Throughout history, the main occupation of the Kyrgyz people has been animal husbandry, primarily raising sheep, horses, yaks, and camels. To provide fodder for their livestock, they constantly migrated from place to place. When the weather warmed up, nomads moved up to the mountains to summer pastures, known as "jailoo," and with the onset of winter, they descended to the valleys to winter pastures, called "kyshtoo."
The transition to jailoo was always a grand celebration for the Kyrgyz people. They dressed in festive, rich attire and led caravans with their belongings to new pastures. Camels and horses were adorned with colorful carpets featuring ornaments and bright patterns. Leading the caravan was the most beautiful girl adorned in expensive jewelry. If the caravan's route passed through a settlement, its residents warmly welcomed the nomads, treating them to refreshing drinks and wishing them a safe journey. The clan that migrated to jailoo first traditionally prepared treats for the clans following them.
In autumn, before migrating again, the Kyrgyz performed small magical rituals to ensure a safe return in the next season. They poured a little fermented mare's milk or horse milk into the holes where they tied foals to attract spirits.
Nomads carefully tended to their livestock. During the day, men traditionally grazed the animals, while at night, this duty fell to the women. Guarding the herd, they sang a special song called "bekbekei," believed to ward off predators and evil spirits from the flock. The birth of a calf, lamb, camel calf, or foal was always a joyous occasion for the owners.
Hunting was another important activity for the nomadic people. Skillful hunters had many special tools for traversing mountainous terrain. They primarily hunted wolves, deer, and mountain goats. Hunting birds such as eagles, falcons, and hawks were actively used during hunts. Kyrgyz hunters also employed special breed dogs, known as taigans, for hunting game.
Elements of the traditional nomadic way of life have survived through the centuries among the Kyrgyz people to this day. Far from cities, on jailoo, amidst the picturesque untouched nature, one can still see yurts of local residents and vast herds of livestock.
