Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Echoes of the Altai

In the remote Bayan-Ölgii region, where Kazakh traditions have endured through time and hardship, each hunter raises and trains their eagle from a young age, forging a bond of respect and loyalty. Eagle hunting, more than just a tradition, is a way of life passed down through generations. Many hunters fled Soviet repression, seeking refuge in Mongolia, where the practice thrives today. This reunion of hunters, captured in the Ger of Jenisbek, reflects the deep relationship between humans and nature, preserved in the vast landscapes of the Altai Mountains, where around 250 eagle hunters continue this ancient art.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2024
Date Uploaded: 10.2024
Photo Location: olgii, Mongolia
Camera: LEICA SL3
Copyright: © thibault gerbaldi