Kyrgyzstan Embarks on Quest for New Anthem, Moving Beyond Soviet Roots

Kyrgyzstan is replacing its Soviet-era national anthem by launching a public contest for a new one, aiming to better represent its national identity. The change is part of President Japarov’s broader reforms to state symbols. Public engagement in such initiatives is unusual in Central Asia, marking a significant cultural shift as the nation seeks inspiration for future generations.

In a significant move to redefine its national identity, Kyrgyzstan has launched a public contest to select a new national anthem, replacing the existing Soviet-inspired song. The country adopted its current anthem in 1992, shortly after gaining independence from the Soviet Union. However, government officials now argue the anthem does not truly reflect Kyrgyzstan’s unique history and culture, derived from the ancient nomadic Kyrgyz people.

For Balasaguyn Musayev, a 36-year-old composer among hundreds who answered the call for new entries, winning the competition means a great deal. He spent a month searching for inspiration before completing the music in just two days, working with a poet to finalize the lyrics. To Musayev, the new anthem must surpass the old one in every way. “Otherwise people will wonder why we changed it,” he conveyed.

Originally, the contest was expected to announce a winner in April, but due to modified rules, the timeline remains uncertain. This approach to public engagement is quite unusual in Central Asia, where Kyrgyzstan stands out for its comparatively competitive political climate amidst the region’s more authoritarian regimes.

Historically, complete changes of a national anthem typically align with significant political transformations. Countries such as Australia and Canada have recently made adjustments to their anthems, promoting inclusivity. Kyrgyzstan’s decision, part of a broader initiative by President Sadyr Japarov, reflects a desire to foster a stronger national identity.

Since assuming office in 2021, Japarov has enacted several reforms to state symbols, including altering the design of the national flag to assert sovereignty. He has highlighted the need for a new anthem that accurately represents the current reality of the nation, particularly given over three decades of independence. Japarov voiced, “Are we going to sing for another hundred years that we have just become independent? We have a state in our own right now, and we need to write an anthem that will inspire young people and future generations.”

Criticism of the existing anthem has come from various quarters, including Parliament speaker Nurlanbek Shakiyev, who remarked on its lackluster quality, claiming it is so uninspiring that “birds fly away” when they hear it. He advocates for a new anthem that should be uplifting and easy to sing, aiming to encourage national development.

However, contention exists among composers as well. Nurzhyguit Moldoyar, a 25-year-old vocalist and composer, expressed a more nostalgic view, calling the current anthem “a masterpiece” and underlined how high the standards must be for the next one. He believes the selection process should focus on the emotive impact of the new anthem and its authenticity, emphasizing that the feelings evoked by the music are paramount.

As Kyrgyzstan embarks on this unprecedented quest for a new anthem, the implications of this change transcends mere music; it delves into national pride, identity, and the vibrant future that lies ahead.

Kyrgyzstan’s initiative to revamp its national anthem symbolizes a broader effort to redefine its national identity post-independence from the Soviet Union. While a contest to source public ideas is quite rare for the region, it reflects Kyrgyzstan’s unique political landscape. The outcome of this contest may provide not only an alternative musical identity for Kyrgyzstan but also a renewed sense of pride and inspiration for its people.

Original Source: www.france24.com