Arman Nurmukhanbetov

Emerging research sheds new light on their origins and cultural impact, pointing to roots in Siberia. This connection is explored in Bruce Bower’s October 8, 2024, Science News article, Ancient Scythians Had Cultural Roots in Siberia. In their October 7, 2024, Antiquity report, archaeologist Gino Caspari and his colleagues analyzed artifacts from the 2,800-year-old Tunnug 1 burial mound in southern Siberia. Among these artifacts were “two bronze belt fittings decorated with stylized animals like those in later Scythian art, horse-riding gear, and metal and bone arrowheads.” These discoveries indicate that mounted Siberians played a critical role in disseminating artistic and burial practices westward across Asia within a relatively short time.

The “animal style” motifs found among the Saka’s artistic traditions exemplify their cultural influence. These motifs continue to inspire contemporary Central Asian design, particularly in textiles, jewelry, and architecture. The discoveries at Tunnug 1 also offer striking parallels to Herodotus’s descriptions of Scythian kingly burials, including the use of birch stakes for ceremonial purposes, underscoring the depth and longevity of Saka ceremonial practices.

The Saka’s legacy extends beyond their artistry. Their contributions to the development of the Silk Road positioned them as architects of cultural and economic exchange, permanently shaping Central Asia’s identity as a historical crossroads. Such enduring influence amplifies the significance of preserving their traditions and sacred heritage.

Arman Nurmukhanbetov, a distinguished cultural historian, shamanic practitioner, and passionate advocate for the Great Steppe’s heritage, emphasizes this point: “The people who do not respect their sacred places disappear. Remember to hold your traditions, visit your holy places, and your people will live forever.” His words serve both as a tribute to the Saka’s enduring legacy and as a call to honor and safeguard their sacred traditions for future generations.

A Childhood Rooted in History

Born in 1970 in Almaty, the capital of modern independent Kazakhstan, Arman Nurmukhanbetov’s early life unfolded during the Soviet era. Reflecting on this period, he states, “My country was then an occupied part of the Russian Empire,” a poignant observation that underscores the political and historical realities of his upbringing in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.

Nurmukhanbetov grew up in a close-knit family with three brothers—one older and two younger—in a household where order, respect for elders, and dedication to education were paramount. His father, a scientist and archaeologist, had a profound influence on his formative years. “Starting in April, as soon as the snow melted, my father went on expeditions, often taking us with him,” Nurmukhanbetov recalls, offering a glimpse into how his early exposure to the steppe’s rich historical and cultural heritage shaped his worldview.

Equally influential was his mother, whose resourcefulness in navigating the constraints of limited resources defined much of their family life. “When we were little, she worked in the same kindergarten where we were sent to take care of us there. When we grew up a little and went to school, she got a job in the school cafeteria to feed us lunches,” he shares, illustrating her dedication to their well-being. These childhood experiences, though modest and full of challenges, instilled in Nurmukhanbetov a resilience and a deep appreciation for history and heritage—qualities that would later serve as the foundation for his future endeavors.

Educational Struggles, Self-Determination, and Cultural Identity

In 1989, Nurmukhanbetov embarked on his academic journey at the Faculty of Journalism at Kazakh State University. However, his aspirations were interrupted by a serious illness, casting a shadow over his education. Reflecting on that period, Nurmukhanbetov recalls, “When I recovered, the economic crisis of the 1990s began. There was no time for studying—I had to feed my younger brothers and work a lot.” Despite these challenges, Nurmukhanbetov's determination remained unshaken. He turned to self-education, immersing himself in subjects that would later define his career. This unwavering pursuit of knowledge earned him respect and success, proving that formal credentials are just one path to achievement.

Nurmukhanbetov's struggles mirrored the broader experience of his fellow Kazakhs during a transformative time in history. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan emerged as an independent nation, facing economic hardship, social upheaval, and the challenge of forging a new identity. Yet, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the country demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation, showcasing the enduring strength of Kazakh culture.

Language, too, became a cornerstone of this journey, both for Nurmukhanbetov personally and for Kazakhstan as a whole. Fluent in Kazakh, Russian, and English, Nurmukhanbetov reflects on the difficulties of reclaiming his native language: “Under the Soviet Union, the languages of conquered peoples were eradicated. In Almaty, a city of over a million, there was only one Kazakh school during my childhood.” Rediscovering and mastering the Kazakh language as an adult was not only a deeply personal achievement for Nurmukhanbetov but also a vital act of reconnecting with his heritage—a shared endeavor for many Kazakhs striving to reclaim their cultural identity in a post-Soviet world.

Saka Traditions and Nomadic Heritage

Though details of Saka history were scarce in his childhood, Nurmukhanbetov fondly recalls a children’s couplet: “I am a Saka, I have an akinak.” This pride in their warlike ancestors, symbolized by the akinak (a short sword), resonates deeply in Kazakh culture, where the ancient warrior spirit of the Saka people continues to be honored. “The knightly traditions of the Great Steppe, rooted in Saka civilization, remain significant today,” he notes, underlining the persistence of warrior values across time. Hospitality, ancestral lineage, and burial customs are enduring elements of this heritage that tie present-day Kazakhs to their forebears.

Nurmukhanbetov's reflections explore the unique worldview of nomads. “The nomadic way of life wasn’t forced by natural conditions. It reflected an internal choice—a love for freedom, travel, and an expansive worldview,” he explains, emphasizing that this way of life was a conscious embrace of boundless horizons. In his view, the nomadic lifestyle is not merely a response to external factors, but a profound reflection of the individual’s internal values, a desire for unattachment to a single place, and a deep yearning for freedom. "The only, main problem of the nomadic way of life," he observes, "is the full life in an absolutely wild natural environment, in the palm of the pristine elements. This is not available to everyone." The constant need to move, he notes, can be challenging for some, yet it offers a unique kind of freedom for those who embrace it.

He goes on to explain that while a sedentary person might view constant movement as a burden, for a nomad, it is a joyous and liberating experience. "For a sedentary resident, moving is akin to a disaster. For a nomad, it is a joy and a holiday. For a sedentary person, life in nature is eternal discomfort and stress. For a nomad, it is constant pleasure." This contrast, he argues, lies at the heart of the nomadic identity: the freedom to roam, to experience the world, and to live unbound by fixed structures. Nurmukhanbetov further challenges the view that nomadism is a forced adaptation to natural conditions, emphasizing instead that it was, and remains, a choice—a deep-seated value of freedom and exploration. He believes the nomadic way of life is connected, first of all, to an internal choice—a value of being unattached to one place, a desire for the freedom of movement, and a passion for travel and new sensations.

Nurmukhanbetov also highlights the Kazakh saying, "He is not rich who has a lot. He is rich who has seen a lot." While a sedentary person might live his whole life in the limited space of a city, the nomad covers thousands of kilometers, encounters many landscapes and cultures, and absorbs languages, faiths, and arts. In this sense, the nomad is far more developed and has a much broader worldview than the sedentary person. This perspective is central to understanding the persistent nature of nomadic traditions, even in the face of modern pressures.

"In the 1920s and 1930s, the nomadic way of life faced substantial disruption with the arrival of Soviet collectivization. This was a period when the traditions of the steppe were forcibly interrupted," he states. The collective push for urbanization and permanent settlement marked a significant rupture, yet despite these historical challenges, the core values of warrior pride and nomadic resilience remained ingrained in Kazakh culture.

Drawing connections between past and present, Nurmukhanbetov highlights the continued influence of Saka traditions in modern Kazakh life. "If we talk about those aspects that are still relevant today, then this is, firstly, and certainly, the warlike nature of the Kazakhs, who traditionally lead in various kinds of martial arts, for example, boxing or wrestling," he shares. The skills and discipline honed by ancient Saka warriors continue to shape the modern identity of Kazakhs, demonstrating the enduring connection between their historical legacy and contemporary practices.

One of the most striking continuities between ancient Saka practices and modern Kazakh culture is the persistence of funeral customs, which still reflect the ancient traditions of honoring the deceased. As noted by Nurmukhanbetov, the Sakas traditionally held lavish funeral ceremonies, arranged memorial rites, and constructed elevated burial mounds for their deceased. "Even today, the Kazakhs, even calling themselves Muslims, still cannot get used to the Islamic tradition of simply burying the deceased, installing a simple stone on his grave and trying to forget about him forever." Instead, the Kazakhs maintain rituals of remembrance that go beyond Islamic norms, with wakes held not only on the day of the funeral but also on the seventh day, the hundredth day, and even one and three years later. Furthermore, the Kazakhs decorate graves in a distinctive manner, building elaborate mausoleums—a practice strictly prohibited in Islam, yet deeply rooted in the Saka tradition of erecting grand burial mounds. These enduring customs reflect a broader cultural refusal to sever ties with ancestors, reaffirming the living presence of lineage and legacy in Kazakh society.

Cultural Preservation and Art

For over two decades, Nurmukhanbetov has been a tireless advocate for preserving the culture of the Great Steppe. “For a quarter of a century, since 1999, I have been exclusively engaged in promoting the culture of the Great Steppe,” he says, reflecting on his expansive contributions. From writing articles and poetry to organizing events, he has explored every medium to share its richness. One of his most significant efforts is the promotion of the Sakas’ contributions to art, particularly their famous Animal Style. This unique art form, characterized by dynamic depictions of animals in various poses such as running, dancing, or fighting, was crafted from diverse materials like metal, gold, wood, felt, bone, and even amber. The Sakas integrated these vivid representations of animals into every aspect of their lives—decorating yurts, carpets, weapons, dishes, and horses. It is widely believed that the Saka Animal Style influenced the art of neighboring cultures, the Germanic tribes, the Iranians, and the Chinese, showcasing its enduring impact.

Beyond visual art,Nurmukhanbetov highlights the importance of the Sakas’ musical heritage. Stringed and plucked instruments, believed to have originated with nomadic peoples, were made from animal bones, sinew, and intestines—materials readily available to cattle breeders. These early instruments not only reflect the ingenuity of the Sakas but also their deep connection to nature and their environment.

Recently, Nurmukhanbetov has shifted his focus toward the development of Kazakh shamanic traditions. “I have left all these activities and fully concentrated on the development of Kazakh shamanic traditions,” he explains. As the founder of one of the first shamanic schools in Kazakhstan and the author of the First Kurultai of Kazakh Shamans in March 2024, Nurmukhanbetov is pioneering efforts to preserve and promote this sacred practice. His method of revealing the shamanic gift has drawn numerous students, and his scientific research, encapsulated in the book Kasiet, marks the first publication dedicated to the sacred magical gift, ensuring that this vital aspect of Kazakh culture continues to thrive in the modern world.

Horses and Warrior Culture

Horses held a sacred place in Saka life, serving as companions, status symbols, and tools of war. Nurmukhanbetov recounts several traditional practices, such as rider initiation ceremonies for young children and symbolic gestures like cutting a horse’s tail to signify mourning or declare war. He observes that "the Kazakh respect for horses and martial arts has its roots in Saka traditions," and that such practices were deeply embedded in the nomadic way of life. One example is the "rider initiation" ceremony, a universal practice for all nomads. A three-year-old child would be ceremoniously seated on a horse, with special embroidered bags hung on the horse’s croup. The newly initiated rider would then be led through the entire aul (nomadic camp), and residents would offer congratulations, gifts, and treats to the child.

Another practice tied to horses was associated with funeral rites. If someone died in the village, the deceased's relatives would cut off the tail of their horse, hang it on a spear, and attach the spear to the wall of the yurt. This "banner of death" served as a visual signal, allowing others to see from a distance which house was in mourning. Similarly, cutting off a horse’s tail during a stay on the territory of another clan or family symbolized a declaration of war on that group.

This respect for horses extended to Saka women, who were often active in equestrian culture. As Nurmukhanbetov explains, "The traditional respectful attitude of the Kazakhs towards women is clearly of Saka origin." He points to traditions like bride-groom wrestling and the game of Kyz Kuu, which reflect the empowerment of women in Saka society and their significant role in the warrior culture.

The Role of Women

Arman Nurmukhanbetov underscores the elevated status of women in Saka society. He explains, “The Saka bride had to fight her groom before marriage—if he lost, he became under her servitude,” illustrating the society’s unique gender dynamics. This legacy persists in modern Kazakh games like Kyz Kuu, where women compete with men in horseback races. If a man fails to catch the woman as she races away from him, she will pursue him.

The Saka culture, part of the nomadic societies of the Great Steppe, exhibited a remarkably egalitarian approach to gender roles, particularly in comparison to many other ancient societies. Women in Saka society enjoyed significant status and independence, with archaeological evidence suggesting their participation in military activities and leadership roles. According to Barry Cunliffe in By Steppe, Desert, and Ocean: The Search for the Scythians, "one-fifth of the excavated warrior burials dating from the fifth to fourth centuries are female," challenging the notion that warfare was exclusively a male domain.

Historical Figure

When asked about an influential Saka figure in history, Nurmukhanbetov highlighted the extraordinary story of Shirak, a humble Saka shepherd who used his wit and bravery to outsmart one of the most powerful empires of his time. Shirak’s tale is one of resourcefulness and sacrifice. When the Persian army threatened his people, he devised a clever plan: he altered his appearance and entered the Persian camp, claiming that the Sakas had harmed him and that he sought vengeance. Shirak persuaded the Persians to trust him and follow him into the desert, where he promised to lead them to the rear of the Saka forces, where their families were hidden. Once they ventured deep into the desert, however, Shirak's deception was revealed, and the Persians, unprepared for the harsh environment, were left stranded. Though Shirak's actions ultimately cost him his life, his strategic brilliance and self-sacrifice are remembered as a powerful example of courage and cleverness, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of the Saka people.

Connecting Saka to the World

As Nurmukhanbetov explains, the Saka people were not isolated but deeply intertwined with global history. Their military tactics, artistic influences, and even contributions to the Gregorian calendar reveal their far-reaching impact. “The mounted knight, a symbol of medieval Europe, originates from the Great Steppe,” he asserts, tracing the lineage of warriors like the Huns, Sarmatians, Pechenegs, and Avars to Saka traditions. The military techniques and tactics of these nomads, unmatched in their time, contributed directly to the development of the mounted cataphract, a precursor to the European knight.

This cultural influence is not only reflected in military strategy but also in intellectual achievements. For instance, Dionysius Exiguus, a Scythian monk, proposed the widely used Gregorian calendar, marking a lasting legacy from the Saka. Moreover, figures like Anacharsis, a Scythian who introduced the anchor to the Greeks, further illustrate the profound impact of these nomadic peoples on ancient civilizations. Even the legendary Greek hero Achilles is believed to have had Scythian origins, with some sources suggesting that his story inspired the creation of Europe’s earliest epic. As Nurmukhanbetov highlights, these examples underscore the dynamic exchange between the nomadic and sedentary worlds, an influence that has long been overlooked but undeniably shaped the course of history.

When asked about the historical trade or influence the Saka people may have had on Southeast Asia, Nurmukhanbetov remarked, "Unfortunately, I do not know of a direct connection between the Sakas and Southeast Asia. However, the Sakas certainly influenced China. Which, in turn, influenced the rest of the continent." He further explained that gold processing technologies and stylistic features from the Animal Style of the nomads, which originated in Saka workshops, eventually reached China, demonstrating a ripple effect of Saka influence across regions. Nurmukhanbetov also offered an alternative perspective on the Great Silk Road, suggesting it could be seen differently from the viewpoint of the Sakas. He noted, "Silk went only in one direction, from East to West. From West to East, from the Saka steppes to China, herds of horses went, which were absent in China." This exchange was pivotal in shaping China's cavalry and chariot technologies, which were deeply reliant on nomadic horse culture.

Furthermore, he observed that the Sakas' military advancements, such as the development of the double-layered sword, impacted Asian cultures, including the Koreans and Japanese. "The characteristic features of its attachment to the warrior's torso were directly borrowed by the Koreans, and then by the Japanese, from the Sarmatians," he added. These influences, he concluded, might have even extended to the more southern regions of Asia, but further research is needed to explore these phenomena in depth.

Advice for the Next Generation

Arman Nurmukhanbetov’s message to young people is clear: “Know your heritage. Study it, preserve it, and adapt it for the modern world.” His own life’s work is a testament to this philosophy—an unwavering commitment to celebrating and preserving the culture of the Great Steppe. Reflecting on the importance of heritage, he emphasizes, "If you want to know yourself, get to know your ancestors. If you want to imagine your future, get to know the past. If you want to love your people, get to know the culture of the Steppe." These words go beyond a mere call to honor history; they urge the creation of a future that intertwines modernity with the wisdom of the past—a future where the Saka legacy continues to thrive.

In a world where some may believe the past is irrelevant, Nurmukhanbetov challenges this view by asserting, “We come from something. We are descendants of someone. We think like someone in the past. We are like one of our ancestors. We move like them, we think like them. In fact, we are them. We are only a link in an endless chain of succession. Not the first and not the last.” For him, the legacy of the Saka is more than just history—it is an intrinsic part of identity. He believes that to understand who we are, we must look to our roots, for “if we do not know anything about this, if we do not think about it, then we will not be complete.”

Through the continued exploration of Saka culture, both academically and in everyday life, Kazakhstan’s younger generations will keep the flame of their ancestors alive, ensuring that the Saka story is not a forgotten echo but a vibrant part of the global cultural tapestry. In this way, Nurmukhanbetov's vision calls for a dynamic blend of tradition and progress, a future that honors the past while shaping the world of tomorrow.

Conclusion: The Saka People's Unparalleled Contribution

In reflecting on the rich legacy of the Saka people, Arman Nurmukhanbetov emphasizes the timeless relevance of their traditions—an enduring proof of resilience, cultural exchange, and adaptability. His own journey of rediscovery and dedication to preserving the culture of the Great Steppe stands as an inspiring example for future generations. As Nurmukhanbetov urges, understanding and embracing the past is not just an act of remembrance but a foundation for shaping a future where heritage and modernity coexist harmoniously. The Saka people, with their unparalleled contributions to art, society, and history, remain an indelible part of Kazakhstan's identity and the world's cultural fabric. Their legacy, from the sacred bond with the land to the empowering role of women and the martial prowess of warriors, continues to inspire and inform the present. Much like the ancient traditions uncovered through recent archaeological findings, the Saka's impact on history and culture cannot be overlooked. By honoring this heritage, future generations can ensure that the echoes of the Great Steppe resonate for years to come, uniting the lessons of the past with the possibilities of tomorrow.