Xinjiang hoping falconry can take flight to preserve tradition, boost tourism

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Falconry is the art or sport of hunting with birds of prey. Hunting with eagles on horseback is an ancient tradition among some of China’s ethnic minorities like the Kyrgyz and Kazakhs.

The government of the northwestern Xinjiang region, a melting pot of such ethnic cultures, is hoping to develop and promote the sport to help boost tourism. They face a scrap to help falconry survive and prosper.

In Akqi county, deep in the valley of the Western Tianshan Mountains, live the last of China's Kyrgyz falconers. They still live a nomadic life, but the number of real hunters is dwindling as the population ages and their young turn to more contemporary pursuits.

Kurmax Kutman, 65, is among 20 falconers in Akqi who receive a government subsidy to keep the tradition alive. For the Kyrgyz, the golden eagle is a symbol of freedom.

“I grew up watching my grandfather train golden eagles, and I was obsessed with this tradition. The process of capturing and training an eagle is like bringing up a child. You need to train it and respect it like your own child; then, it will give everything back to you,” said Kurmax.

Kurmax hopes to pass on his skills to his 17-year-old grandson.

Hunting with eagles is a solitary, challenging way of life. It requires a strong will to harness the forces of nature. Kurmax laments that many young people don’t have the patience for it, preferring to seek work in big cities.

But Kutubek Mukash often follows his grandfather to experience the life of the old hunters. During winter, they set off on horseback, to hunt foxes and rabbits.

Kurmax hopes this experience can give his grandson a sense of pride to become an eagle master, though he knows the boy may have different thoughts.

In half a year, Kurmax’s eagle, Ak Burkut, will be released to find a mate.

“I want to thank the eagle before I release him back to nature. He has been my companion for four years and given me a lot of pleasure. We’ve cooperated well. Hunting has been successful. I hope he is also grateful to me,” said Kurmax.

Akqi's mountains are the golden eagle's fortress. Getting to their nests is a challenge. Most young eagles are taken when their parents are away. Their relationship with humans begins the moment they are captured.

Kutubek says the older generation is “living at the edge of the world.” He is proud of his grandfather, but he feels he cannot follow him. “Many people feel that this tradition is on the verge of extinction. I don’t want to see traditions being lost, but I know that day will come,” he explained.

Ancient tradition is becoming a luxury in modern life. And as urbanization takes over, the eagles and the hunting traditions may fly away forever.