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At just 15, Zhalihaerbieke from China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is on a mission to keep the ancient Epic of Manas alive. This heroic tale, passed down orally for centuries, has been his passion since he first learned to recite its verses at age five.
Now, after a decade of honing his craft, Zhalihaerbieke dreams of becoming a renowned singer of the epic, aiming to share its rich narratives of bravery and unity with the world.
‘The stories connect us to our ancestors,’ he says, his voice echoing the same determination as the heroes he recites. With cultural gems like the Epic of Manas recognized by UNESCO, Zhalihaerbieke’s journey isn’t just personal—it’s a bridge between generations.
His story reminds us: sometimes, the loudest calls to preserve heritage come from the youngest voices.
