Mongolian eagle hunters: Masters of golden eagles
It is rare that travelers, especially photographers visiting Mongolia, leave the country without paying a visit to Mongolian eagle hunters. Cloaked in thick animal fur attire, these hunters exude a warrior-like presence as they stand on horseback proudly, cradling the majestic golden eagle. The visual spectacle they present has provided photographers with the unique opportunity to capture award-winning shots, and one artist even produced a globally acclaimed film, “The Eagle Huntress,” centered around their remarkable lives. These individuals, known as the masters of the golden eagle, embody a centuries-old tradition that thrives in the rugged landscapes of the Altai Mountains. As we delve into their world, we will uncover the reasons behind their settlement in Bayan-Ulgii and explore the intricate connection between their nomadic lifestyle and the captivating art of eagle falconry.
Who are Mongolian eagle hunters
One might contemplate the identity of Mongolian eagle hunters and the reason for their settlement in the Altai Mountains rather than other areas of the country. The answer is simple. Nestled in the westernmost corner of Mongolia, there is a province that distinctly stands out, predominantly inhabited by the Kazakh people—Bayan-Ulgii, meaning “rich cradle.” This province has a population of over 100 thousand, with approximately 90 percent being Kazakhs. In the early 1800s, nomadic Kazakh tribes traversed the Chinese and Mongolian sides of the Altai Mountains, migrating until the establishment of borders in 1880 by Mongolia, Russia, and China. Following these territorial delineations, some of these nomadic Kazakh tribes settled in the Altai Mountains region of Mongolia.
Engaging in eagle falconry serves as both a rewarding pastime and a crucial source of income for those leading a nomadic herding lifestyle in the mountain steppe. The Altai Mountains, characterized by vast steppe and abundant wildlife like foxes, hares, and wolves, provided an ideal setting for eagle falconry. Therefore, the Kazakhs had the opportunity to engage in their history-long art of hunting with golden eagles. Notably, golden eagle falconry is not a pursuit embraced by everyone; more readily, it is a tradition primarily passed down from father to son through generations.
How many eagle hunters are there in western Mongolia?
The Kazakhs in Mongolia have been very fortunate in preserving their cherished traditions and customs, benefiting from a combination of factors. Their adherence to a nomadic lifestyle, reminiscent of their ancestors, has endured for centuries, owing to the prevailing peace in the country and the delayed onset of modernization. The genuine traces of a nomadic existence, notably the captivating art of eagle falconry, can be witnessed only in Mongolia. The Mongolian Eagle Hunter’s Association reported that there are around 400 registered eagle hunters in western Mongolia, and more than half of them actively practice the golden eagle falconry.
The Eagle Huntress: Aisholpan
Aisholpan, a young girl from a village in the Bayan-Ulgii province, became a sensation as “The Eagle Huntress” by becoming the first girl to participate and win the Golden Eagle festival. In Kazakh culture, the golden eagle holds sacred significance and is believed to bring good luck. Despite the traditional male dominance in the Golden Eagle Festival, 13-year-old Aisholpan defied the odds and emerged victorious in 2014. Her story gained global attention when she was featured in a 2016 Oscar-nominated documentary. The journey began when an Israeli photographer visited Mongolia and captured award-winning photos of Aisholpan and her golden eagle on a cliff top. These images attracted a British film director, leading to the creation of the documentary “The Eagle Huntress.” Aisholpan’s tale not only showcased her exceptional talent but also brought the ancient art of eagle falconry and the beauty of Mongolia to a worldwide audience. The belief in the sacredness of the golden eagle once again proved true, bringing fame and good fortune to Aisholpan.
Mongolia stands as the ultimate destination to witness the awe-inspiring tradition of eagle falconry, with the Altai Mountains providing an ideal stage for this ancient art. Nestled in the Bayan-Ulgii province, Kazakh eagle hunters preserve and practice a centuries-old heritage despite the challenges of modernization.
