Game of Altybakan
Game of Altybakan

Altybakan is an ancient Kazakh national game. It is played on calm evenings, on moonlit nights, outside the village. To set up an Altybakan, you need 6 poles or 6 rods and three ropes. The poles are tied in threes at one end, spaced three to four meters apart, and set up like a tripod, then connected at the top with a rod. Three ropes are tied to the tops of the poles, with two placed higher and one lower. The upper two ropes are for sitting or leaning on, while the lower rope is for foot support. A girl and a boy sit opposite each other, holding tightly to the side ropes, and with the help of a third person, they swing. The swingers start singing together, and the onlookers join in, creating a lively atmosphere. Nowadays, light boards are used instead of the waist and foot ropes. The Altybakan game was widespread among ancient nomadic peoples. Among settled peoples, it is also known as a "Atkenshek" which means swing. The difference is that it is installed permanently and is intended for one person. The necessary items for Altybakan are easily assembled and disassembled household items. The game is designed for a large audience. It encourages young people to choose partners, develop agility, resourcefulness, and artistry. Altybakan scenes have also found a place in theater art to showcase the national lifestyle and enhance the stage's impact. In the 1970s, Kazakh television regularly organized the "Altybakan" entertainment show on the blue screen.