The Golden Eagle (Berkut) plays a vital and mythological role in Kazakh culture, and has transformed it into a symbol far beyond a natural creature. The eagle is an embodiment of the free spirit, legendary power, and unyielding independence of the Kazakh nation.
This majestic hunter, which symbolizes foresight at the peak of flight, is placed with dazzling splendor in the heart of the national flag of Kazakhstan. The sky-blue of the flag, which represents an expanse of cosmic peace and spirituality, provides an eternal backdrop for the shining Golden Sun (symbol of wealth and life) and the open-winged eagle (symbol of freedom). The eagle's fearless flight beneath this radiant sun is a display of the soaring aspirations that guide the Kazakh people toward the heights of progress and self-sufficiency.
From a mythological perspective, the eagle acts as a bridge between the sky and the earth, and far beyond a political symbol, it carries a spiritual and cosmic message that affirms the unbreakable connection of this nation with eternity and the supreme forces of nature.
The peak of the Golden Eagle’s cultural expression is realized in the epic tradition of Berkutchi (hunting with the eagle); this ancient art of eagle hunting is rooted in thousands of years of nomadic life among the Kazakhs and other Central Asian peoples. Berkutchi is not merely a hunting method, but a ritual, a family legacy, and a test for measuring the hunter's patience and skill. This tradition is a symbol of the respectful coexistence of the Kazakhs with the harsh nature of the steppe and mountains.
Today, despite the changes in lifestyle, the Berkutchi tradition is preserved and celebrated with great passion. Annual eagle hunter festivals, such as "Salburun," are thrilling stages for the display of this ancient power and finesse; these festivals, far beyond being a sporting event, are gatherings of national pride aimed at preserving and transmitting this ancient knowledge into the hearts of the young Kazakh generations.
The Golden Eagle has indeed become the guardian of the historical memory of the Kazakh nation; a bird whose wings embrace not only the skies of the land of Kazakhstan, but also the entire cultural heritage of an ancient nomadic civilization.