Imagine waking up with the sky just turning pink over Akqi County, part of Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture in the Chinese mainland’s Xinjiang region. Here, falconry is more than a pastime—it’s a living tradition. Kurmax Kutman, a master falconer, is now teaching his Gen Z grandson, Tiemuerbek Jumaturdi, how to honor and train these majestic birds. Together, they follow a vow whispered through generations: after six years, every falcon must fly free. 🦅
“In the sixth year of training, we must return the falcons to the wild. No matter how hard it is to let go, we have to release them,” says Tiemuerbek, echoing a promise older than his grandparents. It’s like teaching a friend to ride a bike, then cheering as they pedal off into their own adventure.
Half a day’s ride away in Shaya County, Aksu Prefecture, another story unfolds among endless rows of cotton. Aizizi Rexiti grew up hand-picking cotton, feeling every fiber between his fingers. Now machines speed through the harvest, but the connection to the land remains strong. 🌾
Whether it’s mastering falconry or tending cotton fields, Xinjiang residents live by one simple rule: take only what you need and give back in return. From dawn’s first light to dusk’s golden glow, their unspoken pact with nature keeps these traditions alive for the next generation.
“We respect these animals and the land—they’re our partners in this journey,” Kurmax adds, as a falcon soars above, free at last.
In a world hurtling forward, the people of Xinjiang remind us that real progress blends heritage and nature in perfect harmony. 🌍✊
Reference(s):
Xinjiang Dawn to Dusk | Youshi: The unspoken pact with nature
cgtn.com
