Kyrgyzstan Launches Search for New National Anthem, Moving Beyond…

Kyrgyzstan is moving to replace its Soviet-inspired national anthem through a public contest aiming for a more inspiring representation of the nation. The decision reflects a desire for national pride, distinct from historical influences. Prominent composers have contributed entries, with expectations of a timely announcement now unclear due to rule modifications. This cultural initiative aligns with recent efforts by the government to refresh national symbols, despite ongoing concerns about civil liberties.

In a notable departure from its past, Kyrgyzstan is in search of a new national anthem, one that resonates with the country’s identity rather than its Soviet history. This Central Asian nation, since its independence from the USSR in 1992, has used an anthem that largely reflects its Soviet heritage. Officials argue that the current anthem does not represent the vibrancy and culture of the modern Kyrgyz people, who descend from a long nomadic heritage.

The government’s announcement about this change marks an unprecedented move, as it has opened a public contest to solicit new anthem submissions. Over 300 applicants have participated, including composer Balasaguyn Musayev, who expressed that winning this competition would mean a great deal to him personally. He noted that it took him a month to get inspired before composing the music in merely two days, collaborating with a poet friend for the lyrics.

Musayev emphasized that the new anthem should surpass the existing one in every aspect, otherwise, it may leave people questioning the need for a change. Initially, contest winners were slated to be announced in April, but the rules were adjusted, leading to uncertainty around when the public will know the results.

Kyrgyzstan’s decision to include public input in such a significant matter is rather uncommon in Central Asia. The nation boasts a political system that stands in stark contrast to its authoritarian neighbors, creating a unique environment for political engagement. On a broader scale, it is rare for a country to completely overhaul its national anthem without accompanying drastic political shifts; previous cases like Australia and Canada involved more subtle changes.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by President Sadyr Japarov to refresh state symbols and foster a sense of newfound national pride. After reforming the constitution in 2021 to bolster his powers, he altered the country’s flag symbol to move away from its sunflower image, claiming it would enhance national sovereignty. While he has seen successes like heightened economic activity and strides against corruption, there are ongoing concerns from human rights advocates regarding the increasing pressure on civil society under his administration.

Japarov has criticized the existing anthem’s lyrics, which lamented the journey towards freedom, stating that after over three decades of freedom, it does not reflect their current standing as an independent state. “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,” he mentioned last year.

Officials have expressed further dissatisfaction with the current anthem. Nurlanbek Shakiyev, the parliament speaker, humorously remarked that the anthem is so unappealing that “birds fly away” upon hearing it, suggesting that the new anthem should be both uplifting and easy to sing. However, Nurzhyguit Moldoyar, a younger composer also vying for the prize, noted that the existing anthem still holds a certain grandeur for him. He expressed concern about living up to the previously set bar, emphasizing that the decision should hinge on emotional resonance, innovative musical elements, and sincerity.

Kyrgyzstan’s quest for a new national anthem highlights a significant cultural shift away from Soviet influences, aiming to better reflect its unique heritage and contemporary identity. By engaging the public in a creative contest, the government signals a willingness to embrace change while also emphasizing national pride and youthful inspiration. This initiative not only seeks to modernize symbols of state but also illustrates the nation’s evolving political landscape under President Japarov’s leadership.

Original Source: www.france24.com