Aitys, which literally means "two-sided dialogue," is considered one of the richest and most enduring cultural traditions of the Kazakh nation. This ritual is a spontaneous poetry and music competition held between two Akyns (poet/improvisational musician) and its roots trace back to the depths of the oral history and nomadic culture of the Central Asian steppes.
Aitys is more than just a performance; it is an oral and intellectual duel. Each Akyn, holding the national instrument of Kazakhstan, the Dombra, stands opposite their opponent. The competition is held in turns, and each participant must, in the moment, compose and sing powerful verses that have proper meter and rhyme, and are relevant to the topic or challenge raised by the opponent, accompanying themselves with the Dombra's tune.
The ultimate goal of winning is not solely in musical skill but lies in intellectual depth, wit, eloquence, the ability to use humor and irony, and hard-hitting, spontaneous replies. The winner is the one who can bring their opponent to their knees with logic and the beauty of their poetry.
The history of Aitys dates back at least to the Middle Ages. In times when written and media tools were limited, Akyns played the vital role of guardians of culture, oral history, and spokespeople for the public. Throughout history, this ritual has served as an unofficial tribune and remains a vibrant and dynamic tradition that is considered the beating heart of creativity and thought in Kazakhstan.
Today, Aitys is widely held with government support during important national holidays such as Nowruz (New Year) and Independence Day. These televised competitions, which attract thousands of spectators, play a central role in: preserving the language, strengthening identity, and fostering intellectual development. Aitys is not just a performance art, but an ancient cultural heritage that stands as the main pillar of Kazakh oral literature.