Mankurt

A Mankurt (sometimes transliterated as Mankurtist) is a term originating in the novel The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years (Russian: И дольше века длится день) by Kyrgyz author Chingiz Aitmatov. It refers to a captive who, through torture, has been deprived of all memory of their past, their identity, and their cultural heritage. They become completely subservient to their captor, performing tasks without question and lacking any sense of self beyond obedience.

The process of creating a Mankurt, as described in Aitmatov's novel, involves a brutal method of torture. A shaved head is covered with fresh camel hide, which shrinks and tightens as it dries under the desert sun, causing excruciating pain and eventually, brain damage and complete amnesia. The individual retains only the ability to follow orders.

The term "Mankurt" has evolved beyond its literary origins to become a widely used metaphor, particularly in post-Soviet Central Asia and other regions facing issues of cultural identity and globalization. It is often used to criticize individuals or groups who are seen as having abandoned their cultural roots, national identity, or historical memory in favor of foreign influence or perceived modern trends. In this context, a "Mankurt" is someone who is easily manipulated and controlled because they lack a connection to their own past.

The concept of the Mankurt raises important questions about the preservation of cultural heritage, the dangers of cultural assimilation, and the importance of historical memory in shaping individual and national identity. While the specific torture method is fictional, the underlying themes of identity loss and cultural manipulation resonate with real-world concerns about the impact of globalization and the erosion of traditional values.