The "Osh" zone introduces tourists to the attractions of the ancient city of Osh. The city is over three thousand years old, rather than the two hundred years previously thought. It is the oldest city in our country and a contemporary of Rome.
Modern Osh is the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan. It sprawls across the foothill valley on both banks of the mountain river Akbuura, at an altitude of 940—1070 m above sea level. Its layout clearly shows the ancient part and the new part, which emerged in the second half of the 19th century. The city's venerable age is evidenced by rock paintings and inscriptions found on the southern slope of the four-headed Suleiman Mountain.
In the unique cave complex built inside the mountain, there is a historical and local lore museum consisting of 13 halls. A road and a staircase lead to it. On Suleiman Mountain, there are observation platforms from which one can see a panoramic view of the city.
Throughout its history, the city of Osh has experienced periods of prosperity and decline. It was one of the most important economic and cultural centers of Fergana and ranked third in size among the cities of this region. An ancient trade route from Central Asia to China and India passed through it.
Several architectural monuments from various periods of its history have been preserved in the city. Among them is the mausoleum of Asaf ibn Burhiya (17th—18th centuries), located on the southeastern slope of Suleiman Mountain. It was built on the site and from the materials of an earlier destroyed mausoleum, of which only the burial structure from the 11th—12th centuries remains. At the foot of Suleiman Mountain, in its northeastern part, is the mosque of Ravat-Adullahana (16th—17th centuries). Unfortunately, the original architectural appearance of the mosque has been significantly distorted due to numerous reconstructions. At the intersection of Alabastrovaya and Telmana streets stands the mosque of Muhammad Yusup Baykhodji-Ogly—a monument of early 20th-century architecture.
In 1982, the Osh Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve was established, which included all the aforementioned monuments.
At the intersection of Lenin and Lomonosov streets, the ruins of the fortress wall belonging to the Osh Fortress, built in 1919 to protect against bandit raids, have been preserved, but it was subsequently destroyed.
On the southern outskirts of the city, one can observe the remnants of the ancient Ak-Burinskaya fortress (1st century BC—9th—12th centuries AD). This fortress defended the Osh oasis from the south. To the east, the fortress of Mady served defensive functions, the remnants of which have survived to this day, located 12 km from the city of Osh. To the north, it was protected by the fortress of Belovurtupe.
The new part of the city is built up with multi-story buildings and has wide streets. Osh has witnessed many historical events. Many heroes fell bravely in the struggle for the establishment of Soviet power. Their memory is immortalized in monuments, obelisks, and memorials erected in the city. There are two theaters here—the Uzbek Musical Drama Theater and the Kyrgyz Drama Theater, as well as cultural houses and a combined historical and cultural museum-reserve. A major attraction of the city is the Osh bazaars, known for their abundance and vibrant colors of vegetables, fruits, and the attire of both buyers and sellers.
There is much of interest in the surroundings of Osh as well. At the eastern end of the Chyl-Mairam mountains are the Katlomatok caves, known as "Snake," "Nightingale-Robber," "Calcite," and several other lesser-known names.
Tourists visiting Osh are recommended to visit the historical and cultural zone "Uzgen," located 60 km away, as well as to admire the natural attractions of the "Ak-Buura," "Kyrgyz-Ata," and "Abshir-Sai" zones, located within 20—70 km from the city.
Within the city, 5 km from the bus station and 15 km from the airport, there is the "Osh" tourist base, operating from June 1 to October 4. A travel and excursion bureau is also located here, offering services to tourists.
