Kyrgyz family
Kyrgyz (also spelled Kirghiz) are a Turkic ethnic group found primarily in Kyrgyzstan. There are several etymological theories on the name "Kyrgyz." First, the name Kyrgyz may mean "forty girls" (kyrk + kyz), a reference to the Manas epic unifying forty small tribes against the Chinese on one side and the Muslim expansion on the other. This is symbolized by the yellow sun in the center of the flag of Kyrgyzstan, which has 40 rays referring to forty Kyrgyz tribes. Next, a meaning of "forty tribes" (kyrk + uuz) which makes more direct sense. Finally, a meaning with totally different word formulation (kyrgys, adj.), meaning "imperishable", "inextinguishable" or "undying". This version has an obvious popular appreciation. Historical evidence for many conflicts with other peoples also supports this theory. According to recent historical findings, Kyrgyz history dates back to 201 BC. The early Kyrgyz lived in the upper Yenisey River valley, central Siberia. The discovery of the Pazyryk and Tashtyk cultures show them as a blend of Turkic and Iranian nomadic tribes. Chinese and Muslim sources of the 7th–12th centuries AD describe the Kyrgyz as red-haired with fair complexion and green (blue) eyes. The Kyrgyz form one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China. Their face is wide, the cheekbones are not very prominent. The Kyrgyz tend to be short, with the average male height being 162-164 cm. The Kyrgyz in tradition had green eyes, fair skin and red hair according to some Chinese sources, and although they have mixed thoroughly with other Turkic and Mongolian groups, some still have this complexion. Most Kyrgyz are Muslims. Islam was first introduced by Arab traders who travelled along the Silk Road in the seventh and eight century, but was embraced superficially by the Kyrgyz. Muslim rituals, including circumcision, were grafted onto Shamanistic rituals, and the Kyrgyz prayed only when the Mullah came to conduct sermons. [Wikipedia]
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