Southern Kyrgyzstan was fully integrated into the world of science and culture during the Timurid era, which produced many scholars, historians, poets, and thinkers.
An outstanding Central Asian Sufi thinker and poet was Ahmed Yugnaki (second half of the 12th - early 13th century). His work “Hibat al-Haqaiq” — “Gift of Truths” has survived to us in three manuscript copies stored in Istanbul.
The 12th century is associated with the name of the steppe poet, thinker, and major representative of Sufi wisdom Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (Jazylik Kul Kojo Akmat). The place and date of his birth are disputed. According to the majority of researchers, he was born in the city of Yasyi (later Turkestan in southern Kazakhstan), while another version claims he was born in the Yasyi Valley (Jazy) in southern Kyrgyzstan. If he wandered through the steppes and mountains of Central Asia, then his work
Kashgari Mahmud, son of Hussein, grandson of Muhammad, is a representative of the science and culture of the Turkic-Muslim Renaissance of the peoples of the Karakhanid Khaganate. He was born around 1029-1038 in the city of Barskan (modern-day Barskoon in the Jeti-Oguz district of the Issyk-Kul region) in the family of a regional ruler of the Karakhanids. He died after 1077. He studied in Barskan, Kashgar, and other centers of Muslim scholarship.
Yusuf (Jusup) al-Balасaguni was born around 1015-1018 in the principality's capital, which once became the northern capital of the entire khanate. This city was famous as a center of science and culture of its time. The Burana settlement, southwest of the modern city of Tokmok, is the ruins of this cultural hub of the Karakhanids.
Since ancient times, humans have pondered questions about the origins of everything, the emergence of life, the explanation of death, and so on. Answers to these and other questions were sought and found in everyday life.
Masters of Stationary Sculpture A sign of maturity in sculpture in Kyrgyzstan is the intense development of sculptural composition. In this genre, the figurative and compositional-plastic tasks have significantly complicated, marking a transition to a new level of artistic generalization of life phenomena, the construction of sculptural form, and mastery of traditional and modern materials. In this sphere, the talents of sculptors have been revealed quite fully and uniquely. A significant
Of course, the story about masterpieces in miniature would be incomplete if we did not mention the money featuring unique animals that inhabit Kyrgyzstan, with the famous snow leopard being the first among them. These beautiful animals are mainly hunted by experienced trappers from zoos, who catch them alive and send them to zoos both nearby and far abroad. However, hunting the snow leopard is fraught with enormous difficulties and surprises because it is very elusive, cautious, and lives high
Banknotes of states are true masterpieces of visual art. What do they depict? Typically, banknotes feature a coat of arms, a portrait of the head of state or a famous compatriot, a monument of antiquity, or a landscape characteristic of the country. Soviet money usually depicted the portrait of Lenin, a worker, and a peasant. On English banknotes, we see Saint George striking a dragon with a spear, and a lion holding a key with a chain. On Greek money, there are portraits of great
After the victory of the February bourgeois-democratic revolution, power in Russia passed into the hands of the Provisional Government, which represented the interests of large capitalists and landowners, determining its policy, including economic and financial. The slogan proclaimed by it, "War to a victorious end," meant for large capital that the super-profits from military supplies under government contracts flowed to the usual address. On the other hand, continuing the war was
Financial hunger. The first paper money - banknotes - were issued in Russia in 1796. Unlike the gold coins that existed at the same time, they did not have a fixed exchange rate. Their value often fluctuated, and they were almost always valued lower (sometimes several times) than their nominal value. In the first third of the 19th century, Russia operated a bimetallic system, where gold, silver, and banknotes circulated simultaneously. In the 1830s, preparations began for a monetary reform,
The oldest means of monetary circulation in our region is considered to be, as in other Eastern countries, livestock, tools of production and labor. Archaeological studies of the earliest monuments of Central Asia, including Tian Shan, also show that cowrie shells - a type of marine gastropod mollusk - were used as money. These shells are oval in shape, resembling white porcelain, and were often used as ornaments. Due to their shape, they were also referred to as "snake heads" or
As a rule, ancient money commands respect: it has seen and known much, sometimes containing secrets that remain unsolved for centuries. For instance, the material from which a coin is made allows us to conclude what metals were used at that time, how various alloys were composed, and whether the blanks were processed by casting or forging. If you weigh several identical coins, you will get an answer to the question of what units of measurement our distant ancestors used. Are you interested in
The Toktogul Zone includes the Ketmentebin intermountain basin in the lower reaches of the Naryn River, the Toktogul Reservoir, and the valley of the right tributary of the Naryn — Chychkan ("mouse"). The zone is located within the middle section of the famous Kyrgyz route Bishkek — Osh. Its center, the village of Toktogul, is located 190 km from the city of Talas. The city of Kara-Kul, located on the southern border of the zone, is 295 km away from Osh. The Ketmentebin basin is
The "Manas" zone is located 63 km from the city of Talas, south of the village of Kirovskoye on the northern slopes of the Talas Ala-Too. It includes the branched gorges of Kara-Buura, Kyurkureo-Suu, and Maidantal, through which the rivers of the same name flow. On the slopes of the lower part of the gorges, mountain steppes with patches of various shrubs are widely represented. Sometimes snakes can be encountered here. More than ten species of snakes are found in Kyrgyzstan.
The "Talas" zone is located in the central part of the Talas River valley and includes the city of Talas, its surroundings, as well as historical and cultural areas with remarkable architectural monuments, among which the mausoleum of Manas holds a special place. It is advisable to start the acquaintance with the city of Talas. This is a small city, whose growth was long hindered by the weak development of industry. It was founded in 1877 by Russian and Ukrainian settlers on the left
The Orto-Tokoy Zone encompasses the territorial foothills at the western end of the Terskey Ala-Too range, including the Kochkorka and Kara-Kudzhur valleys. The distance by road to the center of the zone — the district center of Kochkorka — is about 150 kilometers from the city of Naryn and 58 kilometers from the city of Balikchy. The Kochkorka mid-mountain valley is framed by the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range (4234 m in this zone), Terskey Ala-Too (3600 m in this zone), Kara-Dzhorgo (3933 m), and
The zone "Min-Kysh" (a thousand birds) includes the fabulously beautiful valley of the same name, which is about 40 kilometers long. The valley rises from 1400 to 3100 meters above sea level. Its maximum width is two kilometers. The valley is framed by the Kabak-Too ridge (4144 m) and the Moldo-Too ridge (4418 m). At the lower part of the zone, where the Min-Kush flows into the Kekemeren, lies the village of Ornok. A road runs from the village along the riverbed to the village of
The Suusamyr Zone includes the eponymous high-altitude valley stretching 155 km. To the north, it is bordered by the Kyrgyz Ala-Too (peak Alamidin 4855 m), to the south and southwest by the Suusamyr-Tuu ridge (4048 m), and to the south and southeast by the Jumgal-Tuu ridge (4121 m). The valley floor rises from 2000 to 3200 m. The Western Karakol begins as a result of the confluence of the rivers Ushu-Tor, Southern Issyk-Ata, and Iyri-Tor. The Western Karakol extends for 70 km through the
The zone "Toguz-Toroo" ("nine bays") includes the valley of the same name, the southern slopes of the Moldo-Too ridge (eastern part), and the valley of the Naryn River up to the mouth of the Kekemerena tributary. The center of the zone, the district center of Kazarman, is located 200 kilometers by road from the city of Naryn. The settlement got its name from the barracks of the cavalry unit of the Red Army that were stationed here during the fight against the Basmachi. The
The "Ak-Talaa" zone includes the valleys of the Ala-Buka, Arpa, and Terek rivers, as well as the southern slopes of the Moldo-Too ridge within the middle reaches of the Naryn River. The center of the zone, the district center of Bayetovo, is located approximately 120 km from the city of Naryn. Within the zone, the Naryn River collects numerous large and small tributaries, becoming turbulent and full-flowing, comparable to a mighty hero bringing warmth and light to people. Over many
The Chatyr-Kel Zone includes a significantly elevated intermountain basin with a lake of the same name, stretching from the southwest to the northeast for 70 km from the Tuz-Bel pass to the watershed of the Kek-Ayghyr River, and the western part of the Aksai Valley. The zone is located along the highway from Naryn city to Torugart village, 130-140 km from Naryn. The road bypasses the lake from the west and south and leads into the Aksai Valley. The mountain ranges framing the basin reach their
The At-Bashi Zone includes the Atbashi-Karakoyun Valley. The center of the zone, the village of At-Bashi, is located 50 kilometers from the city of Naryn. The valley floor rises from 2000 to 3200 meters above sea level. Its total length is 160 kilometers and about 30 kilometers wide. The valley is surrounded on all sides by mountain ridges: to the south is At-Bashi (4786 m); to the north are Naryn-Tuu (4944 m) and Baibiche-Tuu (4434 m); to the west is Djaman-Tuu (4737 m). The At-Bashi River is
The "Maly Naryn" zone encompasses the valley of the river of the same name, located between the ridges of Jetim-Bel, Kapkatap, Karadjorgo, Jetim-Too, Uch-Emchek, and Terskey Ala-Too. Approximately 25 km from the mouth, where the Maly Naryn flows into the Naryn (2253 m), the river valley makes a sharp turn at a right angle against the southern slopes of the Kapkatash ridge and stretches almost 100 km strictly to the east. On the right bank of the river in the area of the bend and on
The Pamir-Alai Zone encompasses a section of the Alai Valley, which stretches along the major water artery of the south of the republic, the Kyzyl-Suu River. It is bordered to the south by the northern slopes of the heavenly Zaalai (Chon-Alai) range and to the north by the southern slopes of the Alai range. From the city of Osh, the famous Pamir Highway leads to the zone, connecting the city of Osh with the village of Gulcha and the village of Sary-Tash, which then continues to the city of
The Shakhimardan Zone (Shaimerden) encompasses the basin of the Shakhimardan-Sai River. There is a road leading here from the city of Osh to the village of Frunze. The village produces the best antimony in the world. There are many springs with low-temperature mineralized water in its vicinity. The Shakhimardan-Sai River is formed by the Ak-Suu (on the left) and Kek-Suu (on the right). Below the confluence of these rivers in the valley of the Shakhimardan-Sai stand two powerful cliffs,
Zone "Isfayram-Sai". The left tributary of the Isfayram-Sai River is the Surme-Tash River, which originates from glaciers above the peak of Kara-Kaayk ("black pole"), while the right tributary is Archa-Kanysh, merging at an elevation of about 2850 m. The Isfayram-Sai gorge is very rocky. Thickets of juniper and shrubs often hang over the water. Several side gorges of small tributaries branch off from the main gorge in the upper reaches: Kel, Jashil-Kel, Sauk-Dzhailoo,
In the 1960s, in Kyrgyzstan, as in other republics of the country, a new stage in the development of sculpture and monumental art began, which continues to this day. This period marks the flourishing of the work of the first national sculptor T. Sadykov, who trained under the outstanding Soviet sculptors S. T. Konenkov and E. F. Belashova, as well as sculptors Z. Khabibulin, A. Mukhtudinov, V. Shestopal, and D. Kheidze, who graduated from the country's art universities. During these
The Chil-Ustun Zone includes the Chil-Ustun, Chil-Mayram, and Keklik-Too mountains located around the village of Aravan, which rise sharply among the flat plains with rocky ridges along the Arawan-Say River valley. The distance from the city of Osh is about 30 km along the highway west to the village of Aravan. The territory of the zone is situated within the arid landscapes of Southern Pritfergan, occupying the hilly slopes of low ridges. In small areas that have remained in their natural
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,
The "Tar" zone includes the valley of the river of the same name and its tributaries. In this area, the river changes its name four times — Aлай-Куу, Ой-Тал, Tar, and then becomes Карадарья. The valley is bordered by the Fergana Ridge to the north and the Alai Ridge to the south. A road runs along the river from the city of Uzgen to the village of Kashka-Suu. The valley, with its large and turbulent Tar River, is surrounded on all sides by steep rocky slopes. For many thousands of
The Yassy Zone occupies the valley of the same name, located near the city of Uzgen, 80 km from Osh. The Yassy River (Jazy) flows along the valley, and there is a road leading from Uzgen to the village of October 15. The area is characterized by magnificent climatic conditions — mild temperatures throughout the year, relatively low precipitation, and gentle winds that positively affect the human body, making this zone a potential climate resort. In the Yassy Valley, as well as in other gorges
Have you ever, in a short span of time measured in hours, visited a hot valley, tasted sweet melons and watermelons; walked through mountain gorges that caress with coolness; indulged in the numerous gifts of berry bushes and nut-fruit trees; climbed to blooming alpine meadows and finally touched snow with your hand? If not, we invite you to visit the southern region of Kyrgyzstan. The natural borders of the region are the crests of powerful mountain ranges: to the north — Chatkal, to the east
Elements of circus art can be found in various types of national games, especially in equestrian ones. This is mentioned in the epic "Manas" and other minor epics. The national Kyrgyz game "selkinchek" is rich in elements of gymnastics, acrobatics, and equilibristics.
Kyrgyzstan today is a sovereign independent state building an open society. An open society is one where the individual, their freedom, dignity, and well-being are placed above all else. That is why humanity strives to live in an open society.
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.
Sovereign Kyrgyzstan is an equal member of the international community. One of the most important tasks of any sovereign state is to establish equal relations with other countries of the world. Remember, could Kyrgyzstan independently engage with foreign states during the Soviet era? Did they recognize Kyrgyzstan as a sovereign independent state? Of course not. Because at that time, Kyrgyzstan was considered just a part of the great power of the USSR. Only after the proclamation of
Kyrgyzstan — the homeland of a multinational people. The population of Kyrgyzstan is 5,776,570 people (January 2014). The main population of the country is 4,193,850 people or 72.6% — Kyrgyz. Kyrgyz people live throughout the country and dominate in most rural areas. The second largest group is Uzbeks — 836,065 people, who make up 14.5% of the population and are concentrated in the southwestern part of the country in border areas with Uzbekistan. Russians — 369,939 people, make up 6.4%,
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
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
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
Every morning, broadcasts of Kyrgyz radio begin with the solemn melody of the National Anthem, which, along with the flag and coat of arms, is an official symbol of the Kyrgyz Republic. It is performed at the opening and closing of formal gatherings, meetings, and other events of state significance, during the unveiling of monuments and memorials in honor of significant events or outstanding figures, when welcoming heads of foreign states, and at all ceremonies accompanied by the raising of
Emblem — one of the official symbols of a sovereign state, its emblem. It reflects the socio-political idea of the country. The state emblem is placed on the buildings of the highest state authorities, state institutions, embassies of the Kyrgyz Republic, in courtrooms, and is depicted on seals and forms of state documentation, on securities, coins, border posts, etc. The emblem of Kyrgyzstan was approved on January 14, 1994. Its authors are artist Aseyin Abdrayev and police general Sadyrbek
Flag Often, while watching television broadcasts, we witness the national flag of a country being raised to the solemn melody of the national anthem during official state events, the Olympic Games, and other international sports competitions. A special feeling of pride overwhelms a person when it is the flag of their homeland. The state flag is one of the main symbols of sovereign Kyrgyzstan, its distinguishing mark. It is hoisted on the buildings of the highest state authorities, state
The President of the Kyrgyz Republic is a nationally elected head of state, a symbol of the unity of the people and the state. The President is the highest official, guaranteeing the rights and freedoms provided to every citizen by the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic.
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
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.
Kyrgyz people have long been close to sports: their nomadic lifestyle was associated with the necessity to constantly defend their land from enemies, to fight against natural elements for survival, and to overcome various difficulties. These circumstances required agility, skill, and endurance. Many traditional games of the Kyrgyz were competitive in nature and trained young men to become resilient fighters, the future defenders of the Motherland. However, the widespread development of