Aigine Cultural Research Centre is pleased to announce the publication of “Sacred sites of Issyk-Kul: spiritual powers, pilgrimage, and art” in English version.

The book is based on field research conducted from 2006 to 2008 in Issyk-Kul oblast.  The book consists of two parts.

The first part of the book, grounded in local knowledge, contains information about sacred sites: the earth, water, animals, rituals and healing practices which occur there.  One of the first tasks that Aigine set in publishing such a book is the protection and transmission of indigenous knowledge. In this way Aigine is playing a crucial role in protecting and developing, in written form, that part of the Kyrgyz culture that, even in the 21st century, continues to predominate in oral form.  The authors of the articles are people of different ages, nationalities, levels of education and social statuses.  The unifying principle across this diverse field of authors is their own personal spiritual knowledge and experience.

The second part of the book contains academic publications grounded in field research among sacred sites, ritual practice and spiritual heritage.  The articles that were written by Aigine researchers demonstrate particular analytical reflection on various projects supported by the Christensen Fund.  In this respect Aigine functions precisely as a research centre and fulfils its obligations to study the natural and cultural diversity of Kyrgyzstan.

The book is available in three languages, all of which are available for purchase from Aigine. Please send an email to aigine.bishkek@gmail.com to enquire about purchasing one of the books, indicating which of the languages you require.

Content of the book:

PART I

CHAPTER 1: Sacred sites of the Ysyk-K?l

CHAPTER 2: Secrets of Ysyk-K?l and Manaschylyk

CHAPTER 3: People and Earth are Kin

CHAPTER 4:  Kut: Abundance of the land and talent of the people

CHAPTER 5: Sacred Manjyly-Ata

CHAPTER 6: Kyrgyzchylyk has existed for many centuries

CHAPTER 7: Mentor and Apprentice

CHAPTER 8: Sacred Capacity and Medicine

PART II

ACADEMIC PAPERS

PART III

ABOUT “AIGINE”