May 18, 2011
A golden eagle attacked a chained wolf during the traditional hunting festival "Salburun" in the village of Tyup, some 370km from Bishkek near Issyk-Kul lake.
Sometimes, two dogs fought against each other as well. This year, the hunting festival took place in May.
The owners of hunting eagles, dogs as well as wolves usually gather in the village to compete in this traditional hunting festival. They are from all parts of Kyrgyzstan.
Hunting with golden eagles dates back to the ancient times when hunting was only the means of survival. The hunting skill is handed down from generation to generation (as cited at http://news.ebru.tv0).
"Salburun" means "hunter's zest" in Kyrgyz language. Salburun festival was revived four years ago to preserve the local way of life.
Located in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan or Kyrgyz Republic, is one of the world's six independent Turkic states. The term "Kyrgyz" is believed to come from the Turkic word meaning "forty", according to wikipedia website.
Kyrgyzstan is divided into seven provinces. Its capital and largest city Bishkek and the second largest city Osh are both independent cities.
Tyup, a town in the Issyk-Kul province, is a road junction town at the northeast corner of Issyk-Kul lake.
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