The Union of Artists of Osh was established in 1977. The first members of the Union were artists U. Akhunov, I. Akimov, V. Shafeev, I. Toktosunov, A. Kim, Yu. Seleznev, A. Nafikov, and others. The first chairman of the Union of Artists was Aman Asrankulov, who led it for over 30 years, and all the activities of the Union were associated with his name.
Art historian Tamara Kadyrbaeva, a graduate of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts in 1979, thoroughly researched the activities of the Union of Artists of Osh. Currently, the Union has about 70 members. During its existence, the Union has organized more than 10 personal exhibitions in Osh, Frunze, Moscow, and other cities.
Many artists, including U. Akhunov, A. Asrankulov, A. Beyshenov, B. Jaliev, T. Kasymov, A. Murzakari mov, A. Epp, G. Satarov, D. Kheidze, and others were members of the Union of Artists of the USSR. Paintings, graphics, sculptures, and crafts from Osh were exhibited at exhibitions in cities of Central Asia and Kazakhstan. B. Jaliev and A. Asrankulov participated in the all-Union exhibition. Among the honorary members of the Osh "aksakals" are Batyr Jaliev and Leontiy Gorbunov. Artist B. Jaliev is preparing his work dedicated to the 3000th anniversary of the city of Osh.
The Osh Children's Art School named after Gapar Aitieva, established in 1980, trains future artists. The founder and first director of the school was the young artist T. Zabidinov. The first teachers included M. Torobekov, O. Abdymunov, A. Azimova, T. Jumakulov, and others. Currently, there are 220 students studying at the school.
The Osh branch of the Union of Writers was established on November 11, 1966, initially consisting of T. Miyashev and Sh. Abdrakhmanov. A year later, the Union was joined by new members: M. Zhakypov, Zh. Mamaetov, T. Atashbaev, A. Degenbaeva, K. Kaldybaev, O. Kochkonbaev, K. Sabirov.
By the end of the 1980s, the Union of Writers had 30 members, who submitted about 150 printed sheets of works to the Union's fund.
Sh. Abdrakhmanov was one of the first and respected writers; he is the author of numerous short stories, novellas, and novels: "Diykandars," "Gulazyk," "Zhashyl aalam," "Tokzuchular," and others. Many young writers, including Adashbaev, Kaldybaev, Kuliev, and Ashirbekov, studied under him.
A significant event in the life of the Osh Union of Writers was the establishment of a women's department, which included writers Zakirova, Abdykadyrova, Momunova, Begimkulova, Satyvaldieva, and others. Women actively participated in the life of the city and the republic, publishing a number of interesting works. For over 20 years (since 1976), the Union of Writers has been headed by Karmysak Tashbaev. During these years, he has published more than 10 books of poetry, five collective collections, and five translations of famous writers. The Osh Union of Writers has become one of the major unions in the republic.
The Union of Journalists was established in 1962. In 1984, it included 20 primary organizations of print, radio, and television workers out of 173 members. There are sections for essays and journalism, agriculture and industry, and culture. The chairpersons have included: A. Azhibekov (1962—1970), A. Borubaev (1970—1986), K. T. Abdrakov (since 1986).
The Union of Press of the city of Osh was established in 1962. In 1986, there were 41 kiosks, 2 specialized stores, and 17 newspaper vending machines operating. The single circulation of newspapers and magazines distributed by subscription and retail amounted to over 210 thousand copies. The turnover was more than 1.6 billion rubles.
The beginning of the activities of the Union of Architects dates back to 1975. The Union is engaged in the design and construction of the city. There are commissions for exhibitions, competitions, monumental propaganda, and urban planning. In 1984,
the Union of Architects of the city of Osh included 13 members. These include M. Asylbekov, M. Akhmetov, P. Balandin, R. Mamin, K. Nazarov, and others who made significant contributions to the creation of the current architectural appearance of the city of Osh.
