Bagshys have enjoyed great respect in Turkmen society as guardians of the culture, and since independence in 1991, they have received greater support from the government.
[1] In central Asia, the word bagshy (also spelt as baqshi or bakshi among other variants) refers to a bard or a shaman.
The model Turkic bard is the legendary figure of Dede Korkut (or Qorqyt), who is also regarded as the saint and protector of all bagshy.
Aspiring bagshys pay homage to patron figures such as Ashyk Aydyn Pir and Baba Gambar.
Traditionally the preserve of men, women are also now leading figures in the bagshy profession, among them Almagul Nazarowa, Soltanbagt Rejepowa and Bibinur Ashyrowa.