News about Kyrgyzstan, tourism, attractions, Kyrgyz cuisine, history, traditions, and customs

History

{title}
Kyrgyz in antiquity
{title}
Kyrgyz in the VI-XII centuries
{title}
Kyrgyz in the XIII—first half of XVIII century
{title}
The struggle for the independence of the Kyrgyz
{title}
Kyrgyzstan as part of Russia
{title}
Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet period
{title}
Kyrgyzstan — a sovereign state
{title}
Historical records
{title}
Kurmanjan Datka
{title}
Chagatai Ulus. Haidu State. Moghulistan
{title}
History and archeology of the ancient Tien Shan
{title}
Peoples movements of Central Asia in the XIX century
{title}
Kyrgyzstan during the Great Patriotic War
{title}
Kyrgyzstan in the 1920s
{title}
1937 in Kyrgyzstan
{title}
Shabdan Baatyr
Chigili
History / Historical records

Chigili

Chigili. Chinese sources from the mid-7th century, as part of the Karluk union, mention certain — zhisi, who lived between the Tashlaks and Bulats, reaching the desert areas of Dzungaria in the south. If the reconstruction of zhisi as — chigili is correct, then the chigili mentioned in medieval sources in the regions of Ili and Northern Preissykul could have been them. Perhaps later, a group of these chigili could have migrated to the Taraz area and lived in a city that might have derived its

22.08.2017, 16:44
The Secret of Chon-Tash. June 12, 1991
Historical records

The Secret of Chon-Tash. June 12, 1991

The Mystery of Chon-Tash. In the summer of '91, in the suburbs of the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek, near the village of Chon-Tash, a mass grave of human remains was discovered. A series of articles about the mysteries of the Chon-Tash area (translated from Kyrgyz as Big Stone), published in the republican newspaper “Slovo Kyrgyzstana,” sparked widespread public interest. The residents of the republic finally learned the truth about the tragic fate of their fathers, husbands, brothers,

27.12.2015, 14:12
Settlement of the Kyrgyz from the late 18th to the early 20th century.
History / Historical records

Settlement of the Kyrgyz from the late 18th to the early 20th century.

Kyrgyz Ail of Past Centuries The Kokand fortresses, even large ones like Pishpek, could not serve as a base for the formation of settled settlements, as they were perceived by the Kyrgyz as a symbol of khan's oppression and were destroyed during Kyrgyz uprisings. However, even in the surviving fortresses, from which the Kokand conquerors were expelled, the Kyrgyz did not settle and avoided them in every way, as they reminded them of the cruel khan's arbitrariness. In the southern

17.12.2014, 15:25
Kyrgyz Mausoleums and Domes
History / Architecture

Kyrgyz Mausoleums and Domes

Domes and Mazars — burial mausoleums of the Kyrgyz — have their origins in the domestic architecture of earlier times. This architecture has almost not survived, but it existed. It belonged to a people who later became purely nomadic. These monuments are also the most significant evidence of the local nomadic population's involvement in agriculture, mining, and trade in the distant past. Over time, the original forms of the domes evolved, acquiring features of the typical dwelling of

17.12.2014, 12:08
Medrese of Alymbek
History / Territory, geography and administrative division

Medrese of Alymbek

Samples of decorative brickwork of domes Alymbek Medrese is one of the well-known madrasahs in Osh, built in the late 1850s by the Kyrgyz tribal leader of Alai, a prominent Kokand feudal lord Alymbek-Datka. According to contemporaries, its decoration competed with the khan's madrasah in Kokand. The building, made of fired brick, was notably strong. According to archival documents, a circus was later established here. It consisted of a darс-khana, khanaka, and 28 cells, where three

17.12.2014, 11:17
The title "Гумбез Ногая" translates to "The Tomb of Nogai" in English.
History / Historical records

The title "Гумбез Ногая" translates to "The Tomb of Nogai" in English.

Valikhanov mentioned in his works the gumbaz of a Kyrgyz manap Nogai from the Bughu clan. In the following year, 1857, this gumbaz was visited by P. P. Semenov-Tyan-Shansky, who left a vivid description of it: “Having ascended to Tasm, we saw the beautiful grave of the heroic batyr named Nogai, who died at this place in 1842. This monument, crafted by the best masters from Kashgar, cost the Nogai family quite a lot: they paid for it two yambs in silver, two camels, five horses, and 300 sheep.”

15.12.2014, 23:28
Kyrgyz Fortifications
History / Historical records

Kyrgyz Fortifications

Kyrgyz Fortresses Archaeological studies of the Kokand fortresses and archival sources now allow us to speak with confidence about the existence of Kyrgyz fortresses. For a long time, this information, especially from archival sources, did not attract the attention of historians. It was somehow taken for granted that nomads, who did not have a stable settlement, could not have their own fortresses.

15.12.2014, 20:49
Fortress Kurtka
History / Historical records

Fortress Kurtka

There is particularly much information in the literature about the Kokand Fortress Kurtka, which is associated with events of the 1930s, when the Kyrgyz people began a national liberation struggle against the Kokand colonizers. It was led by the Kyrgyz hero Taylak.

15.12.2014, 00:14
The Fortress of Pishpek
History / Attractions of Kyrgyzstan

The Fortress of Pishpek

According to Russian sources, the fortress was built in the eponymous area in 1825 by the Kokand commander Lyashker-kushbegi on the orders of Madali-khan. At that time, it served as a major administrative center for the Kokand people in managing the Kyrgyz population in Semirechye, a base for tax collectors, a trading post, and a fortified outpost in the far northeast of the Kokand Khanate. The area of Pishpek initially covered 2.25 hectares.

14.12.2014, 22:19
Kokand and Kyrgyz Fortifications
History / Culture

Kokand and Kyrgyz Fortifications

Types of Kokand Fortresses For a whole century (from the second half of the 18th century to the second half of the 19th century), the history of Kyrgyzstan was inextricably linked with the Kokand Khanate. Throughout this century, the Kyrgyz people tirelessly fought, first against the conquering campaigns of the Kokand khans, and then against the khanate-feudal oppression. Their persistent struggle contributed to the fall of the khan's despotism. However, the path to this was long and

14.12.2014, 21:55
Study of Historical and Archaeological Monuments of Kyrgyzstan
History / Historical records

Study of Historical and Archaeological Monuments of Kyrgyzstan

In the lifespan of a single generation, a path has been traversed that is equal to centuries; a society has been built that people have dreamed of for millennia, for which the best representatives of all generations gave their lives. Even in the drawings of Saymaly-Tash, which have reached our time, ancient people tried to comprehend their existence, their calling, their aspirations. This indicates that it is in the nature of every person, both modern and primitive, to strive to know the past,

14.12.2014, 21:23
Kurmanjan Datka and the Stages of the Formation of Kyrgyz Statehood
Kurmanjan Datka

Kurmanjan Datka and the Stages of the Formation of Kyrgyz Statehood

Names That Became Historical Heritage As is known, the more we do for the good of our country, the more closely the circumstances of our lives intertwine with its fate. What can be said about those whose names have become part of history, such as the name Kurmandzhan Datka... If we analyze it, the most important political decisions of the Alay queen expressed the essence of many deep aspirations of the Kyrgyz people. It is impossible to fully understand their logic without tracing the stages

25.11.2014, 21:14
Kurmandjan Datka - The Queen of Alai
Kurmanjan Datka

Kurmandjan Datka - The Queen of Alai

Kurmandzhan Datka - The Ruler of Alai A wise politician, the ruler of a vast mountainous region, a truly unique phenomenon in the Islamic world of the 19th century. Most historians rightly consider this figure to be a national representative of the aspirations and ideas of her time.

16.11.2014, 19:48
Journey to the Kyrgyz Living Abroad
Kyrgyzstan — a sovereign state

Journey to the Kyrgyz Living Abroad

The Kyrgyz are one of the oldest peoples who lived in Central Asia and roamed the vast expanses of Asia. In the last millennium, they finally settled in the modern territory of Kyrgyzstan, which became their historical homeland. However, many Kyrgyz lived abroad, and connections with them were hardly maintained.

28.06.2014, 13:04
New Trends in the Culture, Science, and Education of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan — a sovereign state

New Trends in the Culture, Science, and Education of Kyrgyzstan

Changes in the Cultural Sphere. Independence and the democratic processes occurring in public life have brought renewal to the science, education, and culture of the republic. First of all, culture has freed itself from the ideological oversight of the party, which accompanied it throughout the years of Soviet power. No film, book, or play reached the people without strict censorship from the party: it determined what was worth reading, watching, and what was not. The lifting of censorship

28.06.2014, 11:01
The Economic Situation of Sovereign Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan — a sovereign state

The Economic Situation of Sovereign Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan gained independence in a complex economic and political environment. With the transition to market relations, the unified economic complex that had been established in the USSR began to disintegrate. Economic ties between neighboring enterprises, which supplied each other with components for production, were severed. Kyrgyzstan, which had traditionally supplied raw materials and received finished products from other republics, found itself in a difficult situation. Supply contracts

28.06.2014, 10:16
Strengthening the New State. The Constitution of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan — a sovereign state

Strengthening the New State. The Constitution of Kyrgyzstan

Adoption of the New Constitution With the acquisition of independence, the renewal of the state structure began in Kyrgyzstan. It was urgent to address important issues: on what principles will power be exercised in the country, what powers will the president and the main branches of state power — executive, legislative, and judicial — be endowed with; to establish state symbols — coat of arms, anthem, flag. New laws were needed to regulate the activities of the young state and ensure its

21.06.2014, 15:54
Establishment of Kyrgyz National Statehood
Kyrgyzstan — a sovereign state

Establishment of Kyrgyz National Statehood

The coup of August 19, 1991. The course of deepening democratic changes in the USSR, conducted by M. Gorbachev, did not satisfy some high-ranking state officials. They were more attracted to the previous authoritarian-command system: under the new conditions, they could simply be sidelined with their conservative views, i.e., lose power. Therefore, they waited for a convenient opportunity to restore the influence of the Communist Party, eliminate the democratic forces and parties gaining

21.06.2014, 13:59
The Art of the Kyrgyz in the Soviet Union
Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet period

The Art of the Kyrgyz in the Soviet Union

During the years of Soviet power, the spiritual and physical culture of Kyrgyzstan reached unprecedented heights. It was during this period that a distinctive national professional written literature of the Kyrgyz people emerged, along with remarkable advancements in visual arts, cinema, theater, music, and sports.

18.06.2014, 13:23
Kyrgyzstan in the Years of Perestroika
Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet period

Kyrgyzstan in the Years of Perestroika

A Turn in Social and Political Life. By the mid-1980s, a deep crisis had emerged in all spheres of public life in the USSR. Its international prestige had fallen. The existing administrative-command system of governance no longer corresponded to the conditions of the changing times.

17.06.2014, 15:46
Socialism: Achievements and Drawbacks of Soviet Kyrgyzstan (1964-1985)
Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet period

Socialism: Achievements and Drawbacks of Soviet Kyrgyzstan (1964-1985)

Soviet Kyrgyzstan The period when L. Brezhnev was at the head of the state management of the USSR is referred to by historians as "developed socialism." Indeed, during this time, the USSR transformed into a state with a developed economy and a powerful army. The standard of living for people significantly improved. The country gained international recognition. However, at the same time, many economic, social, and political problems and tasks remained unresolved in the country.

13.06.2014, 17:19
Restoration and Development of the National Economy of Kyrgyzstan (1946-1964)
Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet period

Restoration and Development of the National Economy of Kyrgyzstan (1946-1964)

Transition of Industry to Peaceful Rails. Transition of Industry to Peaceful Rails. With the end of the war, new tasks arose for the Soviet people. The USSR adopted a five-year development plan for 1946-1950, under which everything was subordinated to the main goal — to restore the war-damaged national economy and ensure its pre-war level of development. Factories and plants were urgently converted to produce goods necessary for peaceful construction. Life gradually returned to its normal

13.06.2014, 14:21
The Rear in Kyrgyzstan Supports the Front
Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet period

The Rear in Kyrgyzstan Supports the Front

The Rear in Kyrgyzstan Industry. A significant part of the European territory of the USSR was at war, and many industrial regions were occupied by the enemy. To ensure victory on the front, it was necessary to urgently transform the republics in the rear into a military arsenal. All of Kyrgyzstan's industry was converted to produce military orders — weapons, ammunition, food, and clothing. "Everything for the front! Everything for victory!" — under this slogan, workers toiled

13.06.2014, 13:33
The Great Patriotic War. The Feats of the Warriors from Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet period

The Great Patriotic War. The Feats of the Warriors from Kyrgyzstan

The Beginning of the Great Patriotic War. In 1939, fascist Germany unleashed World War II. In a short time, it occupied many European countries. Strengthening its military potential even further, Germany aimed to conquer world domination and enslave the peoples of the entire planet. At dawn on June 22, 1941, the German-fascist invaders violated the Soviet border and suddenly invaded the peaceful territory of the Soviet Union.

13.06.2014, 12:02
Strengthening the Administrative-Command System of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet period

Strengthening the Administrative-Command System of Kyrgyzstan

Establishment of Autocracy. The Soviet power had many enemies—both external and internal. They constantly attempted to overthrow the new authority. To maintain power under these conditions, the Bolshevik party needed a strong government. Therefore, a one-party system had to be established in the country. The Bolsheviks banned the activities of other parties besides their own and removed their representatives from power. To preserve party unity, the Bolsheviks also imposed a ban on the

07.06.2014, 15:52
Formation and Development of the National Statehood of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet period

Formation and Development of the National Statehood of Kyrgyzstan

National Policy of Soviet Power Among the main points of the Bolshevik party program, led by V. I. Lenin, was the elimination of social and national oppression. On January 2, 1918, the Soviet government published the Declaration of the Rights of the Peoples of Russia, which proclaimed: “The peoples living in Russia are free and equal.” Initially, there was distrust towards the Soviet power among the people of Turkestan. This was skillfully exploited by its enemies. “The Bolsheviks are

31.05.2014, 15:07
On the Path to Sovereignty and Independence of the Kyrgyz Republic
Kyrgyzstan — a sovereign state

On the Path to Sovereignty and Independence of the Kyrgyz Republic

On the Path to Sovereignty and Independence: The Oath-Taking by Askar Akayev As part of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan went through a complex path to gain independence. However, as an independent republic, it still did not have full freedom, for example, in addressing political, economic, national, and other issues. Kyrgyzstan could not independently establish diplomatic relations with other countries, nor could it manage its natural resources independently. Even for the construction of an

31.05.2014, 12:06
Socialist Transformations in the Economy of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet period

Socialist Transformations in the Economy of Kyrgyzstan

Land Redistribution. One of the main issues that the revolution had to address was the question of land distribution to the peasants, who made up the majority of the population in Russia and its outskirts. To win the support of the peasantry, the Soviet government adopted the Decree on Land, which outlined the main directions of the new government's agrarian policy. According to this decree, all imperial, landlord, church, and monastery lands were confiscated along with their inventory

31.05.2014, 11:38
The Overthrow of Autocracy and the Establishment of Soviet Power in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet period

The Overthrow of Autocracy and the Establishment of Soviet Power in Kyrgyzstan

The Tsar is Overthrown. The life of the people did not improve. In early 1917, the news spread among the Kyrgyz ails: “The White Tsar has been overthrown!” Hope flickered among the people: “Now Russia has become a free country, perhaps the Kyrgyz will be given freedom too.” But this did not happen. The Provisional Government of landowners and capitalists that took charge of Russia had no intention of meeting the needs of the people. In Kyrgyzstan, no changes occurred. After the uprising, the

31.05.2014, 10:57
The First Kyrgyz Enlighteners
Kyrgyzstan as part of Russia

The First Kyrgyz Enlighteners

The First Enlighteners: Ishenaly Arabayev, Ibraim Abdyrahmanov After Kyrgyzstan joined Russia, conditions arose for the development of education, enlightenment, and scientific research in the region. A significant role in the enlightenment of the people belonged to the first Kyrgyz enlighteners — Osmonaly Sydyk uulu, Belek Soltonoev, Ishenaly Arabayev, Ibraim Abdyrahmanov, and others.

30.05.2014, 20:38
National Liberation Struggle of the Kyrgyz
Kyrgyzstan as part of Russia

National Liberation Struggle of the Kyrgyz

Andijan Uprising. The main reasons for the uprising were unbearable living conditions and the arbitrariness of the tsarist authorities. On May 17, 1898, closer to evening, people began to gather in the village of Min-Tyube — Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Tajiks. Gradually, their number reached 200 people. The village ishan (religious leader) Madalі — a well-known and respected man who had made a pilgrimage to Mecca — spoke with anger about how the Russians brought drunkenness into the lives of Muslims,

30.05.2014, 17:40
Colonial Policy of Tsarism towards the Kyrgyz
Kyrgyzstan as part of Russia

Colonial Policy of Tsarism towards the Kyrgyz

Administration. Russia introduced its own system of administrative governance in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan was divided into regions, regions into districts. Districts, in turn, were divided into volosts, which included ails. Volosts consisted of one or two thousand households (families), while ails comprised one hundred to two hundred households. A total of 73 volosts were established. At the head of the regions and districts were Russian officials. These were usually imperial officers, as the

30.05.2014, 16:44
The Conquest of Southern Kyrgyzstan by Russia
Kyrgyzstan as part of Russia

The Conquest of Southern Kyrgyzstan by Russia

In the mid-19th century, the population of Southern Kyrgyzstan was still under the yoke of the Kokand Khanate. However, the political situation and the status of the khanate were no longer as stable as before. Internal contradictions and ongoing palace coups, on the one hand, exacerbated the already difficult situation in the khanate, and on the other hand, facilitated Russia's task of conquering the Fergana Valley and Southern Kyrgyzstan as a whole.

25.05.2014, 21:13
The Joining of Northern Kyrgyzstan to Russia
Kyrgyzstan as part of Russia

The Joining of Northern Kyrgyzstan to Russia

The Creation of an Independent Kyrgyz Khanate and Its Collapse. In the mid-19th century, the prominent Sarybagysh manap Ormon Niyazbek uulu attempted to unite the northern Kyrgyz tribes living in the Chui Valley, along the Naryn River, and around Lake Issyk-Kul, with the aim of creating an independent khanate. In 1842, he convened a kurultai in the Kyzyl-Tokoy area on the western shore of Lake Issyk-Kul and invited representatives from the Sarybagysh, Bughu, Solto, Sayak, Saruu, Kushchu, and

25.05.2014, 19:48
Historical Preconditions for the Convergence of the Kyrgyz with Russia
Kyrgyzstan as part of Russia

Historical Preconditions for the Convergence of the Kyrgyz with Russia

Until the mid-19th century, the Kyrgyz people were under the rule of the Kokand Khanate. The Kokand khans encouraged inter-tribal strife among Kyrgyz feudal lords to weaken the Kyrgyz in political and military terms; Qing China sought recognition of its supremacy over Kyrgyz lands; military raids and threats from neighboring Kazakh and Uzbek feudal lords—all these circumstances forced the Kyrgyz to look towards Russia. Russian capitalism aimed to seize new markets and sources of cheap raw

25.05.2014, 18:06