The Kumis Culture of the Turks: More Than a Drink

Kumis... Is it merely a beverage? Or is it a way of life, a belief, an identity?

In the vast steppes where Turkic life took shape, the relationship with nature went beyond taming animals. It turned them into symbols of culture, law, and even faith. One of the most flavorful and symbolic results of this bond is kumis — the fermented mare's milk that carries deep cultural weight.

From Mare’s Milk to Civilization

Kumis is a fermented drink made from mare’s milk. While it may seem like just another dairy product at first glance, it is, in fact, a reflection of the Turkic people’s livestock-based, nomadic lifestyle. The horse was not merely a mount or a source of food — it was a companion in battle, a symbol of status, and a sacred being. Kumis, born from the mare’s milk, represents this holistic relationship.

Not Just a Drink, But a Ritual

Among early Turks, drinking kumis was not just about quenching thirst. Kumis ceremonies were sometimes held with the presence of shamans, and often performed before battles to gain strength. These gatherings were acts of unity, purification, and spiritual connection. The way kumis was offered, the order in which guests received it, and even how the cup was held — all were guided by tradition.

A Source of Healing and Strength

Historical records suggest that kumis boosts the immune system, aids digestion, and increases vitality. For nomadic peoples, whose lives demanded endurance and adaptability, kumis was not only spiritually but physically nourishing — a reliable companion during long journeys and harsh climates.

A Tradition That Defies Time

Though it faded in some Turkic regions over time, kumis remains a living tradition among the Kyrgyz, Kazakh, and Sakha (Yakut) Turks. Today, kumis festivals are held, bottled kumis is sold in markets, and even “kumis tourism” is growing. Amid the synthetic flavors of the modern world, this ancient drink still carries the soul of the steppe.

Kumis as a Cultural Legacy

Kumis is not just a drink; it’s a symbol of the Turks’ bond with nature, the horse, the community, and the divine. Every drop of it contains a memory of who we were — and who we still are.

At Otağ-ı Türk, we believe the past shouldn’t remain confined to dusty pages. It should live in our traditions, our feasts, and our conversations. So, don’t just taste kumis… try to understand it.