This practice is part of the culture of mutual assistance and is often applied at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, housewarmings, and memorials.
The amount of "koshumcha" depends on the relationships among acquaintances, friends, and relatives.
Turmush correspondents in the Talas region conducted a survey among local residents about "koshumcha" and the amounts they bring to such events.
Suyun Jamalbekov, a resident of the Bakai-Ata district, noted that since his relatives and close ones maintain close ties, he participates in both joyful and mournful events. "We try to attend both happy and sad occasions, always bringing 'koshumcha' with us. I consider this tradition to be right, as it is a kind of common fund: what you give is what you receive. My wife's relatives and I have developed strong and friendly relationships. At weddings, we usually give livestock, and for sad events, we collect about 20,000 soms. My wife and I have many brothers and sisters, and last year we organized a big celebration for a housewarming, as relatives were working abroad and could not attend. They sent their congratulations and gifts through online transfers — for the housewarming, they sent $2,000, and for the wedding, $5,000 for buying a car for the newlyweds. Later, two days after the wedding, we invited relatives for a feast and discussed the gifts they sent. In the end, the news about the dollar 'koshumcha' quickly spread throughout the village," he shared.
Gulmira, a resident of the Talas region, shared that their family raised five children – one son and four daughters. Recently, the eldest brother celebrated his 60th birthday, and the sisters gifted him a car worth 510,000 soms. "Since he is the only son, this was our way of showing that he can drive our mother around. At the celebration, we handed him the keys to the car, put a 'tebetey' on him, and gave his wife gold earrings. To buy the car, each sister donated a horse, and since we have livestock, this did not cause any particular difficulties. If you have the opportunity to make a good gift for a loved one, that desire is natural. For weddings and anniversaries, we give livestock or money. This year, God willing, I will celebrate my 60th birthday, and probably my brother and sisters will gift me a horse," she added.
Kushubak Ashymov from the Kara-Buura district noted that last year a lot of funds went to "koshumcha." "In the fall, we received invitations to two events a day. As the head of the family, I bring 'koshumcha,' while my wife prepares gifts and other things. We have a small plot where we grow beans. Last year, we spent 3 tons of beans on 'koshumcha' for various events. If there were no concept of 'koshumcha,' there would be no weddings. People hold celebrations to return what they once gave. Besides 'koshumcha,' I also bring money for prizes — from 500 to 2,000 soms. There are expenses for photographs, which cost 200 soms. Women usually go to weddings to see the outfits of others and sometimes envy their husbands. When we return home, we discuss the event over tea," he shared.
Marat Tulekanov, also from the Bakai-Ata district, often attends celebrations. "In our rural area, all news spreads quickly. For example, my elder sister married off her daughter a year ago and gifted the newlyweds a two-room apartment in Bishkek. Everyone wants the best for their children. I spend one bull on 'koshumcha.' I have small children, but when the time comes, I will also give at weddings," he noted.
His sister Nurububu Tulekanova added that she and her husband gifted an apartment to the newlyweds. "Some discussed our choice of gift, thinking that money could have been given instead. But we believe we made the right choice. The apartment cost us 3 million soms and was purchased three years ago," she clarified.
Avasbek Turdumambetov, a resident of the Talas region, noted that current celebrations have changed significantly. "Everyone tries to make the best celebration, and the amounts of 'koshumcha' are increasing. I give 'koshumcha' depending on my finances. For example, if it is relatives, I give livestock or money. It is important to do pleasant things for the people around. Once, I witnessed relatives gifting the newlyweds an apartment and a 'Lexus 570,' which indicates their financial capabilities," he shared.
Ainura Beyshekeeva, a nurse from the Kara-Buura district, talked about a recent event at a friend's place. "The guests were from different social strata. The father of the groom, who held high positions, gifted the newlyweds a plot of land. The bride's sisters raised funds and bought a 10-day trip to Dubai. It was a real fairy tale," she shared.
Torobek Namazaliev, a resident of the Bakai-Ata district, noted that local residents love celebrations, but "koshumcha" has become just an expense for him. "I often wonder if it is possible to hold a celebration without 'koshumcha,' simply showing respect. But everyone acts out of habit. People discuss who gave how much and what was gifted. Previously, my grandfather gifted a camel for 'koshumcha,'" he concluded.
