Nomadic pastoralism and interaction zones (The case of pre-Soviet Kyrgyz pastoralism)

This paper re-conceptualizes the four-seasonal cycling tradition of pre-Soviet Kyrgyz pastoralism, reconsidering the existing archival and oral materials. It argues that the summer quarters (zhailoo) in nomadic cycling were core contact zones for whole clan-based Kyrgyz community in pre-Soviet time whereas, the other winter, spring and autumn quarters remained in the margins. In addition, since all small and large nomadic groups from different regions were interacting in summer quarter, practicing the common language, ceremonies and traditions, this quarter also was preventing the emergence of different languages or dialects, social and cultural differences among Kyrgyz nomadic groups.