Episode details

World Service,28 Feb 2020,12 mins

The man who sang the Manas

Fifth Floor

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The Manas is a Kyrgyz epic poem. It’s over a thousand years old, and is a performed poem, part recitation, part improvisation. Saparbek Kasmambet was a well-respected manaschi, or Manas performer, and also father of BBC Kyrgyz's Gulnara Kasmambet. Following his death earlier this year Gulnara has been overwhelmed by the tributes pouring in. She shares her memories. Image: State funeral for Saparbek Kasmambet with soldiers holding portrait Copyright: BBC

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