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Civilization Object No. 050
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Manas Epic

玛纳斯

The Kyrgyz people's 500,000-verse heroic epic, recounting the legendary exploits of Manas and his descendants over eight generations.

dna Heritage DNA
history Origin

9th–10th century CE

category Domain

quyi

verified Level

UNESCO Intangible Heritage

pin_drop Region

Northwest China

pulse Status

active

The Epic of Manas is the heroic epic of the Kyrgyz people, primarily preserved in the Xinjiang region of China. With over 500,000 verses, it recounts the life and exploits of Manas and his descendants over eight generations. Performers (manaschi) chant the epic in a dramatic, rhythmic style, often accompanied by a three-stringed komuz. The epic embodies Kyrgyz history, ethics, and cosmology.

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Relationship Constellation

This heritage item connects to 7 entities across the atlas — masters, places, festivals, and stories.

pin_drop Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region location person Gesar Epic Tradition ich person Tang Dynasty dynasty person Silk Road region person Uyghur ethnic-group person Gesar Epic Tradition ich person Hezhen Yimakan Storytelling ich
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