Research on traditional women’s horse horse tack (women’s saddles and related elements) used in the Kyrgyz bridal farewell ritual — is ongoing. At the current stage, desk-based research is being carried out through the study of archival documents, ethnographic materials, old photographs, museum descriptions, and scholarly publications. These sources help provide a deeper understanding of the distinctive features of women’s horse equipment, its structure, artistic decoration, and ritual significance. The focus of the research is not only on the material aspects of these items, but also on their place within the bridal farewell tradition. In this context, horse equipment formed part of a broader symbolic world that reflected the bride’s status, her transition into a new family, and the traditional meanings associated with seeing her off. The collected materials will later contribute to a more precise reconstruction not only of these objects themselves, but also of their cultural significance within the tradition.

Within the framework of the project “New Expressions and Forms of Traditional Kyrgyz Songs,” the youth choir “Barchyn Capella” continues its regular stage rehearsals, gradually shaping its future concert programme. The programme in preparation includes various types of Kyrgyz folk songs — work songs, love songs, lyrical songs, and other pieces that reflect collective memory, the world of emotions, and people’s understanding of life. In addition, the finalists of the competition “Movement Born of Song” have already been selected within the project. They are currently at the stage of preparing and presenting detailed concepts for their performance pieces, which will receive financial support for implementation. The final round of the competition, as well as the concert by “Barchyn Capella,” is planned for the end of May.

Еomorrow, 18 April, the interdisciplinary hackathon Hack the Heritage will begin at Ala-Too University. We are expecting more than 60 young professionals and students interested in Kyrgyz traditional culture, cultural heritage, and contemporary digital approaches to understanding and safeguarding it. Over the course of two days, participants will work in teams on projects inspired by the cultural heritage of Kyrgyzstan, including traditional calendars, petroglyphs, and sacred sites. Experts and tradition bearers will also take part in the hackathon, bringing together young people from different fields to rethink heritage in new ways and explore contemporary methods of engaging with it. The hackathon will include an introductory session, 24 hours of intensive teamwork, and final presentations. Hack the Heritage will become a space for lively dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the emergence of new ideas at the intersection of tradition, research, and technology.