In northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the ancient “Manas” epic is experiencing a powerful revival. Listed by UNESCO in 2009 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Kirgiz narrative poem spans seven generations of the hero Manas and his descendants, showcasing themes of unity, perseverance, and resilience.
Traditionally performed by Manaschis folk singers who master its rhythmic storytelling the epic is 18 times longer than Homer’s Odyssey and can take months to perform in its entirety. Passed down orally for centuries, it represents the cultural heartbeat of the Kirgiz people.
Today, “Manas” is being preserved with fresh energy. In a modern twist, young artists have fused traditional sounds of the komuz with electric and bass guitars, creating a rock-inspired version that resonates with younger audiences. According to veteran performer Jangnur Turganbay, who has dedicated more than four decades to the art, this innovation makes the ancient epic more accessible to new generations.
The Chinese government has played a key role in this cultural revival. Since the 1960s, experts have documented performances to safeguard the epic. Jusup Mamay, the only person known to have performed the entire work, left behind recordings and manuscripts that continue to guide researchers and performers.
In recognition of his efforts, Turganbay was recently named a national-level representative inheritor of “Manas” and now receives an annual subsidy of 20,000 yuan (about 2,800 USD) to support preservation and promotion. Publications of the epic spanning over 230,000 lines have been printed in Kirgiz and translated into Chinese, Kazak, and other languages, with an English version in progress to reach global audiences.
Through innovation, translation, and institutional support, “Manas” is not just surviving — it is thriving, bringing ancient heritage into modern life while ensuring future generations inherit its timeless spirit.
