The “Manas” epic, a monumental Kirgiz masterpiece, tells the heroic tale of Manas and seven generations of his descendants.
With over 230,000 lines,18 times longer than Homer’s Odyssey, it embodies themes of unity, perseverance, progress, and resistance against evil.
Performed through rhythmic singing and poetic storytelling by Manaschis, only a few have mastered it in full, most notably Jusup Mamay.
Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009, “Manas” has evolved into stage, musical, and rock adaptations.
In 2025, regional laws were enacted to safeguard the epic, while cultural festivals promote international exchange and cooperation.
