In the windswept steppes and mountains of Central Asia, an ancient tradition continues to soar. Eagle hunting with golden eagles — known locally as berkutchi — still survives in Kazakhstan, preserved not only as a way of life but as a powerful expression of cultural identity.

A Tradition Rooted in History

For centuries, Kazakh nomads have trained golden eagles to hunt foxes, hares, and even wolves across the vast plains. This practice, believed to date back more than 2,000 years, was once essential for survival during the harsh winters of the Eurasian steppe. The hunters, called berkutchi, were highly respected in their communities, and the relationship between hunter and bird was seen as both spiritual and practical.

Modern Preservation Efforts

Although modernization and urbanization have reduced the number of practicing eagle hunters, the tradition has not disappeared. Today, it is sustained through festivals, competitions, and cultural programs aimed at passing the knowledge from one generation to the next.

• Festivals and Competitions: Annual tournaments in Kazakhstan showcase the skill and artistry of eagle hunting, drawing local participants and international tourists alike. Hunters compete to demonstrate their eagle’s precision, speed, and loyalty.

• Cultural Heritage Recognition: Beyond Kazakhstan, in Bayan-Ölgii province of western Mongolia — home to a large Kazakh population — the Golden Eagle Festival has become world-famous, attracting photographers, travelers, and cultural scholars. UNESCO has also recognized falconry, including eagle hunting, as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Between Survival and Symbolism

While in the past eagle hunting provided meat and fur for nomadic families, today it functions more as a cultural performance and a proud symbol of Kazakh identity. Training an eagle is a demanding art: it can take years of patience and discipline, and the birds themselves are eventually released back into the wild after serving their hunter for about a decade.

Looking Ahead

For many Kazakhs, eagle hunting is more than a sport — it is a living bond with their ancestors and the natural world. With increased visibility through tourism and global media, this tradition has found new life as both a cultural attraction and an educational tool. Yet, the survival of the practice depends on continued transmission of skills to younger generations in an era of rapid social change.

As one elder berkutchi noted at a recent competition: “The eagle teaches us patience, strength, and respect. If we forget this, we forget who we are.”