Mongolia – Eagle Hunter
Mongolia – Eagle Hunter
Wow, isn't this exciting!
Kayzhym Master Eagle Hunter
A journey of 13,000 km to Mongolia
After a long 13,000-kilometer journey from southern Spain, we finally arrived in enchanting Mongolia. This extended country, with its untouched nature and rich cultural heritage, offered us the opportunity to capture the life of the nomads of Western Mongolia. These nomads, especially the Kazakhs, live by ancient traditions that they try to preserve with heart and soul.
The Kazakhs and their traditions
The Kazakhs are one of the most fascinating nomadic groups in Mongolia. Their lifestyle is deeply rooted in traditional values and practices, perhaps the most impressive of which is eagle hunting. This ancient hunting custom of training majestic eagles to catch prey is not only a way of hunting, but also an important cultural symbol for the Kazakhs.
Hunting with an eagle
Hunting with an eagle is an art in itself. Kazakhs spend years training their birds, often capturing them at a young age. The process requires patience and dedication. Hunting takes place in the vast, mountainous areas of western Mongolia, where nomads live with their families and their animals. It is a beautiful sight to see a trained eagle in full flight, leading its hunter to a prey.
The impact of urbanization
Unfortunately, we see that the rise of large cities like the capital Ulaanbaatar is having a significant impact on rural life. More and more young people are moving to the cities in hopes of a better life, putting pressure on the traditional nomadic lifestyle. This process, often referred to as “urbanization,” is causing the countryside to “run down” and threatening the unique culture and traditions of these nomadic communities.
The drive for conservation
This development makes it all the more important to capture and document nomadic life. Photographing their daily lives, traditions and customs is not only a way to capture memories, but also a contribution to conservation.
