Famous monuments of Shakhrisabz

Uzbek national games and amusements

Done by:Katayev Yusufjon 122-guruh

The national games and amusements

The national games and amusements are an indispensable part of the Uzbek culture. From ancient times major holidays and events have been accompanied by various performances, games and competitions. Today the national games continue to live, some of them, such as the kurash wrestling and ulak-kupkari, having even been acknowledged as international sports. 

Ulak-kupkari 

Ulak-kupkari is one of the most ancient equestrian games popular among the peoples of Central Asia. From the emotional aspect this highly spectacular performance can be compared with the Spanish bullfighting. Traditionally, ulak-kupkari is held at holidays, weddings, in spring, before the opening of the farming season, and in autumn, after the harvest has been reaped. In the course of time this game has grown into a popular sport with its own rules, clubs, federations and competitions. The ‘ulak’ (headless carcass of a goat) is prepared beforehand. The carcass usually weighs 30-40 kg, but on a rainy day, when mud sticks to the goat’s fur, its weight may reach 80 kg.

Kurash wrestling 

The Uzbek kurash is one of the most ancient types of traditional wrestling in the world and, probably, the most popular amusement in Uzbekistan. There is no holiday in Uzbekistan that goes without kurash. This sport does not require a special ground or a gymnasium. In the former times people were wrestling on the ground, sometimes covered with carpets. The rules are simple and democratic. Kurash is acceptable to both the young and the old. Holidays often feature wrestling with the participation of grey-bearded old men. Kurash requires much strength and stamina and is not characterised by complex technique and tactics. Wrestling in a recumbent position is prohibited in kurash. The contestants may wrestle only when on their feet, and are only allowed to throw or trip the opponent. Any blows, painful grip or stranglehold, as well as catching below the waist, are explicitly forbidden. All this makes kurash a simple, clear, spectacular, dynamic and safe sport. . 

Sheep fighting 

Since ancient times the sheep fighting has been an important part of the Uzbek traditions. There has been no holiday that went without this spectacle. The sheep fighting is an attractive and excitable performance. The spectators boom, whistle and stamp their feet encouraging the contestants. The animal’s preparation for a fight is similar to that of a professional sportsman, with running and special food and training included. It is also very important to keep the animal clean and maintain a high level of hygiene. The sheep are brought to a special ground and placed at a distance of 5 m from each other. Their masters make a signal and the sheep run to test the strength of each other’s skull. After a collision, the animals move backwards for a next one. With them it seems to work on some reflexive level, as their masters give them no more signals, only encouraging them with shouts. The sound that results from the collision is low and loud, so that it seems the strikes must inevitably cause brain concussion. 

Cock fighting 

Cock fighting is no less popular than sheep fighting, sometimes being even more excitable. Cocks of a special breed, specially trained for the dangerous contest, are used in the fighting. Perhaps, this is why the cock is considered by people as the boldest and proudest bird. The cock fighting resembles in many respects a box match, consisting of a number of rounds 10 minutes long each. A match may continue until the masters agree upon a draw. Between the rounds the cocks are attended by special persons, who cool them with water and by fanning with towels, preparing the birds for the next round. If the contestants are more or less equal in strength, the match may continue for an hour or more. Other fights may end in a couple of minutes. Nowadays, the masters of the birds do not allow them to fight to death. Usually, the most active fighter is considered to have won the match.