National symbols

State Symbols of Kyrgyzstan

State Symbols. Every state has its own state symbols — coat of arms, flag, anthem. The history of their emergence also dates back to ancient times. The study of the history of coats of arms and their features is a specialized science called heraldry. The first coats of arms can be considered various images and emblems on seals, coins, and medals. Over time, each ruler, city, and state wanted to have their own distinctive signs. Thus, coats of arms emerged. In Western Europe, coats of arms

25.05.2014, 13:39

The struggle for the independence of the Kyrgyz

The Conquest Campaigns of Genghis Khan

The First Conquests of Genghis Khan. In the 12th and 13th centuries, on the vast territory of Mongolia, Genghis Khan and his successors created a powerful empire of nomads. The numerous and well-trained armies of the Mongols, spreading fear and terror, conquered Southern Siberia, Central Asia, and part of Europe from the 13th century to the 14th and 15th centuries. The Mongol yoke had a negative impact on the historical fate and development of many peoples, including the Kyrgyz. The first to

20.05.2014, 14:29

Kyrgyz in the VI-XII centuries

The Great Silk Road

The Significance of the Great Silk Road. In the historical fate of the Kyrgyz and their state formations, especially in the VI—XII centuries, the Great Silk Road played a significant role.

20.05.2014, 13:44

Kyrgyz in the VI-XII centuries

Mahmud Kashgari and Jusup Balasaguni

During the era of the Karakhanid khanate, Turkic peoples achieved significant progress in science and artistic culture. The lives and activities of two of the most renowned scholars and thinkers - Mahmud Kashgari and Jusup Balasaguni - are closely associated with this historical period of Kyrgyz development.

20.05.2014, 13:26

Kyrgyz in the VI-XII centuries

The State of the Karakhanids (940—1212)

Karakhanid State (940—1212 years). From the mid-10th century to the early 13th century, the Turkic dynasty of the Karakhanids dominated Central Tian Shan.

20.05.2014, 12:36

Kyrgyz in the VI-XII centuries

The Great Power of the Kyrgyz: Barsbek-Kagan

Kagan Barsbek. Central Asia at the end of the 7th century became the arena of significant political changes. As a result of anti-Chinese uprisings, the Second Turkic Kaganate was formed, which posed a serious threat to neighboring states. Weak peoples, not wanting to tempt fate, submitted to it, while stronger ones sought ways to unite in order to confront the formidable enemy together. The anti-Turkic alliance was led by the state of Kyrgyz. The ruler of the Kyrgyz state was the ajo (supreme

19.05.2014, 20:55

Myths and legends

The Legend of the Extermination of the Kyrgyz and the Mother-Deer

Mother-Deer An ancient unwritten law of human existence states: when a person is mourned and honored on their final journey, people must forget about enmity and revenge. No matter how strong the motives may be, on such a day, blood cannot be shed. But the dishonorable and conscience-less people violated this law. Hiding in the forest, the enemies waited for the right moment... ... No one had time to grab a weapon, mount a horse, or call for help. An unprecedented massacre began. They slashed

16.05.2014, 20:08

Kyrgyz in the VI-XII centuries

The State of the Yenisei Kyrgyz

Resettlement of the Kyrgyz to the Yenisei. The early medieval population of the Yenisei was referred to as "herkis," "khirkhiz" in Greek sources, "syatsazy," "dzilidzisy" in Arabic and Persian, and "kyrgyz" in ancient Turkic, Uighur, and Sogdian texts. The last term was an accurate representation of the self-name of the people.

16.05.2014, 20:01

Kyrgyz in the VI-XII centuries

Turkic Khaganates

In Central Asia, the Great Turkic Khaganate (552-744 years) emerges. The Turks considered Ashina, the mythical son of a she-wolf, to be their ancestor. Here is what the legend says about this.

14.05.2014, 22:13

Kyrgyz in antiquity

Ancient Kyrgyz under the Rule of the Huns

The word “Kyrgyz” is first mentioned alongside the name of the king of the Huns, Maodun-khan (Modé). According to a Chinese chronicle, in 201 BC, Maodun-khan sent a large army westward and captured the lands of the Gyanjun. Scholars have established that the Gyanjun were what the Chinese called the ancient Kyrgyz. The territory controlled by the Kyrgyz became known; it was located in the valley of the Manas River in Eastern Turkestan.

13.05.2014, 20:27

Ethnography

Origins of Geographical Names

What science studies the origins of geographical names? Every person can easily list hundreds of geographical objects related to their place of residence: villages, cities, rivers. When studying the past, their names can tell us a lot. Try to find out why this area or river is called one way and not another. You will surely hear interesting stories. Scientists have long established that due to their stability, geographical names serve as ancient monuments that allow us to penetrate the depths

13.05.2014, 17:49

Ethnography

Genealogy of the Kyrgyz

Genealogy is the “tree of life” of a person. The Turks, including the Kyrgyz, who, due to their nomadic lifestyle, had well-developed clan relations, also paid great attention to studying the origins of their ancestry.

13.05.2014, 16:45

Kyrgyz in antiquity

The State of Dawan

Davan. In the Fergana Valley, a powerful state emerged in the 1st millennium BC. In Chinese sources, it was called Davan. Here is how scholars of that time described Fergana:

13.05.2014, 11:25

Kyrgyz in antiquity

Usun State

In the 2nd century BC, the Tian Shan Sakas were defeated by another powerful nomadic alliance — the Yuezhi (Tocharian), who were driven out of Eastern Turkestan by the warlike Huns. Subsequently, the Yuezhi subjugated part of the Tian Shan Sakas. Initially, the Usuns roamed near the Huns and Yuezhi at the western part of the Great Wall of China. Around 160 BC, part of the Usuns, having defeated the Sakas and Yuezhi, settled in Tian Shan and Semirechye. Occupying Semirechye, Dzhungaria, and

12.05.2014, 22:44

Kyrgyz in antiquity

Saks in World History: The Struggle for Independence

Central Asia and Tian Shan in the 6th—5th centuries BC In the first millennium BC, a new ethnic community—the Saka—emerged from a conglomerate of Bronze Age tribes. The transition from primitive society to class society was accompanied here by the development of a new mode of economy—nomadic animal husbandry and the formation of large tribal unions. In the 8th—1st centuries BC, nomadic tribes inhabited the vast expanses of Eurasia from Tuva to Ukraine (including its territory), referred to in

12.05.2014, 22:22

Kyrgyz in antiquity

Primitive communal system in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic

The traces of primitive human activity in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic date back to the Paleolithic era. There are not many monuments from this time. A stone tool was discovered by Oklandikov in 1953 in the Central Tien Shan, on the left bank of the On-Archa River. Its date of manufacture is approximately 300,000 years ago.

12.05.2014, 22:02

History / Historical records

Scientific Achievements and Tasks of Kyrgyz Historical Science in the Study of the History of the Kyrgyz and the Kyrgyz Republic

A new stage in the study of the history, population, economy, and nature of Kyrgyzstan began after its annexation to Russia. The imperial government needed reliable information about these "unknown" countries, their internal political and economic situation, natural and labor resources, and communication routes. Only in the second half of the 19th century did Russian scientific societies send 250 scientific expeditions to the Kyrgyz Republic.

12.05.2014, 21:57

Natural ecological complexes

Kek-Art

The "Kek-Art" Zone encompasses the surroundings of the city of Jalal-Abad, as well as the valleys of the Kek-Art River and its tributaries from the foothills of the Fergana Range to its watershed. It is located 80 km northeast of Osh city along the highway leading to Jalal-Abad. The climate of the zone is characterized by dry and hot summers with slight temperature fluctuations.

12.05.2014, 21:29

Natural ecological complexes

Kyzyl-Unkyur

The "Kyzyl-Unkyur" Zone is located 15 km northeast of the village of Arslanbap in the valley of the Kara-Unkyur River in the Jalal-Abad region. It is accessible via an asphalt road from the city of Osh. The zone occupies the territory of one of the most picturesque areas of these places — Kyzyl-Unkyur and also includes the ridge part of the Fergana Range.

12.05.2014, 21:13

Natural ecological complexes

Zone "Arslanbap" (Arslanbob)

Arslanbap Zone (Arslanbob) is located on the southwestern slopes of the Fergana Range in the eponymous area, stretching up to 10 kilometers and situated 180 km from the city of Osh in the Jalal-Abad region. The entire territory of the zone is intertwined with picturesque serpentine asphalt roads that run along the riverbed of the Kara-Unkur River from the city of Osh through the town of Bazar-Kurgan to the village of Arslanbap (1400 m) and further into the mountains.

12.05.2014, 21:02

Cities / Mailuu-Suu / Natural ecological complexes

Mayluu-Suu (Mayli-Sai)

The "Maili-Sai" Zone is located in close proximity to one of the major industrial centers of the Osh region in the Jalal-Abad region. The city of Maili-Sai includes the valley of the Mailuu-Suu River ("fat water"). This area is known for its oil deposits. The distance from the city of Osh to the zone is 170-180 km.

12.05.2014, 20:47

Natural ecological complexes

Kara-Suu

The "Kara-Suu" Zone is located in the eastern part of the southern slope of the Chatkal Ridge and occupies the valley of the river of the same name. In the lower reaches of the river, semi-deserts with sparse forests of pistachio and almond trees are widely represented. South of the city of Tash-Kumyr is the botanical reserve of Dzhiel-Tiibes, covering an area of 800 hectares, where a reference section of the southern semi-desert is protected. Below Tash-Kumyr is a Paleogene group of

12.05.2014, 20:36

Natural ecological complexes

"Sary-Chelek Zone"

Sary-Chelek Zone ("yellow bowl") territorially coincides with the basin of the Khoja-Ata River. The zone includes the territory of the Sary-Chelek State Biosphere Reserve, the village of Arkyt, which houses its office, as well as the "Sary-Chelek" tourist base of the Osh Regional Council for Tourism and Excursions. The upper part of the zone, including the southern tip of Lake Sary-Chelek, is composed of limestone and metamorphosed conglomerates and has a highly dissected

10.05.2014, 21:35

Natural ecological complexes

Zone "Aflatun"

Aflatun Zone is located on the southeastern slopes of the Chatkal Ridge and occupies the basin of the Aflatun River — the largest right tributary of the Kara-Suu River in the Jalal-Abad region. The distance from the city of Osh to the zone is about 320 km along the highway leading to the village of Aflatun.

10.05.2014, 21:24

Natural ecological complexes

Zone "Padsha-Ata"

The "Padsha-Ata" zone includes the gorge of the same name and is located near the district center of Karavan, 350 km from the city of Osh. Along the gorge, a dirt road runs along the right bank of the river to the village of Karabashat. At the end of the road lies the mazar of the "saint" Padsha-Ata. In a stretch of about 500 meters along the riverbed, there is a dense grove of ancient birches, the trunks of which reach two circumferences in diameter.

09.05.2014, 23:10

Natural ecological complexes / Gorges

"Ala-Archa Zone"

Ala-Archa Zone is located 30 km south of Bishkek in the central part of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range in a picturesque gorge of the same name, which is over 35 km long. This gorge is the largest of all the gorges in the Kyrgyz range. On its territory lies the Ala-Archa National Park.

09.05.2014, 22:28

Natural ecological complexes

"Alamedin Zone"

Alamedin Zone is located 25 km from Bishkek in the valley of the same name and the surrounding area.

09.05.2014, 22:17

Natural ecological complexes / Gorges

"Issyk-Ata Zone"

Issyk-Ata Zone is located 80 km from Bishkek and includes two gorges — Issyk-Ata and Tuyuk Issyk-Ata with tributaries. This zone is distinguished not only by its favorable climatic conditions but also by its magnificent balneological resources. Based on more than fifty thermal springs, the famous Issyk-Ata resort operates in the middle part of the gorge of the same name. The springs have been known since ancient times, as evidenced by the image of the healing Buddha carved on Asal.

08.05.2014, 22:45

Natural ecological complexes

Zone "Kety"

Kegety Zone is located 75 km from Bishkek in the gorge of the same name on the road to the village of Ivanovka and further to the Kegety gorge. The Kegety River has many tributaries, the largest of which is the right tributary Keltor, forming a very beautiful independent area. It is interesting to note that the Keltor River flows underground through the moraines and only bursts forth with a roar into the open in the forest zone. At the beginning of the gorge, the slopes are covered with

08.05.2014, 22:36

Natural ecological complexes

"Chon-Kemin Zone"

Chon-Kemin Zone includes the valleys of the Chon-Kemin and Kichi-Kemin rivers between the high ridges of Zailiysky and Kungey Ala-Too. It is located 150 km east of Frunze city on the road to Novorossiysk village.

08.05.2014, 22:28

Naryn

Naryn

This area includes the city of Naryn — a transport and distribution tourist center — and its surroundings.

05.05.2014, 12:46

Territory, geography and administrative division

Inner Tian Shan

It is precisely about this region that famous travelers such as Semenov-Tian-Shansky, Mushketov, Severtsev, Przhevalsky, Fedchenko, and many others wrote with great admiration and inspiration. This is the highest mountainous zone of Kyrgyzstan: almost the entire territory of the Inner Tian Shan is located above the mark of 1500 meters above sea level. Here, so many bright attractions are concentrated that one can see them only by traveling to different corners of the globe.

05.05.2014, 11:50

Talas

Talas

A city by this name was founded in 1877 by Russian and Ukrainian settlers in the central part of the Talas Valley on the left bank of the Talas River. Initially, it was a village called Dmitrievka. The development of the city, which today has more than 30,000 residents, noticeably accelerated due to the establishment of food and light industry enterprises here. One of the city's attractions is a large forest park, adjacent to its quarters from the north, sprawling across numerous branches

04.05.2014, 21:57

National parks and reserves / Attractions of Kyrgyzstan

Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve

The Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve is referred to as a realm of magical beauty, located on the southern slopes of the Chatkal Range, in the basin of the Khoja-Ata River in the Jalal-Abad region. The territory of the reserve stretches from the foothill steppes to the snow-capped peaks. Towering mountain ranges and blooming valleys, sheer weathered cliffs and turbulent rivers, deciduous and coniferous forests, snowy summits and blue lakes, high grass meadows and impenetrable thickets — all of this

03.05.2014, 21:38

Villages

Safid-Bulan

This was once the name of the village of Gulistan, located fifteen kilometers from the village of Ala-Buka — the center of the Ala-Buka district in the Osh region. In the IX-X centuries, an urban settlement emerged here, which became a developed medieval city in the XI-XII centuries. Today, there are not many ancient structures to see, but the mausoleum of Shah-Fazil, built at the turn of the eleventh and twelfth centuries, has been preserved. Built on a rock, this mausoleum is unique in its

03.05.2014, 21:27

Karakol

City of Karakol

This tourist area is located 220 kilometers from the city of Issyk-Kul on the eastern part of the coast. You can reach it by bus from both the northern and southern shores of the lake — the journey is approximately the same. The city of Karakol is connected to the capital of the republic by air transport. In addition to the city, the area also includes the port of Przhevalsk, located at the mouth of the Karakol River, which flows into the Jergalan Bay.

02.05.2014, 22:27

Cholpon-Ata

City of Cholpon-Ata

If you drive eighty kilometers along the northern shore of the lake from the city of Balakchy, you will reach the resort capital — the city of Cholpon-Ata. The town itself is small and quite deserted in winter, but in summer it can accommodate a huge number of vacationers.

02.05.2014, 16:46

Balykchy

City of Balykchy

On the western shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, at the junction of the roads Bishkek — Naryn and Bishkek — Karakol, at the end of the railway line from the capital of Kyrgyzstan lies the highest mountain port city — Balakchy, which was known as Rybachye until 1989. The city owes its origin to the establishment of postal communication between Pishpek and Karakol in the second half of the last century. In 1871, a postal station named Kutemaldy was established here, consisting of two adobe huts for the

02.05.2014, 13:27

Uzgen

City of Uzgen

This ancient city of Kyrgyzstan was founded by the Turks in the 8th-9th centuries in the center of an oasis along the caravan route from Maverannahr to Eastern Turkestan on the right bank of the mountain river Kara-Darya. The ancient Uzgen was a powerful fortress with gates from which roads led to China, Samarkand, Kashgar, and in all directions of the Fergana Valley. Even at that time, the city had many brick buildings, an extensive network of water supply systems, canals, and reservoirs.

02.05.2014, 12:00

Osh

City of Osh

Recent studies have shown that the city with this name is not about two thousand years old, as was believed until recently, but much older — three thousand. Osh is a contemporary of Rome. This fact alone speaks volumes about the interest this city holds for tourists.

30.04.2014, 17:13

Natural ecological complexes

Ala-Archa National Park

The longest gorge, bearing the same name, is located just 30 km from the city. Immediately behind the Voronцовка recreation center are three gorges: Alameddin, from which a small river flows, Malinovoe, overgrown with dense raspberry bushes, and the largest one — Ala-Archa. The word "Ala" translates to "snowy," and "archa" is analogous to "juniper." Indeed, there are glaciers in the gorge that only melt during the scorching summer. The slopes of the

30.04.2014, 16:37

Bishkek

City of Bishkek

The capital of Kyrgyzstan sprawls in the central part of the Chui Valley at the northern foothills of the Kyrgyz Range, at an altitude of 750–900 meters above sea level. The city emerged in the second half of the 19th century near the Pishpek fortress and initially bore its name. In 1897, the population was only 6,600 residents. Only a few wooden and brick buildings were located in the center, while pre-revolutionary Pishpek resembled a dusty village with adobe houses. The city's

30.04.2014, 15:07

Territory, geography and administrative division

Northern Kyrgyzstan

Do you remember the business people from O. Henry's stories? No, not the adventurous plot where a child is kidnapped for ransom, but another one about how real business is done. Enterprising individuals, discovering that the islanders walk barefoot, immediately decided: business can be made by selling shoes. And they began to sell them, putting everything on the line in the full sense of the word: livestock was slaughtered, leather was tanned, shoes were sewn, and a ship loaded with shoes

30.04.2014, 11:42

Tourism industry

Why Does the Republic Need Tourism?

It is profitable, of course, profitable. But why does such a lucrative sector not yield the expected results? Is nothing being done? Not at all... There is a constant restructuring of management.

29.04.2014, 22:07

Tourism industry

Tourism — a Great Business

There are grounds for such a statement. Everyone knows how profitable, for example, the automotive industry is. But let's take France. In this country, tourism has far surpassed not only the automotive industry in terms of income but also many other modern sectors of material production and services. In general, it is hard to name a developed country where tourism does not occupy a leading position in the economy and does not contribute significantly to national income. It is also no

29.04.2014, 21:56

Mineral waters

Healing Springs

On a hot summer day on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, one can observe a strange sight. Adults, seemingly respectable, walk covered in mud. Their legs and arms are especially abundantly coated in clay. Some even manage to smear their bellies. Others—what a wonder!—completely bury themselves, leaving only their heads above the fine sandy shore of the lake.

29.04.2014, 16:46

Decorative and applied arts

Decorative and Applied Art of the Kyrgyz People

A man-made wonder — fantasy and fiction? Yes. But also reality! This is how the art of ancient nomads is described, characterized as mythological in content and realistic in form. Among all forms of art, decorative and applied art is endowed with these traits to the greatest extent.

29.04.2014, 15:30

Kyrgyz cuisine

Kyrgyz National Cuisine

In the material culture of any ethnic group, there is a distinctive cuisine. It is no coincidence that experienced ethnographers and scholars recommend starting any study of unfamiliar lifestyles with the typical meals—both everyday and festive.

29.04.2014, 14:43