Tradition, Transformation, and Tunes
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This video explores three distinct themes: Ompai’s cherished golden horse saddle, the evolution of farmland in Buyin Gol village, and reflections on historical Urtiin duu songs. In the opening segment, Ompai unveils her prized possession: a golden horse saddle acquired by her father from an Uyghur merchant when she was just eight years old. This saddle, meticulously crafted in the traditional Torghut style, symbolizes familial traditions and has been carefully preserved for over six decades. Situated in Buyin Gol village, formerly known as Botgon Gol, Ompai’s community has witnessed significant changes over the years. Once home to 70 households, the village now accommodates only twenty families, with many residents relocating to Hobogsair town centre to pursue education or engage in other business ventures. The transition from agriculture to tree planting, prompted by government policies following privatization, has reshaped the local landscape. Subsidies once provided for cultivating vast swathes of land have ceased, compelling villagers to revert to livestock rearing for sustenance. Additionally, the lucrative trade in precious stones, such as yellow agate sourced from the nearby hills, has dwindled due to an influx of Chinese prospectors scouring the region for stones. In the final segment, Ompai shares insights into two historical Urtiin duu songs: Örgen Ikh Ijil Zai and Aduund Baisan Bor. The former, sung by Torghuts who migrated from the Volga region, and the latter, performed by Torghuts who remained in the Volga region, serve as poignant reminders of the community’s rich musical heritage and ancestral connections.