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

About Kyrgyzstan

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State structure
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National symbols
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Government
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Armed forces
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National currency
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Banknotes
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Collectible coins
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Political organization
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Domestic policy
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Foreign policy
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History
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Kyrgyz in antiquity
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Kyrgyz in the VI-XII centuries
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Kyrgyz in the XIII—first half of XVIII century
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The struggle for the independence of the Kyrgyz
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Kyrgyzstan as part of Russia
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Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet period
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Kyrgyzstan — a sovereign state
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Historical records
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Kurmanjan Datka
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Chagatai Ulus. Haidu State. Moghulistan
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History and archeology of the ancient Tien Shan
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Peoples movements of Central Asia in the XIX century
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Kyrgyzstan during the Great Patriotic War
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Kyrgyzstan in the 1920s
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1937 in Kyrgyzstan
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Shabdan Baatyr
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Territory, geography and administrative division
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Chuy Region
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Attractions of Chuy Region
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Issyk-Kul Region
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Sights of Issyk-Kul
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Naryn Region
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Attractions of Naryn Region
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Talas Region
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Attractions of Talas Region
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Osh Region
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Attractions of Osh Region
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Batken Region
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Attractions of Batken Region
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Jalal-Abad Region
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Attractions of Jalal-Abad Region
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Cities
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Bishkek
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Streets of Bishkek
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Pishpek - Frunze - Bishkek
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History of the capital of Kyrgyzstan in documents
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Osh
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Osh - 3000
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Naryn
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Jalal-Abad
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Batken
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Talas
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Karakol
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Tokmok
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Cholpon-Ata
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Uzgen
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Kochkor
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Kemin
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Balykchy
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Kyzyl-Kiya
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Mailuu-Suu
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Sulukta
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Tash-Kumyr
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Toktogul
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Kara-Kul
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Kara-Balta
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Kara-Balta - Black Ax
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Kant
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Villages
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Population
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Language
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Diaspora
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Nature
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Climate
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Natural ecological complexes
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Water resources
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Rivers
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Lakes
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Secrets of Issyk-Kul Lake
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Reservoirs
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Waterfalls
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Mineral waters
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Flora
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Fauna of Kyrgyzstan
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Mammals of Kyrgyzstan
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Birds of Kyrgyzstan
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Fish of Kyrgyzstan
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Amphibians and reptiles of Kyrgyzstan
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Insects of Kyrgyzstan
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Mountains and glaciers
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Mountain ranges
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Mountain peaks
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Mountain passes
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Glaciers
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Caves
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Gorges
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National parks and reserves
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Pastures and valleys
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Soil and minerals
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Red Book
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Fungi and higher plants
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Animals
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Arthropods
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Fish
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Amphibians and reptiles
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Birds
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Mammals
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Economy of Kyrgyzstan
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Entrepreneurship
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Agriculture
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Finance
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Construction
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Transport and communications
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Healthcare
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Education
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Sports
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Science
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Environmental science
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Mass media
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Art
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Dances
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Ballet
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Decorative and applied arts
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Musical instruments
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Architecture
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Music
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Theater
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Cinema
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Sculpture
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Circus
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Literature
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Photography
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Culture
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Epigraphy
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Folklore
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Kyrgyz heroic epic "Manas"
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The epic "Manas" in prose
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Poetic retelling of the epic "Manas"
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"Semetey" - poetic story
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"Semetey" in prose
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Religion
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Ethnography
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National games
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Customs
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Myths and legends
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Kyrgyz fairy tales
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Kyrgyz cuisine
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Meat and offal dishes
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Soups of Kyrgyzstan
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Main dishes of Kyrgyzstan
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Sweet dishes of Kyrgyzstan
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Drinks of Kyrgyzstan
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Salads and appetizers
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Flour products
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Miscellaneous information about Kyrgyzstan
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Historical and holiday dates of Kyrgyzstan
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Famous personalities of Kyrgyzstan
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Women of Kyrgyzstan
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Historical figures
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Heroes of Kyrgyzstan
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Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic
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Heroes internationalists
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Heroes of Kyrgyzstan in World War II
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Kyrgyzstanis — Full cavaliers of the Order of Glory
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Writers of Kyrgyzstan
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Inventors of Kyrgyzstan
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Scientists of Kyrgyzstan
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Architects of Kyrgyzstan
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Artists of Kyrgyzstan
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Cinematographers of Soviet Kyrgyzstan
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Actors of Kyrgyzstan
The Geopolitical Environment of the Kyrgyz in the 6th—18th Centuries
Foreign policy

The Geopolitical Environment of the Kyrgyz in the 6th—18th Centuries

The Turkic states pursued an active foreign policy and participated in geopolitical games in the Eurasian space. Starting from the VI century AD, control over the Silk Road permanently passed to the Turkic states. The outstanding Turkic leader Kagan Istemi sent an embassy from the shores of Issyk-Kul to the world center of that time — Byzantium. This step was the first major geopolitical act of the Turkic kagans aimed at forming a triple alliance — the Turkic Kaganate - China - Byzantium —

12.03.2014, 20:54
Military Forces of the Kyrgyz in the 6th to 18th Centuries
Armed forces

Military Forces of the Kyrgyz in the 6th to 18th Centuries

The structure, organization, and supply of the armed forces of the Kyrgyz during that period were based on the principles of the organization of the Huns — the ancestors of modern Turkic peoples, including the Kyrgyz. It is known that Attila's Huns reached the Gibraltar Strait in the 4th-5th centuries. Turkic khans from the 6th century were able to conquer the entire Great Steppe in a short time and reached the Black Sea.

12.03.2014, 20:32
Mahmud Kashgari "Diwan Lugat At-Turk"
Literature

Mahmud Kashgari "Diwan Lugat At-Turk"

The work of Mahmud Kashgari 'Divan Lugat At-Turk' ('Dictionary of Turkic Dialects') is not just a dictionary in the modern sense of the word. This work concentrates the scientific achievements of philology, linguistics, history, geography, philosophy, and the problems of natural sciences. His lifetime fell in the 11th century. The scholar was originally from the southern shore of Issyk-Kul (Barskhan). At some point in his life, he moved from Barskhan to Kashgar and created

12.03.2014, 19:38
Jusup Balasagyn: "The Gracious Knowledge"
Literature

Jusup Balasagyn: "The Gracious Knowledge"

Little is known about Jusup Balasagyn, the author of the greatest work — the poem “Blessed Knowledge”, or “The Science of State Governance.” He was born around 1010-1016 (1018) in the capital of the medieval Karakhanid state — the city of Balasagyn. He was a highly educated man of his time — possessing profound knowledge in astronomy, mathematics, medicine, history, philosophy, aesthetics, ethics, literature, Arabic and Iranian-Tajik poetry, Turkic folklore, and the Persian language. He

12.03.2014, 19:35
The Education of Kyrgyz in the 6th to 18th Centuries
Education

The Education of Kyrgyz in the 6th to 18th Centuries

The Karakhanid period, as the apex of Turkic civilization, was a time when science and education were at the roots of the formation of two deeply interconnected cultural civilizations — sedentary agricultural and nomadic. The greatest minds of the Middle Ages lived in Central Asia during the 10th to 12th centuries — Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Omar Khayyam, Abu Rayhan Biruni, Muhammad Al-Farabi. In the 10th century, Islam as a religion spread not only among the sedentary but also the nomadic

12.03.2014, 19:30
The Religion of the Kyrgyz in the VI—XVIII Centuries
Religion

The Religion of the Kyrgyz in the VI—XVIII Centuries

Alongside Islam, the life of the Kyrgyz was widely influenced by customs and traditions of pre-Islamic religious beliefs. Primarily, these were reflections of the natural and social forces dominating the people's consciousness. The custom of worshiping various animals—totemism—was one of the earliest forms of religious consciousness. For instance, one of the clans of the northern Kyrgyz is called "bugu" (deer). Its members still preserve legends and traditions associated with

12.03.2014, 19:05
The Culture of the Kyrgyz in the 6th—18th Centuries
Ethnography

The Culture of the Kyrgyz in the 6th—18th Centuries

The ancient Turkic nomads who inhabited the territory of Kyrgyzstan left behind unique monuments — large stone sculptures that captured the spiritual essence of an entire era. The main themes of these sculptures are the defense of the homeland against foreign invaders, the awareness of one's identity and strength, and the understanding of the role of man in the world and the meaning of life.

12.03.2014, 19:02
The Population of Kyrgyzstan in the VI—XVIII Centuries
Population

The Population of Kyrgyzstan in the VI—XVIII Centuries

The ethnonyms “Turk” and “Turkut” were first mentioned in a Chinese chronicle from the year 546. Denoting the self-name of the people, they contained, according to runic texts, the concepts of “strong,” “stable,” and “unwavering.” On the other hand, the ethnonyms had more of a social than an ethnic significance, as they were initially associated only with representatives of the military aristocracy. Over time, they spread not only to the clan led by the military aristocracy but also to the

12.03.2014, 16:43
Natural Resources of the Kyrgyz in the 6th—18th Centuries
Nature

Natural Resources of the Kyrgyz in the 6th—18th Centuries

The territory of medieval Kyrgyzstan was home to numerous plant species, many of which are endemics representing a highly valuable gene pool for our planet. In accordance with the physical and geographical zones characteristic of Kyrgyzstan, several types of vegetation formed: steppe, tall grass, subalpine, and alpine meadows, unique pistachio, almond, cherry, exochorda, and other shrubs; relict nut-bearing forests, fir, spruce, maple, birch, poplar-willow, and juniper forests.

12.03.2014, 13:44
The Territory of the Kyrgyz in the VI—XVIII Centuries
Territory, geography and administrative division

The Territory of the Kyrgyz in the VI—XVIII Centuries

All political entities of the Middle Ages in the territory of Central Asia somehow affected the territory of Kyrgyzstan. The western regions of the Turkic Khaganate encompassed the territory of modern Kyrgyzstan. As early as 553, Istemi, the younger brother of the khagan Bumyn, included the lands of 10 tribes into the khaganate. The khaganates that arose after the collapse of the First Turkic Khaganate (early VII century) — the Western Turkic, Turgish, Karluk, and Karakhanid khaganates — were

12.03.2014, 13:22
Governance in Kyrgyzstan in the 6th—18th Centuries
Government

Governance in Kyrgyzstan in the 6th—18th Centuries

The second half of the first millennium is characterized by the formation and development of early feudal Turkic states over a vast territory of Southern Siberia, Kazakhstan, Central and Inner Asia. This period is referred to as the early phase of the Turkic era.

12.03.2014, 13:17
Military Forces of the Kyrgyz from Ancient Times to the 6th Century
Armed forces

Military Forces of the Kyrgyz from Ancient Times to the 6th Century

The military art that prevailed during the ancient and medieval periods among the nomadic tribes of Eurasia was based on the combat skills developed by the ancient inhabitants of Central Asia. There are numerous facts indicating the inventions of the nomadic world that contributed to the advancement of global military art. For example, the ancient Turkic tribe of Tele is considered the inventor of the wheel and the cart. It is possible that the ancient Turkic cart served as a model for the

12.03.2014, 12:53
The Education of the Ancient Kyrgyz
Education

The Education of the Ancient Kyrgyz

We do not have data on the development of science and education among the nomadic peoples of ancient Kyrgyzstan. However, they did possess some initial scientific concepts. This is evidenced by the ancient nomadic population's ability to work with metal, gold, improve weaponry, and some cultural achievements (for example, the 12-cycle calendar, whistling arrows). The acquisition of primitive scientific ideas among the nomadic population was also facilitated by their proximity to the

11.03.2014, 15:13
Governance in Ancient Kyrgyzstan Before the 6th Century
Government

Governance in Ancient Kyrgyzstan Before the 6th Century

Kyrgyzstan is one of the world’s centers of human emergence, statehood, and civilization. The life of the tribes inhabiting ancient and early Kyrgyzstan, as well as the principles of governance in primitive society, were similar to those in other parts of Eurasia. Distinctive features of communal governance and organization are associated with the people of the Saka, who lived in the territory of Kyrgyzstan from the 6th century BC to the 3rd century AD.

11.03.2014, 12:45
The Culture of the Kyrgyz from Ancient Times to the 6th Century
Ethnography

The Culture of the Kyrgyz from Ancient Times to the 6th Century

The cultures of the ancient peoples of Kyrgyzstan are considered in close connection with one another. For example, since the Saka burial mounds are little different from the common Saka burials, scholars refer to the Saka and Usun burial mounds with a single term — Saka-Usun mounds. Such mounds have been discovered in both the Issyk-Kul region and the Chui Valley. While studying Usun monuments, scholars find similarities with the culture of the Huns. The culture of the Huns, in turn, is close

10.03.2014, 21:42
The Religion of the Kyrgyz in Ancient Times
Religion

The Religion of the Kyrgyz in Ancient Times

The foundation of marital and family relationships among the nomadic population of ancient Kyrgyzstan was patriarchal-clan customs. The main figure of the clan and family was the man — the husband, the father of the family. Polygamy was common. The traditions of levirate marriage, characteristic of patriarchal-clan ties, were also preserved.

10.03.2014, 21:32
Natural Resources of the Kyrgyz in the Bronze Age
Nature

Natural Resources of the Kyrgyz in the Bronze Age

The main landscape of Kyrgyzstan consists of mountains. Enclosed mountain valleys are surrounded by vast pasture lands, and since the Bronze Age, livestock farming has been the leading sector of economic activity for the ancient population of Kyrgyzstan. In mountainous conditions, the breeding of small cattle became particularly significant. By the Bronze Age, high-altitude pastures accessible by breast were developed, which were used during seasonal migrations.

10.03.2014, 21:19
The Territory of the Kyrgyz from Ancient Times to the 6th Century
Territory, geography and administrative division

The Territory of the Kyrgyz from Ancient Times to the 6th Century

The Saka tribes were divided into three parts. In the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan lived the Saka-Haumavarga — the Sakas who "worship Hauma" (a sacred plant), in its northern regions — Saka-Tigrahauda — the Sakas who wore pointed hats. The Saka Tiya-Tiya-Daraya (riverine Sakas) lived in the basin of the Jaxartes River (Syr Darya) on the territory of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

10.03.2014, 21:12
The Economy of the Kyrgyz from Ancient Times to the 6th Century
Economy of Kyrgyzstan

The Economy of the Kyrgyz from Ancient Times to the 6th Century

The tribal communities inhabiting the Central Tien Shan, Issyk-Kul, Chui, and Talas valleys engaged in nomadic animal husbandry, which was combined to varying degrees with agriculture and hunting. The ancient population of Kyrgyzstan raised cows, sheep, and Bactrian camels. Horses were, of course, a particular concern. It is possible that the Sakas were the first to learn how to prepare kumys. In winter, livestock was kept in pens, and feed was prepared in advance. In the late Bronze Age, the

10.03.2014, 21:01
Population of Kyrgyzstan from Ancient Times to the 6th Century
Population

Population of Kyrgyzstan from Ancient Times to the 6th Century

The first reliable traces of humans on the territory of Kyrgyzstan date back to the Paleolithic — the Old Stone Age (800,000 - 100,000 years BC). The oldest settlement is On-Archa, which is 800,000 years old. The oldest monument of art in Kyrgyzstan consists of drawings in the Ak-Chunkur cave. During the Neolithic era, a tribal structure formed. Overall, the development of Kyrgyzstan during the Bronze Age is characterized by the active use of metal, the growth of pastoral and agricultural

10.03.2014, 20:53
Polygamy
Religion

Polygamy

One of the major surahs of the Quran (the 4th surah, consisting of 175 verses) is called "Nisa," which translates from Arabic as "Women." This surah addresses issues related to women - mothers, sisters, and daughters, and thus also concerns family matters.

07.03.2014, 22:27
Polygamy in Islam
Religion

Polygamy in Islam

In the 1870s, a new movement emerged in Muslim countries, called “Muslim Reformation.”

07.03.2014, 22:12
The Abduction of the Bride
Customs

The Abduction of the Bride

In Central Asia, as well as in the Caucasus, until the early 20th century, there were two significantly different types of abduction:

07.03.2014, 21:15
Payment of Kalym (or Kalyma)
Customs

Payment of Kalym (or Kalyma)

The payment of kalym - the bride price - openly reflects the attitude towards women as movable property of the husband and all his relatives. Kalym was an insurmountable barrier for men wishing to marry if they did not possess the required minimum of material wealth. The amount of kalym indicated the degree of respect for the bride's parents: the higher the kalym paid for the bride, the greater the honor for her parents. The kalym was fully at the disposal of the bride's father and,

07.03.2014, 21:05
The Right of Inheritance under Sharia Law
Religion

The Right of Inheritance under Sharia Law

Let us consider women's rights in the area of inheritance, where Islam clearly establishes inequality between women and men. Under Sharia, the right of inheritance is closely linked to marital and family legal norms. It is complicated by polygamy, temporary divorce, purifying marriage, and marrying a widow. The foundations of inheritance law date back to the pre-Islamic period, from which Muhammad, in particular, preserved the provisions of inheritance rights for males and through the

07.03.2014, 18:41
Marriage Conclusion and Dissolution under Sharia Law
Religion

Marriage Conclusion and Dissolution under Sharia Law

The inequality of the personal status of men and women was vividly manifested in the conclusion and dissolution of marriage according to Sharia. The marriage of a man and a woman, accompanied by the birth of children, was a religious obligation, while celibacy was considered a regrettable state. In Muslim society, there were practically no "old maids," which was due to the order of concluding and dissolving marriages. Adultery was considered a sin (zina). Barriers to marriage for

07.03.2014, 18:34
Norms of Adat and Sharia
Religion

Norms of Adat and Sharia

Sharia originated in Arabia as a more developed system of feudal law and evolved as a confessional law, organically linked to the theology of Islam, infused with its religious-mystical concepts. Islam views legal provisions as a part of the unified divine law and order that governs the world. Sharia includes the normative part (fiqh), including legal norms that define the relationship of Muslims with Allah (ibadat). The importance of qualities such as patience, humility, and fulfillment is

05.03.2014, 22:05
Chakan Atmai (Chakan Tash)
National games

Chakan Atmai (Chakan Tash)

Chakan atmay (chakan tash) — a game for schoolchildren of younger and middle ages. It is played by up to 10 people or two teams of 5-6 players each.

01.03.2014, 22:35
Achakey-Zhumakey and Chaka Chapmay
National games

Achakey-Zhumakey and Chaka Chapmay

Achakey-jumakey. It is played by two participants. The goal of the players, by taking turns throwing their alchik, is to score 10 points. The order of throwing is determined by a draw.

01.03.2014, 21:27
The title translates to: "The Six Banners of Selkinchek and Dumpuldak."
National games

The title translates to: "The Six Banners of Selkinchek and Dumpuldak."

Alty bakan selkinchek. One of the most popular entertainments is swinging (selkinchek). In the past, during the nomadic lifestyle, swings were made from nearby trees in mountain pastures, and in treeless areas, poles (bakans) were used to raise the upper part of the yurt frame during its setup. Usually, 6 such poles were taken. Hence the name alty bakan selkinchek — swings made from 6 poles. A girl and a boy swing together. The rest of the youth, divided into two teams (girls and boys), hold

01.03.2014, 20:44
Toguz Korgol (Toguz Kumalak)
National games

Toguz Korgol (Toguz Kumalak)

Toguz Korgool (or Toguz Kumalak) — nine balls — is an ancient Kyrgyz tabletop game that somewhat resembles chess. It is played by two people. The game board, made of wood and oval in shape, has two small depressions in the middle (the cauldron) and 18 smaller holes located along the edges (nine on each side). Each of the 9 holes is numbered (from left to right). In ancient times, each hole had its own name:

01.03.2014, 11:56
Orda - Khan's Headquarters
National games

Orda - Khan's Headquarters

Ordo (literally "Khan's camp") is a two-sided team national game that exists only in Kyrgyzstan. Two teams play, each consisting of men aged 18 and older, with a team size ranging from 5 to 10 players.

01.03.2014, 10:46
Wrestling
National games

Wrestling

Kuresh — Kyrgyz waist wrestling — is one of the most popular national sports in Kyrgyzstan. This wrestling is similar to freestyle wrestling. Until recently, there were two variants of wrestling widely practiced among the people — southern and northern. The southern variant, prevalent in the Osh region, does not allow the use of leg hooks, trips, or sweeps. In the northern variant of kuresh, a variety of techniques are used; this makes it closer to freestyle wrestling.

28.02.2014, 23:02