Salbuurun - Traditional Kyrgyz Hunting

Since the ancient times, hunting was one of the main occupations of the Kyrgyz men. Using the hunting birds and hound dogs (Taigan breed) would be the height of the hunting skills and Kyrgyz people have been proving to obtain these skills for a long time.

Using hunting birds such as falcons, hawks and eagles, as well as their training, became an essential part of Kyrgyz culture. Kyrgyz history implies falcon to be not only a hunting bird, but also a totem and an object of reverence. The sacred white gyrfalcon (Ak Shumkar) is the devoted companion of Manas, the character from the Kyrgyz Epic. It is also worth mentioning that UNESCO included Falconry in its Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Kyrgyz Express Post initiates its 2015 issuing program by releasing the postage stamps "Salbuurun -Traditional Kyrgyz Hunting". This series includes three miniatures representing the different stages of the flight of birds of prey: the rise, soaring through the air and prey catching. In addition to the stamps KEP also issued three postcards on Falconry. These cards have been used to create Maximum Cards, using the issued stamps and the "First Day" cancellation. All philatelic products can be purchased at KEP offices in Bishkek or on the website.

KEP hopes that this issue will contribute to the widespread awareness of this part of the cultural heritage of Kyrgyz people.