Kupkari: The Tournament of Fearless Horsemen. A Visual Odyssey by HILL

HILL has completed the second stage of its documentary expedition to Surkhandarya — part of an ambitious new project dedicated to preserving and reviving Uzbekistan’s rich traditions while promoting cultural tourism. The result is a captivating collection of rare folklore and ethnographic material: firsthand conversations with local residents, their beliefs, oral legends, and customs. This new content forms a vivid, immersive journey through the country's cultural heritage.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to the Surkhandarya Regional Hokimiyat, the Department of Tourism, and the iconic Leica brand for their unwavering support in bringing this vision to life.

Uzbekistan is a land where history and culture stretch back thousands of years, and every tradition carries the spirit and strength of the people. Among its most spectacular and revered customs is kupkari — a horseback competition of strength, skill, and sheer bravery.

The very word kupkari reflects its essence: from the Turkic kup ("many") and Persian kari ("work" or "affair"), it can be translated as "a collective endeavor" or "the work of many". Across Central Asia, the game has different names: in Uzbekistan it is kupkari or ulak, in Tajikistan — buzkashi, in Kazakhstan — kopkar tartu.

From Antiquity to the Present

Historians trace kupkari’s origins to ancient chronicles of the state of Dawan (present-day Fergana Valley), described by Chinese travelers as early as the 7th century BCE — during the era of Zoroastrianism. Over the centuries, the passion for spectacle and competition only grew stronger, and kupkari endured as a timeless symbol of valor and strength.

Rules and Preparation

The principle is simple yet demanding: horsemen — called chapandaz — compete over the carcass of a goat or ram, which must be carried across a designated line or into a marked circle. What unfolds is a whirlwind of dust and raw struggle, with dozens of riders colliding in an atmosphere as intense as a Spanish corrida or an American rodeo.

Kupkari is traditionally held in spring and autumn, often during weddings or Navruz celebrations. Preparations begin well in advance: a council (maslahat) gathers to select the venue and determine the prizes.

The carcass itself is specially prepared: all entrails are removed except for the heart and liver, and the legs are cut to the knee. Its weight should not exceed 50 kilograms; if it is lighter, sand or salt is added to maintain balance.

Only well-trained riders on strong, disciplined horses are allowed to participate. Most often, these are of the Karabair breed — known for endurance and agility. Their care involves a precise regimen of feeding, exercise, and outdoor training.

Equipment and the Game

Riders wear padded coats, sturdy trousers, and helmets for protection. In the heat of the contest, opponents may strike with whips — this is permitted, making protective gear essential.

Rules prohibit attacking from behind, deliberately injuring rivals, or forcing them from their horses. Spectators are also forbidden from interfering, such as handing the carcass to a rider from the ground.

Once the referee places the carcass in the center and signals the start, dozens of horsemen surge forward. Only the swiftest and bravest break through the mass to seize the prize and dash toward the finish, while others fight to intercept.

Victory and Rewards

In the past, winners were honored with livestock, carpets, or pedigree horses. Today, prizes may range from household appliances to automobiles. Yet far beyond material gain, the greatest prize is eternal respect — a mark of greatness for life.

Cultural Significance

Kupkari is more than a sport. It is part of the cultural code of Central Asia — a living bridge between generations. Knowledge of how to train horses, prepare riders, and even the rituals surrounding the game is passed down from fathers to sons.

Today kupkari tournaments are held across Uzbekistan — in Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Samarkand, and Bukhara regions — attracting not only locals but also riders from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. These contests have become symbols of friendship and unity, and for visitors they offer a rare chance to experience a tradition that has preserved both the power of the ancestors and the timeless spirit of the steppe.