Aqyn or akyn (Kazakh: ақын, Kyrgyz: акын, pronounced [ɑˈqɯn]; both transcribed as aqın or اقىن), is an improvisational poet and singer within the Kazakh and Kyrgyz cultures. Aqyns differ from the zhyraus or manaschys, who are instead song performers or epic storytellers.

In song competitions known as aytıs or aytysh, aqyns improvise in the form of a song-like recitative, usually to the accompaniment of a dombra (among Kazakhs) or a komuz (among Kyrgyz). In the context of the nomadic lifestyle and illiteracy of most of the rural population in Central Asia in pre-Soviet times, akyns played an important role in terms of expressing people's thoughts and feelings, exposing social vices, and glorifying heroes. In the Soviet era, their repertoire incorporated praise songs to Lenin.^[1]

Contemporary aqyns may also publish their original lyrics and poetry.

Famous historical Kazakh akyns include: Zhanak Kambaruluy (1760–1857), Makhambet Otemisuly (1804–1846), Suyunbai Aronuly (1815–1898), Shernyz Zharylgasov (1817–1881), Birzhan-Sal Khodgulov (1834–1897), Ziaus Baizhanov (1835–1929), Akan Sery Corramsauluy (1843–1913), Zhambyl Zhabayuly (1846–1945), Gaziz Firesoll (mind 1930), Kenen Azerbaev (1884–1976), and Aktan Kereiuly.

Aqyns often fully improvise, responding to any phenomena in society or at the situation on nationwide holidays, etc. On holidays, a kind of aqyn competition is often held. During the aqua contest, having fun, alternately in poetry form, try to make fun of each other or choosing any arbitrary theme. Sometimes, the authorities are trying to subjected to Aytyus censorship when it comes to the power of property or politicians.^[2]

The nomadic lifestyle and the speed of the art of Akynov did not allow the work in the past and maintain works on paper. Most of the works of Aquins remained lost.

Famous Kyrgyz aqyns include Qalygul, Arstanbek, Soltonbay, Toqtogul Satylganov, Togoloq Moldo, Qylychty, Naymanbay, Qalmyrza, Eshmanbet, and Beknazar. Sometimes manaschys are also considered a separate story-telling category of aqyns.

• Nurmakhan, Zhanash: Kazaktyn 5000 Akyn-zhyrauy. Almaty 2008. ISBN 9965-742-70-7 (in Kazakh)

• Kazakh music
• Kyrgyz music