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Swift-foot and Bürkit

Apostolos Kaloudis

Greece

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Eagle hunting was largely banned during Soviet rule in Kazakhstan. More than a million Kazakhs died, many were imprisoned or exiled. The ancient tradition of Eagle hunting survived thanks to the Kazakhs that fled, & settled in Mongolia & China. Here is Jenisbek Tserik, a champion in Horse Wrestling.

Silver

The Kazakh traditions have been passed from generation to generation. Once a boy is strong enough to carry the weight of an eagle, it’s time to follow in their forefathers footsteps. With the father's help, the child will learn how to hunt in the beginning with a small hawk & later with eagles.

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Honorable Mention

The Next Generation of Eagle Hunters

Inside the interior of a small and dusty temple in Bagan (Myanmar), I saw these two little novice monks improvising during their game with just a candle, some joss sticks and beams of light. The whole scene looked like a beautiful extension of their pure fantasy world, maybe an old forgotten ritual.

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Children of the Sun

Here is Eagle Hunter Shinasl Mana, he keep together with his brother the traditions of his family alive for 7 generations now. Eagle hunting was largely banned during Soviet rule in Kazakhstan, and this old tradition survived thanks to the Kazakhs that fled, and settled in Mongolia and China.