Kyrgyzstan Aims for New National Anthem to Boost National Identity

Kyrgyzstan is replacing its Soviet-era national anthem through a public contest aimed at inspiring national pride and reflecting its nomadic heritage. The decision aligns with President Japarov’s reforms to strengthen state symbols, but it also raises questions about national identity and representation in post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan is on a quest to replace its Soviet-era anthem with something more reflective of its national identity. In an effort to connect with its roots and inspire the younger generations, the government has opened a public contest for a new national anthem. This historic move comes as the country looks to shed the legacy of its past.

Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1992, Kyrgyzstan has used an anthem largely based on its predecessor, raising questions about its relevance in modern times. Officials say the current anthem does not adequately tell the story of Kyrgyzstan, which boasts a rich nomadic history.

Composer Balasaguyn Musayev, 36, is among the hopefuls. He shared that he spent a month channeling ideas before cranking out the music in just two days, with his friend contributing the lyrics. He believes a better anthem is imperative, stating, “The new anthem must be better than the previous one in every way. Otherwise people will wonder why we changed it.”

Initially, the winner was expected to be announced in April 2023, but changes to the contest rules have left that timeline unclear. In Central Asia, public engagement in decision-making is often rare, making Kyrgyzstan’s approach distinct among nations, especially given its more competitive political landscape.

President Sadyr Japarov, who has held power since 2021, sees this anthem change as part of broader reforms to revamp state symbols. Following his own consolidation of power through constitutional reforms, he altered the national flag, asserting that such changes would bolster the nation’s sovereignty.

While he has made strides in improving the economy and tackling corruption, there are pressing concerns regarding civil rights violations. Japarov emphasized the need for a more motivating anthem, questioning whether lyrics about striving for freedom reflect a country that has been independent for over 30 years. “Are we going to sing for another hundred years that we just became independent?” he asked last year.

Parliament speaker Nurlanbek Shakiyev echoed the sentiment, humorously stating that the current anthem is so uninspiring that “birds fly away” when they hear it. He called for a new anthem that would not just be catchy but also motivate the nation towards progress.

However, not everyone is on board with the replacement. Nurzhyguit Moldoyar, 25, a fellow composer and vocalist, considers the existing anthem a “masterpiece” and stresses the importance of evoking emotion when selecting a new piece. He hopes that the eventual winner will resonate with listeners through both sincerity and creativity.

In the grand scheme, Kyrgyzstan’s push for a new anthem is an intriguing commentary on national identity and the journey towards self-definition in a post-Soviet landscape.

Kyrgyzstan is actively seeking to replace its Soviet-era anthem in a bid to inspire national pride and reflect its heritage. This public contest, highlighted by various emerging composers including Balasaguyn Musayev and Nurzhyguit Moldoyar, underscores the vivid perspective on the country’s evolving identity. As changes to state symbols continue under President Japarov, the focus remains on fostering a narrative that resonates with future generations.

Original Source: www.france24.com