Tianshannet-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Song Weiguo) news: “When singing Manas, we must not only pay attention to the rhythm but also focus more on facial expressions and body movements to strike an emotional chord in our audience.” On December 20, at the Manas Research Center in Akqi County, Tuohenali Tuxunnali was sharing his experiences and feelings about singing Manas with Wang Zhixiang, a postgraduate student from the Beijing Music Academy.

Tuohenali Tuxunnali, a native of Akqi County and a doctoral student at the Minzu University of China, has a research interest in the inheritance and preservation of the Epic of Manas.

“The Epic of Manas has become ingrained in my very being, and ensuring its proper inheritance is a lifelong aspiration of mine,” said Tuohenali Tuxunnali.

Shaped by family roots, he aspires to become a Great Manaschi

Akqi, a small county nestled among mountains, is home to the people of the Kirgiz ethnic group who have preserved the millennium-old Epic of Manas through generations in oral forms. This epic, alongside Jangar and King Gesar, is recognized as one of China’s three great heroic epics, and the word “Manaschi” is an honorific title for a proficient Manas singer.

“When I was a child, the Epic of Manas was often sung to me as my bedtime story,” Tuohenali Tuxunnali remarked.

Tuohenali Tuxunnali (second from right) and "Manaschis" in Akqi County, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo provided by Tuohenali Tuxunnali)

Born in January 1994 into a family of Great Manaschi, Tuohenali’s grandfather, Jusupu Mamayi, was one of the representative inheritors of the Epic of Manas, which was among the first to be proclaimed as the national intangible cultural heritage in China. He is acclaimed the “living Homer” by epic experts at home and abroad.

When he was just slightly over three years old, his parents started singing Manas to him. Although he didn’t fully understand the meaning of their lyrics at that tender age, the enchanting melodies, ranging from sonorous and melodious to plaintive, left a lasting impression on the young boy. In 2002, when he turned eight, his grandfather came back to Akqi County. Tuohenali would often nestle in his grandfather’s embrace, immersing himself in the captivating tales and epic songs of Manas. Over time, his fascination with this remarkable ballad grew stronger.

His grandfather frequently tutored local Manaschis. Every time, Tuohenali would sit closely, listening to his grandfather’s instructions. In the evenings, not only did he listen, but he also began memorizing chapters of the Epic of Manas and learning to sing it. This marked the beginning of a journey that would profoundly shape his life.

In September 2013, Tuohenali began a six-year study in Kyrgyzstan, and after completing both his undergraduate and postgraduate programs, he obtained a master’s degree. Throughout this period, he cherished the advice his grandfather had given him before his departure.

Before he left, his grandfather held his hand and said, “Regardless of your academic achievements in Kyrgyzstan, and no matter how many honors you may receive, you must return to China. Only in China can the Epic of Manas be properly preserved and passed down.”

Tuohenali Tuxunnali (L) with his grandfather, Jusupu Mamayi. (Photo provided by Tuohenali Tuxunnali)

Tuohenali set foot on the foreign land, bearing his grandfather’s earnest advice in mind. He engaged in academic exchanges and discussions with many Manaschis from Central Asia, absorbing numerous excellent singing techniques. In 2019, having achieved success in his studies, Tuohenali returned to his homeland and was admitted to the doctoral program at the Minzu University of China.

While still pursuing his undergraduate studies in Kyrgyzstan in late May 2014, Tuohenali received news of his grandfather’s critical illness. He hurried back home and stayed by his grandfather’s bedside for three whole days. His grandfather held Tuohenali’s hand in his final moments, tears welling up in his eyes.

After his grandfather’s passing, Tuohenali dedicated himself even more diligently to studying the Epic of Manas. He sought to learn from various sources, gaining a deeper understanding of the personalities of each character in the epic. Gradually, he became a proficient Manaschi. In 2023, Tuohenali was recognized as an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage at the prefecture level in the Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture. He began spreading the Epic of Manas across various places.

Carrying forward the tradition and teaching more people to sing Manas

In March, he participated in a training workshop at the Xinjiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center in Urumqi. In June, he attended the Second Annual Nianbaoyuze Cultural Tourism Festival and the Gesar Culture High-level Forum (one of the “Yellow River Cultural Charm” Themed Folk Culture and Sports Events) in Jigzhi County, Qinghai Province. In October, he went to Chengdu to participate in the 8th International Festival of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chengdu. In 2023, Tuohenali received invitations to many events. Leveraging these opportunities, he introduced and explained the Epic of Manas to people from diverse ethnic groups who shared a love for it.

“As I listened to you sing the Epic of Manas today, I felt particularly excited. Is it possible for me to learn it from you?” One day in October 2013, after an event in Heilongjiang Province, Tuohenali was approached by Chang Liguang, the CPC Party Branch Secretary of the Fifth Operation Zone of the Fuyu Farm, a branch office of the Beidahuang Group.

“Sure! I am more than willing to teach anyone who has the desire to learn,” Tuohenali readily agreed.

Limited opportunities to meet didn’t hinder Tuohenali from teaching Chang Liguang how to sing the Epic of Manas. Tuohenali sent his performance videos that he could find to Chang Liguang. Additionally, at intervals, they engaged in video tutoring sessions. This ongoing support deepened Chang Liguang’s interest in the Epic of Manas over time.

Nowadays, an increasing number of people are learning to sing the Epic of Manas under the guidance of Tuohenali. Enthusiasts are increasingly taking up the challenge of learning the Epic of Manas in Sichuan, Ningxia, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, and beyond. Some even express appreciation for the epic through various artistic forms, such as creating paintings on its basis.

In the home of Aierzhati Aishantuer, we witnessed vivid portraits which depicted captivating scenes in the Epic of Manas.

“I was born in Akqi County, and I’ve loved the Epic of Manas since childhood. Now, I am painting the epic together with Tuohenali,” said 25-year-old Aierzhati.

While still in his first year of high school in 2014, Aierzhati began illustrating characters from the Epic of Manas. Over the past nine years, he continued this artistic endeavor while completing his education. He has created over 200 pieces of artwork inspired by the epic.

Aierzhati mentioned that he is currently studying fine arts at Saint Petersburg State University in Russia. Many of his classmates and teachers there also share a strong passion for the Epic of Manas.

“The Epic of Manas is a masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. To better preserve and pass it down, more people need to understand and learn to sing it, which is also my grandfather’s expectation of me,” said Tuohenali.