Honorable Mention TIFA 2021 People / Culture

Kubatbek and Karachin

  • Photographer
    Mattia Corato
  • Technical Info
    Contax T3, Kodak Portra 400
  • Photo Date
    April 2019

Hunting with eagles is a fascinating tradition in Central Asia. In the past it was fundamental for nomadic people to get food and furs during the harsh winter months. In Kyrgyzstan, the golden eagle is known as "berkut" and Kyrgyz eagle hunters are among the few people that still train these giant birds to hunt. The hunter and the eagle stay together almost 20 years building a very strong connection during that time. Kubatbek is a Kyrgyz eagle hunter who lives in Bokonbayevo. In this picture you see how gently he is talking to Karachin, one of his eagles.