For centuries, across the mountains and valleys of Kyrgyzstan, the golden eagle has been more than a bird of prey. It has been a hunting partner, a symbol of strength and freedom, and an important part of Kyrgyz nomadic heritage. The tradition of hunting with eagles, known as burkutchi, has been passed from generation to generation and remains one of the most distinctive expressions of the country’s cultural identity.
A trained golden eagle can live and hunt alongside its human companion for many years. Traditionally, hunters train the birds to pursue animals such as foxes, hares and occasionally wolves. The eagle is taught to recognise its quarry, launch from the hunter’s arm or horseback, and return after the pursuit. The relationship depends on patience and trust rather than force: the hunter spends countless hours caring for, training and working with the bird.
We spent several days living alongside a family of eagle hunters, documenting their everyday life and seeing this tradition beyond the staged moment of a demonstration. We followed their routines, observed how the eagles were cared for and trained, and experienced the close relationship between the hunters and their birds. Away from the spectacle, it became clear that eagle hunting is not simply a sport, but a way of life deeply connected to the landscape, family and history of Kyrgyzstan.
Today, the tradition is kept alive by a relatively small number of dedicated hunters. Competitions and festivals have helped bring renewed attention to the craft, but its true character is found in the quieter moments: a hunter preparing his eagle at dawn, riding through the mountains, or simply sitting beside a bird that may have been his companion for years.
For us, spending those days with the family offered a glimpse into a world where an ancient tradition is still part of everyday life — carried forward, one generation and one eagle at a time.
Kreation Photography 