Carrying an epic spirit over centuries

Soon after, the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University in Bishkek awarded him a gold medal in recognition of his artistry and the epic's shared cultural resonance across borders.

The visit has been one of many events Tuohenali has participated in to share the charm of the epic.

Spanning the myths, folktales, idioms and customs of the Kirgiz ethnic group, Manas is often described as an "encyclopedia" of Kirgiz culture. The full epic consists of eight parts and 18 volumes, containing over 230,000 lines — far longer than Homer's Odyssey.

During a visit to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum in July 2022, President Xi Jinping watched a live performance of Manas and emphasized that the epic is not only the cultural treasure of the Kirgiz people but also a valuable gem in the treasure chest of Chinese civilization.

He called for greater efforts to preserve, inherit and promote such heritage.

Boasting one of the world's longest epic poems, Manas has carried the spirit, values and history of the Kirgiz people. Originating as early as the 9th century, it tells the story of the warrior Manas, who united scattered tribes to defend their homeland. This narrative of courage, loyalty and justice continues to inspire people today.

Before the founding of the People's Republic of China, Manas existed primarily in oral form, passed down through generations without a written record.