Aqyn

Akyns, or aqyns (Kazakh: ақын, pronounced [ɑˈqən]; Kyrgyz: акын, pronounced [ɑˈqɯn]; both transcribed as aqın or اقىن), are improvising poets and singers in the Kazakh and Kyrgyz cultures. Akyns differ from the zhirau or manaschi, who are song performers or epic storytellers.

Statue of prominent Kyrgyz akyn Kazybek Mambetimin uulu (1901–1936) in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan

In song competitions known as aytys, akyns improvise in the form of a song-like recitative, usually to the accompaniment of a dombra (among Kazakhs) or a qomuz (among Kyrgyz). In the context of the nomadic lifestyle and illiteracy of most of the rural population in Central Asia in pre-Soviet times, akyns played an important role in terms of expressing people's thoughts and feelings, exposing social vices, and glorifying heroes. In the Soviet era, their repertoire incorporated praise songs to Lenin.[1]

Modern akyns may also publish their original lyrics and poetry.