National Kazakh Instrument
National Kazakh Instrument
Sazsyrnai is an ancient Kazakh wind instrument with a rich history and deep roots in the cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. In 1971, during excavations of the city of Otrar, which was destroyed in the 12th century, archaeologists discovered an artifact resembling a small egg with two holes. This artifact turned out to be a sazsyrnai, an instrument long considered lost.
The sound of the sazsyrnai is soft and warm. Its timbre allows the expression of a wide range of emotions, from joy to deep sorrow. The instrument can mimic natural sounds, including bird songs and the howling of steppe winds. Thanks to its unique sound, the sazsyrnai has become one of the symbols of Kazakh national art, reflecting the spirit and nature of the Kazakh steppes.
The revival of the sazsyrnai and other ancient Kazakh instruments became possible thanks to Bolat Sarybayev, an outstanding researcher and collector of Kazakh musical instruments. His work brought this unique instrument back into the cultural heritage of Kazakhstan, preserving it for future generations and ensuring its place in the country’s history and musical culture.