have been implemented) to ensure the viability of the element:
1. Education, capacity building, and knowledge transmission
- ensuring organizational and resource support to the existing training camps/centers for the horse riding and games established in 2013-2015 at different localities;
- ensure establishment of the modernized training camps in Batken, Jalalabat, and Naryn oblasts of the county (starting from 2016);
- secure funds and institutional support for the amateur teams at the local and national levels to carry out the public awareness activities including the importance and need for human rights and animal rights that are used for social and cultural purposes;
- publication and distribution of on the rules, the Ethic code of the ‘Kok boruchu’ (until the end of 2016) and ensure further support of this activity (responsibility of the Kok boru National Federation);
- development of the methodological materials and organization of trainings for academic staff of the Chair on the National Games under the Kyrgyz State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports.
2. Documentation and Research
- further documentation works of the element with photo and video-fixation in terms of identifying the regional features related to Kok boru, in particular (2016-2017);
- ensure documentation and studies on traditional knowledge on horse breeding, equipment and care (2016-2017);
- updating the data base of the ICH National Inventory on a regular basis;
- preparation of the electronic catalogue on research and literature works containing historical descriptions of Kok boru, its bearers and practitioners and its publication (2016-2018).
3. Popularization
- 4 national and more than 20 competitions are planned for 2016 (by the Directorate and Kok
boru National Federation), except performances during festivities;
- preparation and organization of public lectures on traditional games including Kok boru to popularize and promote a healthy lifestyle through knowledge and skills abortion traditional games at schools and universities;
- producing video content about traditional horse games including Kok boru and their demonstration at different educational and cultural platforms for promotional and educational purposes;
- organization of the “II World Nomad Games”, directed to safeguarding and popularization of the world traditional games including Kok boru (2-9 September 2016);
- the National Commission for UNESCO in cooperation with other national ogranizations are in the process of discussion to organize the International Conference “The Role of Traditional Knowledge and Games of the Nomad Culture in Sustainable Development” (2016-2017);
- the Concept paper of the TV Almanac about games of the Nomad Culture, including Kok boru is prepared by the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic to be produced during 2017.
The nomination dossier “Kok boru, traditional horse game” was referred back to Kyrgyzstan. This fact has not stopped its bearers and practitioners from re-initiating the nomination process and participate in preparation of this nomination afterwards. The nomination has received an unprecedented level of support from its bearers and public in general through various means.
(ii) How will the States Parties concerned support the implementation of the proposed safeguarding measures?
Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words
The Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism and other state organizations worked closely to ensure the widest participation of all concerned communities and individuals practising the element in preparation of measures to safeguard it further. Such measures are planned taking into consideration the opinions of bearers of Kok boru players, local teams, craftsmen, as well as regional federations of Kok boru, and local and regional state administrations. The Steering Committee established under the Ministry include representatives of all concerned communities.
Due to limited time for preparation of the revised Kok boru nomination the mobile groups were established under the supervision of local authorities to discuss all concerned issues regarding this nomination and measures to be taken to safeguard the element
All proposed measures will be incorporated into the National plan for Kok boru Practice, which is beeing further discussed by the concerned state and non-state orgnizations in terms of funding and approved in 2016.
It is also important to note that the measures proposed by the state organizations for the discussion among concerned communities, particularly on the raising awareness and popularization of the nomination during the preparation process, were focused mainly on explaining the importance of appreciation of the significance of Kok boru not only in the context of the local or national culture but, at the international one.
(iii) How have communities, groups or individuals been involved in planning the proposed safeguarding measures, including in terms of gender roles, and how will they be involved in their implementation?
Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words
The nomination dossier “Kok boru, traditional horse game” was referred back to Kyrgyzstan. This fact has not stopped its bearers and practitioners from re-initiating the nomination process and participate in preparation of this nomination afterwards. The nomination has received an unprecedented level of support from its bearers and public in general through various means.
Bearers and pratitioners of the element have participated in preparation of the safeguarding measures as well and their active participation was observed at the national level. Proposed measures including maintaining and safeguarding the Kok boru traditional horse game are incorporated into plans of activities of the Kok Boru regional federations, where the role and responsibility of each concerned community member is identified clearly. Funds for the measures to be implemented are mainly secured by the local community members including Kok
boru players that are in fact wealthy people as they mainly occupied in a horse breeding business. All these, in their turn, will ensure safeguarding measures to be implemented in a proper manner.
3.c. Competent body(ies) involved in safeguarding
Provide the name, address and other contact information of the competent body(ies), and if applicable, the name and title of the contact person(s), with responsibility for the local management and safeguarding of the element.
Name of the body: Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic Name and title of
the contact person: Ms Nazgul Mekeshova, Head, Department of Culture Development in the Regions
Address: 78 Pushkina Str., Bishkek,720040,Kyrgyz Republic Telephone number: +996 (312) 62 35 50
E-mail address: [email protected]
4. Community participation and consent in the nomination process
For Criterion R.4, the States shall demonstrate that ‘the element has been nominated following the widest possible participation of the community, group or, if applicable, individuals concerned and with their free, prior and informed consent’.
4.a. Participation of communities, groups and individuals concerned in the nomination process
Describe how the community, group or, if applicable, individuals concerned have participated actively in preparing and elaborating the nomination at all stages, including the role of gender.
States Parties are encouraged to prepare nominations with the participation of a wide variety of all concerned parties, including where appropriate local and regional governments, communities, NGOs, research institutes, centres of expertise and others. States Parties are reminded that the communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals whose intangible cultural heritage is concerned are essential participants throughout the conception and elaboration of nominations, proposals and requests, as well as the planning and implementation of safeguarding measures, and are invited to devise creative measures to ensure that their widest possible participation is built in at every stage, as required by Article 15 of the Convention.
Not fewer than 300 or more than 500 words
Communities of the Kok-boru bearers and practitioners have taken the initiative to nominate the elements’ nomination for inscription in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and have actively participated in the process of nomination since the beginning of Kok Boru nomination process in 2012. Unsucessful efforts to nominate the element in 2015 have strenghtened and widened the knowledge, especially among the bearers and practitioners of Kok boru, in the field of safeguarding and transmission of the element.
In December 2015, after the decision on Kok botu nomination taken by the 10th session of the ICH Intergovernmental Committee, the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic conducted a meeting to inform on the results of the nomination in 2014-2015.
Discussion on the possibility of renomination of the element in 2016 were mainly fueled by the representatives of Kok boru regional and national federations. As a result of the national meeting, its bearers, heads of regional federations in particular, have indicated their strong will to resubmit the Kok boru nomination. They have also indicated their readiness to participate in the revision of the previous nomination on Kok boru.
In January 2016, the Steering Committee and National Work Group were set up to revise the critical issues raised by the ICH Intergovernmental Committee on nomination documents. The functions of the Steering Committee are to follow up activities for promotion of the nomination at the international level. A composition of the Work Group was approved discussed by the ICH Expert Group (serve as a National ICH Committee under the Ministry) and approved by the Steering Committee, which consist of the representatives of Kok-boru bearers, practitioners, local governments, Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism, Academy of Sciences, and the
Directorate of National Games.
Bearers and practitioners of Kok-boru and relevant federations have participated in preparing and elaborating the nomination at all stages. The Government bodies provided institutional, logistical, informational and financial support.
The pre-final versions of the nomination file were discussed during special meetings, which were organized in different regions of Kyrgyzstan through members of the Work Group at the local level. Information on the nomintation was also posted on the website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism providing wider access to the nomination details and enabling the public to provide their input for safeguarding and popularization of the element.
The official minutes of the nomination file discussions are kept at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
It must be noted that the kok-boru players and other community members have taken active part throughout all stages of the nomination process. They also collected photographs, participated in production of video materials for documentation and the nomination file itself. All local meetings regarding Kok boru nomination process were conducted by concerned communities at their own expense, and on a voluntary basis.
4.b. Free, prior and informed consent to the nomination
The free, prior and informed consent to the nomination of the element from the community, group or, if applicable, individuals concerned may be demonstrated through written or recorded concurrence, or through other means, according to the legal regimens of the State Party and the infinite variety of communities and groups concerned. The Committee will welcome a broad range of demonstrations or attestations of community consent in preference to standard or uniform declarations. Evidence of free, prior and informed consent shall be provided in one of the working languages of the Committee (English or French), as well as the language of the community concerned if its members use languages other than English or French.
Attach to the nomination form information showing such consent and indicate below what documents you are providing, how they were obtained and what form they take. Indicate also the gender of the people providing their consent.
Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words
Free, prior and informed consent to nominate the Kok boru traditional horse game for its inscription in to RL is demonstrated by the consent letters attached to this nomination file, which were prepared on the basis of the strong will of Kok boru bearers and practitioners to promote the element. They were collected, sent and presented to the Work Group from the representatives of all regions of Kyrgyzstan.
The most bearers and practitioners of Kok boru reside in the rural areas of the country;
therefore, some of their consent letters are in a hand-written form.
The consent to nominate Kok boru traditional game for inscription in the RL is expressed in the following documents:
1. Statement of participation and agreement of the Kok-boru community and its bearers with the nomination file in Kyrgyz and Russian languages with English languages.
2. Consent letter of the representatives of the Kok-boru bearers and practitioners, as well as individuals in Kyrgyz language and their English translations.
Notes: 1. The community consent letters to support “Kok boru, traditional horse game”
nomination dossier in 2014 can not be attached to it as they are kept in the Secretariat of the Convention.
2. The widest support of the nomination is also expressed in the opinions of the public that have been observed in the social media networks since the first submission of nomination in 2014.
4.c. Respect for customary practices governing access to the element
Access to certain specific aspects of intangible cultural heritage or to information about it is sometimes restricted by customary practices enacted and conducted by the communities in order, for example, to maintain the secrecy of certain knowledge. If such practices exist, demonstrate that inscription of the element and implementation of the safeguarding measures would fully respect such customary practices governing access to specific aspects of such heritage (cf. Article 13 of the Convention). Describe any specific measures that might need to be taken to ensure such
respect.
If no such practices exist, please provide a clear statement that there are no customary practices governing access to the element in at least 50 words
Not fewer than 50 or more than 250 words
There are no aspects of the customary practices regarding the element itself. It is observed and demonstrated by the open and unlimited access to such resources, which is provided by the most bearers and practitioners of the element, including institutional bodies through various means.
Wide and open access is also provided by the academic institutions, which collect and publish various information resources regarding the ICH in general and Kok boru in particular.
However, it is important to note that some methods and techniques of the horse breeding practices that are used for the games or performances in general, are mostly kept in a secret by the family members of practitioners.
4.d. Concerned community organization(s) or representative(s)
Provide detailed contact information for each community organization or representative, or other non-governmental organization, that is concerned with the element such as associations, organizations, clubs, guilds, steering committees, etc.:
a. Name of the entity
b. Name and title of the contact person c. Address
d. Telephone number e. E-mail
f. Other relevant information
1. Federation of Kok-Boru Players of Talas region
Begaliev Talas, President, Kudaibergenov Ramis, member 97, Gagarina Str., Talas, Kyrgyz Republic
+996 777 673 131
2. Federation of Kok-Boru Players of Chui region Insender Kadyrkulov, President,
205, Chuy ave.,Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic +996 550 777070
3. Federation of Kok-Boru Players of Jalal-Abad region Kalymbetov Marat President
42, Ainy Str., Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyz Republic +996 550 968000 +996778 277707
4. Federation of Kok-Boru Players of Osh region Tutashev Myktybek, President
39, Kyrgyzstan Str., Osh, Kyrgyz Republic +996 771 865686
5. Federation of Kok-Boru Players of Issukkul region Nyiazov Taalai, Vice-president
15, Lenin Str., Karakol, Kyrgyz Republic +996 773 102467
6. Federation of Kok-Boru Players of Naryn region Bayaliev Taalai, President,
34, Tursunbaeva Str., Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic +996 707 444773
7. Federation of Kok-Boru Players of Batken region Kadyrkulov Abdukarim, coordinator
57, Batken, Kyrgyz Republic
+996 777 151515
8. National Federation of Kok-Boru
217, Moskovskaya Str., Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
+996 553 502053; e-mail: [email protected]
5. Inclusion of the element in an inventory
For Criterion R.5, the States shall demonstrate that ‘the element is included in an inventory of the intangible cultural heritage present in the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s) Party(ies), as defined in Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention’.
a. Indicate below:
when the element has been included in the inventory, which should be prior to the submission of the nomination to the Secretariat (31 March),
its reference,
the inventory in which the element has been included,
the office, agency, organization or body responsible for maintaining that inventory,
how the inventory has been drawn up ‘with the participation of communities, groups and relevant non- governmental organizations’ (Article 11(b) of the Convention), and including in terms of the role of gender
how the inventory is regularly updated (Article 12 of the Convention).
b. Documentary evidence shall also be provided in an annex demonstrating that the nominated element is included in an inventory of the intangible cultural heritage present in the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s) Party(ies), as defined in Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention; such evidence shall include a relevant extract of the inventory(ies) in English or in French, as well as in the original language if different. The extract should be, for example, the inventory record or file for the nominated element, including its description, location, community(ies), viability, and so on. It may be complemented by a reference below to a functioning hyperlink through which such an inventory may be accessed, but the hyperlink alone is not sufficient.
The nominated element’s inclusion in an inventory should not in any way imply or require that the inventory(ies) should have been completed prior to nomination. Rather, a submitting State Party may be in the process of completing or updating one or more inventories, but has already duly included the nominated element on an inventory-in-progress.
Not fewer than 150 or more than 250 words
The Kok boru was first included on to the list of the ICH National Inventory of Kyrgyz Republic in 2012. At present, the element is in the National ICH Inventory, which was approved along with Regulations on the Classification of the ICH elements by the Governmental Decree on 5 August 2015.
Below are the links to the ICH National Inventory of the Kyrgyz Republic:
1. The link to the ICH National Inventory of the Kyrgyz Republic:
http://minculture.gov.kg/ky/kyirgyiz-respublikasyinyin-%D3%A9km%D3%A9t%D2%AFn
%D2%AFn-toktomu.html
2. The link to the excerpt to the Kok boru element (under the #29):
http://minculture.gov.kg/ky/kyirgyiz-respublikasyinyin-%D3%A9km%D3%A9t%D2%AFn
%D2%AFn-2015-zhyildyin-5-avgustundagyi-%E2%84%96-557-toktomymenen-bekitilgen.html In accordance with the Law on Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Kyrgyz Republic, the ICH National Inventory is updated once in a three years.
In 2014-2015 the works on identification, documentation, and inventorying of the new ICH elements were carried out by the concerned organizations. Documentation and inventorying of Kok boru updated in 2014 with participation of the representatives of regional federations and communities.
6. Documentation
6.a. Appended documentation (mandatory)
The documentation listed below is mandatory and will be used in the process of evaluating and examining the nomination. The photographs and the video will also be helpful for visibility activities if the element is inscribed. Tick the following boxes to confirm that related items are included with the nomination and that they follow the instructions.
Additional materials other than those specified below cannot be accepted and will not be returned.
documentary evidence of the consent of communities, along with a translation into English or French if the language of concerned community is other than English or French
documentary evidence demonstrating that the nominated element is included in an inventory of the intangible cultural heritage present in the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s) Party(ies), as defined in Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention; such evidence shall include a relevant extract of the inventory(ies) in English or in French, as well as in the original language if different
10 recent photographs in high definition
cession(s) of rights corresponding to the photos (Form ICH-07-photo)
edited video (from 5 to 10 minutes), subtitled in one of the languages of the Committee (English or French) if the language utilized is other than English or French
cession(s) of rights corresponding to the video recording (Form ICH-07-video)
6.b. Principal published references (optional)
Submitting States may wish to list, using a standard bibliographic format, principal published references providing supplementary information on the element, such as books, articles, audio-visual materials or websites. Such published works should not be sent along with the nomination.
Not to exceed one standard page.
1. Pasture games // Series of publications “Traditional Knowledge of the Kyrgyz as a Resource Kit” based on documentation and research// Rural Development Fund // Akmatova K.
- Bishkek, 2015
2. Attokurov S. Kyrgyz vopEthnography - Bishkek, 1997
3. Bektenov Z., Musin U. Kyrgyz Traditional Games - Frunze, 1978 4. Duishokeev T. Kok boru and Kok boru players - Bishkek, 2015 5. Kasen A. Kyrgyz Games and Social Life - Bishkek, 2004 6. Kyrgyz National Kinds of Sports. - Frunze, 1976
7. Kyrgyz-Russian Thesaurus of National Practices, Meals, Clothes, Products and Games.
/Author: Kasymaliev B. - Bishkek, 1993
8. Language and Traditional Practice // Kasymaliev B. - Bishkek, 2009
9. Mukambaev Z. The Heart of the Nation is Traditional Games - Frunze, 1982
10. Omurzakov D.О., Saralaev М.К. Kyrgyz National Kinds of Sports and Folk Games - Frunze, 1981
11. Advices of the Horse Breeders // Series of publications “Traditional Knowledge of the Kyrgyz as a Resource Kit”, Rural Development Fund // Shapakov K. - Bishkek, 2015
12. Soltonoev B., Kyrgyz History: Historical Sketches. Book 1. - Bishkek, 1993 13. Soltonoev B., Kyrgyz History: Historical Sketches. Book 2. - Bishkek, 1993
14. The Kyrgyz: The Origins, History, Heritage, Tradition // Volume 1 // Zhusupov K. - Bishkek:
"Kyrgyzstan", 1993
15. The Kyrgyz: The Origins, History, Heritage, Tradition // Volume 2 // Zhusupov K. - Bishkek:
"Kyrgyzstan", 1993
16. Zhusupov K. Kyrgyz Ancient Culture - Bishkek: "Biyiktik", 2006
7. Signature(s) on behalf of the State(s) Party(ies)
The nomination should conclude with the signature of the official empowered to sign it on behalf of the State Party, together with his or her name, title and the date of submission.
In the case of multi-national nominations, the document should contain the name, title and signature of an official of each State Party submitting the nomination.
Name: Maksutov Altynbek
Title: Minister of Culture, Information, and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic Date: 30 March 2016
Signature: <signed>
Name(s), title(s) and signature(s) of other official(s) (For multi-national nominations only)
