Vocabulary
Culture & Tradition
The Hunter (Burkitshi)
Training Process
The Eagle
100

What is shapan?

Traditional coat

100

In which countries is hunting with golden eagles a traditional practice?

Kazakhstan,Mongolia

100

What traditional clothes does a burkitshi wear?

A shapan coat and a malakhai fur hat.

100

How long can it take to train an eagle?

Several years.

100

What kind of eagle do Kazakh hunters usually use?

The golden eagle

200

What does hunter means?

аңшы

200

What is the Kazakh word for a person who hunts with an eagle?

Burkitshi

200

What must a burkitshi do to bond with the eagle?

Talk and sing to her, and feed her by hand.

200

What does the eagle learn to do during training?

To hunt, return, and follow commands.

200

Which gender of eagle is usually chosen for hunting and why?

Females, because they are larger, heavier, and more aggressive.

300

What does “prey” mean?

An animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.

300

How long does an eagle usually live with a hunter before being released?

around ten years

300

What voice does the eagle learn to recognize?

Her hunter’s voice.

300

What type of prey can golden eagles catch?

Prey larger than themselves.

300

How strong is a golden eagle’s eyesight compared to humans?

Around four to eight times better.

400

What does the phrase “in the wild” mean?

Living freely in nature, not in captivity.

400

What is the purpose of hunting with golden eagles today?

To preserve tradition and demonstrate cultural heritage.

400

How does the burkitshi train the eagle to hunt?

By dragging furs behind a horse for practice.

400

How does the hunter teach the eagle to chase?

Using furs tied behind a  horse.

400

What protects eagles’ eyes from the sun while flying?

A ridge of bone above their eyes

500

What does “bond” mean in the phrase “a bond between a hunter and an eagle”?

A close emotional connection or relationship.

500

How are the golden eagles treated by their hunters?

They are treated as part of the family.

500

What event gathers the best eagle hunters to display their skills?

The annual festival in Oral (February 24–25).

500

What happens to the eagle after training is complete and the time together ends?

She is released back into the wild to nest

500

How wide can a golden eagle’s wingspan reach?

About two metres.