Zhyrau art
The art of zhyrau is a noble heritage of Kazakh spirituality, an invaluable spiritual treasure of the Kazakh people. In the era of the Kazakh khanate, the zhyrau were considered a recognised major political force in the khan's headquarters and performed various public functions.Zhyrau are sages who created folk poetry. They included in their poems significant events of their time and historical periods. Literature before Zhyrau poetry was called oral literature created by the people. Zhyrau poetry originated from the moment of foundation of the Kazakh khanate (15th century). In the 15th century lived Asan kaigy, Kaztugan-zhyrau.Zhyrau was respected among the people. When the country was agitated, when there was chaos in the country or when the enemy was seizing lands, people asked Zhyrau for advice. At that time, Zhyrau urged the public not to worry and gave them strength. Zhyrau poetry covers the period from the 15th to the 17th centuries. The name Zhyrau comes from the word "zhyr". Zhyrau knew many epic songs by heart. Zhyrau pronounced his works in the form of commandments. The main themes of their works are love for their native land, country, defence of the motherland, call for the unity of the country, propaganda of moral qualities.
