Kara-Balta and Its Predecessor

Historical Roots of the City

Let us return to those deep historical roots that connect our mountainous region with events from three thousand years ago, our young city of Kara-Balta with its predecessor, which existed and stood in this place for many centuries.

Judging by the treasure of 3000 coins found in the charred ruins of the city by archaeologist M.N. Omorov and the expedition of archaeologist D.F. Vinnik which uncovered 5000 coins, mainly Karakhanid dirhams minted from copper and silver in many cities of Central Asia, scholars conclude that Nuzket had extensive trade connections. The findings, dated to the IX-XII centuries during the rule of the Karakhanids, testify that this was the height of the "golden age" of cultural, trade, and craft flourishing, made possible only by the multifaceted connections established by the Great Silk Road.

Today, on the threshold of the third millennium, the idea of reviving the Great Silk Road in its new understanding and forms finds support both in the UN and in the Asian-European community. Because the idea of the Path encompasses not only trade and cultural connections but all earthly and cosmic links. And, as if propelled by providence, our city once again becomes a hub of intertwining ancient caravan routes, now transformed into connecting road, railway, and air routes. The Bishkek-Osh route is currently being thoroughly restored with the help of foreign investors and specialists, symbolizing a new beginning of the path. And as if to confirm this, a recent agreement was reached between the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan that the under-construction road from China to Uzbekistan to Pakistan, leading to the sea, will pass through the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic. All of this, done in the spirit of the idea of the Path, is perceived as a glimpse of the beginning of a new "Golden Age," the driving force of which is and can play an even greater role in the center of the Central Asian region, Kyrgyzstan. This is the vision of our economists and politicians, and this is how our President thinks.

Great things are made up of small things. Small towns invisibly weave into the fate of the state - into the global process.

Therefore, on the anniversary of the young city, it is appropriate to speak of its ancient and recent history, so as not to lose the connecting thread of memory, to turn to its roots, to analyze the present, to forecast, and to build the future. This is our sacred task, our duty.

Sharp Decline in Production and Enterprises in Kara-Balta