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The man who sang the Manas

Remembering Saparbek Kasmambet, famous performer of epic Kyrgyz poem, the Manas

The Manas is a Kyrgyz epic poem. It’s over a thousand years old, and is a performed poem, part recitation, part improvisation. Saparbek Kasmambet was a well-respected manaschi, or Manas performer, and also father of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Kyrgyz's Gulnara Kasmambet. Following his death earlier this year Gulnara has been overwhelmed by the tributes pouring in. She shares her memories.
Image: State funeral for Saparbek Kasmambet with soldiers holding portrait
Copyright: ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½

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12 minutes

Podcast