Bubaisha Arstynbekova's epic poem, Queen Kurmanjan of the Mountains tells the story of Kurmanjan Datka, 'The Tsaritsa of Alai, ' a courageous and noble woman who was not afraid to break with tradition. An important politician, in the second half of the eighteen century, Kurmanjan ruled over the Alai region wisely, both seeking compromise and fighting for the rights of her people. A lyrical ode to the Queen, Arstynbekova's book also reveals the traditions and way of life of the Kyrgyz people in this period of intrigue and instability.