Myths and legends

The Battle of the Saka with Cyrus II

TOMYRIS In the summer of 530 BC, approaching the river bordering the territory of the Scythians, Cyrus II sent envoys to propose marriage to the widow Tomyris. The queen understood that the Persian ruler was not interested in a wife, but rather in vast lands, wealth, and the brave warriors of the Scythians. And Tomyris refused. The reason for war was sufficient, and the Persians began to cross the river. The Scythians did not hinder this: Tomyris believed that it would be harder for the

21.05.2019, 11:38

Cinema

Kyrgyz Filmmakers in the Spotlight of the Tashkent Festival. Television and Cinematography of Kyrgyzstan in the 70s - Early 80s. Part 9

City of Peace, City of Friendship. It was significant and symbolic that the leading filmmakers from Asia, Africa, and Latin America gathered around the "round table" in those days. It was here, in this conference hall, that the Soviet government made peaceful proposals to representatives of friendly countries. Here, in a building from whose windows one could see the majestic panorama of modern Tashkent, restored by the hands of thousands of Soviet people after a devastating disaster

20.05.2019, 15:45

Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic

Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic Tugolbay Sydykbekov

Tugolbay Sydykbekov, People's Writer, Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic Born on May 14, 1912, in the village of Ken-Suu, Tyup District Nationality: Kyrgyz

20.05.2019, 15:31

Karakol

Karacol - The Last Harbor of N. M. Przhevalsky

Nikolai Mikhailovich Przhevalsky. The first explorer of the nature of Central Asia. The residents of Karakol were living their usual lives when they learned that the world-famous traveler Nikolai Mikhailovich Przhevalsky was coming to their town, having chosen Karakol as the starting point for his fifth Central Asian expedition. Soon, on October 10 (22), a large expedition caravan entered the city, stretching for hundreds of meters. The townspeople greeted Przhevalsky's detachment with

20.05.2019, 11:39

Fauna of Kyrgyzstan / Birds of Kyrgyzstan

Common Cuckoo - Kүkuк

Cuckoo - a bird of the cuckoo family. Externally resembles a small hawk. The total length reaches 32-34 cm, wingspan 55-65 cm, weight up to 80-190 g. An adult male has the entire upper side of its body, including the head, colored dark gray. The throat and crop are also gray, but of a lighter ash shade. The belly is white, with dark transverse stripes. The tail feathers have white tips and spots along the shafts. It lives in light forests and gardens. It is beneficial, feeding on insects and

18.05.2019, 23:10

Customs

Arrival of the Young Bride in Her Husband's Village. From the Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part - 8

In the Groom's Village r. Big Keben Batyrkhan Upon the arrival of the bride, women from her husband's village greet her in the steppe; she dismounts from her horse and continues on foot. Both the escorts and the greeters quickly ride to the village with all their belongings and prepare the brought orgё. The bride is led to the orgё on foot. As she approaches, she is met by the young man's mother with a plate of boorsak, sugar, raisins, etc. (chachyla) and scatters all this

18.05.2019, 22:22

Flora

Medicinal Plants of Kyrgyzstan

MEDICINAL PLANTS Medicinal substances of plant origin play a significant role in the creation of effective medicinal preparations. Currently, more than 50% of medicinal products are made from plants. Over 1500 species of medicinal plants grow in the territory of the Soviet Union. However, only 200-300 species are used for the production of various medicinal preparations. Every year, about 30,000 tons of medicinal raw materials are harvested in our country.

18.05.2019, 12:20

Karakol

Renaming Karakol to Przhevalsk

City in Honor of N.M. Przhevalsky Starting from 1875, the growth rate of the city significantly increased. From 1890, settlers from Ukraine, the Black Earth regions, and the Volga region began to settle in Karakol. According to the 1897 census, the population of Karakol included Russians (36%), Sarts (27%), Kyrgyz (17%), Chinese (11%), and Tatars (7%). Before the revolution, Karakol had 11 leather factories, one of the four intestinal-cleaning enterprises in modern Kyrgyzstan, and the oil mill

18.05.2019, 10:33

Fauna of Kyrgyzstan / Birds of Kyrgyzstan

Duck - Their Chicks

Mallard - a large duck. Males weigh 1.0-1.3 kg in spring, up to 1.7 kg in autumn. The male has a black head with a greenish sheen, a chestnut-colored breast, and a black tail. Distinctive features include a yellow or yellow-green bill, orange legs, often brownish-orange, and a blue speculum; the female has a pinkish bill with a dark center. The male in summer plumage resembles the female, but has a yellow-green bill. In a flying bird, white stripes on the wings are clearly visible. Takeoff and

17.05.2019, 10:06

Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic

Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic Turgunbay Sadykov

Sadikov Turgunbay – Kyrgyz sculptor and monumental artist, chairman of the cultural foundation of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, People's Artist of the USSR, People's Artist of the Kyrgyz SSR. Born on November 4 (according to other sources – September 3) 1935 in the village of Govsuvor, Batken District, Osh Region of the Kyrgyz SSR (now the Republic of Kyrgyzstan). Kyrgyz. In 1959, he graduated from the Frunze Art School (Frunze city, now Bishkek). From 1959 to 1961, he worked as an

17.05.2019, 09:50

Cinema

III International Film Festival of Asian and African Countries in Tashkent. Television and Cinematography of Kyrgyzstan in the 70s - Early 80s. Part 8

Representative Film Forum "Tashkent-74" In ancient times, the paths from Russia and India, from the Middle East and the African continent converged in the ancient Uzbek city of Tashkent. Today, in the ancient yet surprisingly young and modern Tashkent—the capital of Soviet Uzbekistan—progressive filmmakers from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and many European countries gather every two years. A representative film forum! — The International Film Festival of Asian, African, and Latin

17.05.2019, 09:30

Customs

Farewell Song — of Cats. From the Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part - 7

Departure of the bride to her husband's village Halas Cholonkulov kainazar The next day (after the kız oyun and wedding night. — B.K., S.G.) the bride's parents lay out all the dowry in the orgyo, all the household items — jaiyp berdy (put on display)72, so that the participants of the toya can inspect it during the feast. If the dowry is rich, with many robes and other clothing, they stretch ropes from the orgyo to the father-in-law's yurt, etc., as needed. The groom's

17.05.2019, 08:38

Waterfalls

Kok-Moynok Waterfall

Kok-Moynok - a beautiful stepped waterfall Chui Region. Located 75 km from Bishkek. Coordinates: lat=42.568841 lon=74.983203 The height of the waterfall is 10-15 meters. Elevation above sea level is 2160 m. The waterfall is located on the Eki-Tyushtyuk stream, a tributary of the Kök-Moynok River, which flows into the Tuyuk River in the Issyk-Ata region. This beautiful stepped waterfall is situated in a picturesque forested gorge 3 km above the forestry checkpoint. There are also three

16.05.2019, 20:44

Fauna of Kyrgyzstan / Birds of Kyrgyzstan

Black Kite - Kara Aiyry Kuyruk

Black Kite A medium-sized bird of prey, about 1.5 times larger than a crow, widely distributed. The kite that inhabits our region is called black, but in reality, its plumage is dark brown, with a lighter underside featuring reddish tones. It has a noticeable "notch" on its tail. The overall length is 50–60 cm, weight is 800–1100 g, wing length is 41–51 cm, and wingspan is 140–155 cm. Females are slightly larger than males. The coloration of adult birds (two years and older) on the

16.05.2019, 20:02

Karakol

Chronicle of the City of Karakol

Outstanding People of Karakol The chronicle of the city of Karakol preserves the names of outstanding individuals who played a significant role in its formation and development. Nikolai Matveyevich Barsov, a native of Novgorod Province, was sent to Karakol as a military hospital doctor after graduating from Moscow University. This was in early 1880, i.e., 11 years after the city was founded. The military hospital was the only medical institution in Karakol until the revolution (not counting

16.05.2019, 19:43

Flora

Forage Plants of Kyrgyzstan

FORAGE PLANTS Forage plants constitute the most numerous and important group of useful plants in Kyrgyzstan, as the main sector of the republic's economy—animal husbandry—primarily relies on natural forage lands, where forage plants are concentrated. More than 630 species of forage plants grow in Kyrgyzstan, accounting for one-fifth of all forage plants in the country. However, not all of them have been accounted for and studied. With a deeper and more thorough study of the flora of

16.05.2019, 18:48

Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic

Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic Chingiz Torekulovich Aitmatov

Chinghiz Aitmatov, writer and public figure. By the decree of February 4, 1997, for his outstanding contribution to the treasury of national culture, the wide popularization of the spiritual values of the Kyrgyz people on the international stage, and active public activities, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic. Chinghiz Torekulovich Aitmatov was born on December 12, 1928, in the village of Sheker, Kara-Buura (Kirov) district of the Talas region of Kyrgyzstan.

15.05.2019, 05:46

Myths and legends

Nauryz - the New Year holiday, the day of the spring equinox

THE HOLIDAY OF THE SAKE NOWRUZ Here’s how Nowruz was celebrated among the river Saka. ...Only the next day by evening, grandfather, son, and grandson reached Roksanaka — the residence of the ruler of the river Saka.

15.05.2019, 04:57

Karakol

The Birth of the City of Karakol

Birthday of Karakol (Przhevalsk) - July 1, 1869 History has preserved for us the exact date, motives, and circumstances of its emergence. It became one of the first settlements established in the Issyk-Kul basin after the voluntary incorporation of Kyrgyzstan into Russia. In 1865, the tsarist government hurriedly built a series of fortifications on the Kashgar border. One of them, Ak-Su, later became the center of the Karakol district. Ak-Su was located away from trade routes and seasonal

15.05.2019, 03:37

Fauna of Kyrgyzstan / Birds of Kyrgyzstan

Korostel - Tartar Took

Corncrake - Crex crex A small bird measuring 22-25 cm in length and weighing about 150 g. It resembles a rail in size and body shape. The plumage on the upper part of the body is light reddish, with dark mottling. The top of the head, primary flight feathers of the wings, and tail feathers are chestnut with dark centers and gray tips. The sides are reddish-ochre with white transverse stripes. The chin and the front of the neck are light gray. The beak is short, strong, and reddish-brown in

29.04.2019, 20:06

Flora

Fibrous Plants of Kyrgyzstan

FIBROUS PLANTS The most valuable fibrous plants in Kyrgyzstan are cultivated species — cotton, flax, kenaf, hemp, and others. As for wild fibrous plants, they are extremely rare in nature and produce fibers of rather low quality. The fibers of wild species are mainly used for weaving baskets, bags, ropes, twine, and burlap. Sometimes they are woven into mats (berdanas), hats, and other household items. Weaving is primarily done by private entrepreneurs. For weaving, reeds, bulrush, and other

29.04.2019, 19:56

Flora

Decorative Plants of Kyrgyzstan

DECORATIVE PLANTS The role of decorative plants in nature and human life is well-known. They beautify our squares, gardens, parks, streets, and homes, evoking positive emotions. Decorative plants are widely used for various celebrations. Many of them (fir, pine, juniper, walnut, bird cherry) release phytoncides and help purify the atmosphere of pathogenic bacteria. Plants such as false acacia (Robinia), gleditsia, linden, and others are also excellent honey plants. Decorative trees and shrubs

27.04.2019, 13:49

Fauna of Kyrgyzstan / Birds of Kyrgyzstan

Field Horse - Ersynar

Field Grasshopper. Slightly smaller than a sparrow, approximately the size of a forest grasshopper, with a longer beak, somewhat more slender body, and longer legs. Body length is 16–19 cm, wingspan is 26–30 cm, and weight is 18–27 g. It is distinguished from other grasshoppers by its light, uniform coloration and almost complete absence of spots. It moves on the ground by walking or running, sometimes slightly bobbing its tail up and down. A characteristic behavior when inspecting its

25.04.2019, 05:38

Waterfalls

Waterfall in Kashka-Suu

Waterfall in Kashka-Suu on the Ak-Suu River. It is located in the Chuy region of Kyrgyzstan, in the Kashka-Suu gorge, not far from a glacial lake of the same name. The waterfall is on the Ak-Suu River - the upper tributary of Arashan, 35 km from Bishkek. The height of the waterfall is approximately 15 meters, and it is situated at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. The waterfall in Kashka-Suu is a very picturesque place. Just below it, in the valley, there is a spruce forest and

25.04.2019, 05:11

Fauna of Kyrgyzstan / Birds of Kyrgyzstan

Common Nightjar - The Meal in the Demeid

Common Nightjar - a nocturnal bird. Its back is brownish-gray, with darker mottling and blackish longitudinal stripes, and a rusty hue. The belly is ochre-brown, with blackish-brown transverse thin stripes. There are two white spots on the throat. On the inner web of the first three primary flight feathers, there is a large white spot, and white tips are also present on the two outer pairs of tail feathers. The common nightjar is a migratory bird. It inhabits the edges of forests, steppes, and

24.04.2019, 21:03

Flora

Dye Plants of Kyrgyzstan

DYEING PLANTS Many plants in Kyrgyzstan contain dyeing substances. There are more than 80 species of such plants. However, dyeing plants have practically lost their significance today. Synthetic dyes are now used more widely. Only for the production of lipsticks and in confectionery factories are plant-based dyes used. Nevertheless, many residents of Kyrgyzstan still deal with plant-based dyes. Therefore, we will briefly characterize some dyeing plants of the republic below. Common Thistle. An

24.04.2019, 20:44

Customs

Marriage Ceremony. From the Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part - 6

Marriage Ceremony Osh District, Actor Kumbel Ray Kuvaev The groom and bride are tied together with ropes before the nikah, and then their supporters pull them in different directions62. r. Bolshoy Kebin Zhanteli After the preparations are completed (for departure. — B.K., S.G.), on the eve of the departure, they call the mullah, slaughter a ram, and have a feast. The mullah takes a cup of water63 and asks the groom and bride, who sit during the ceremony behind the koshoje, about their consent

24.04.2019, 14:37

Flora

Resinous Plants of Kyrgyzstan

RESINOUS PLANTS One of the interesting and little-studied groups of useful plants in Kyrgyzstan is the group of resinous plants. “Resinous plants are those plants that are characterized by the presence of resins or balsams in them.” The term “resin” refers to various substances: turpentine (gum resins), rosin, Canadian balsam, amber, sandarac, damar, copal, akaroid, styrax, incense, mastic, gum gut, lactucarium, and others.

20.04.2019, 11:48

Cinema

Kyrgyz Documentary Film. Television and Cinema of Kyrgyzstan in the 1970s - Early 1980s. Part 7

DOCUMENT OF OUR TIME A documentary film is the conscience of cinema. Joris Ivens. In the autumn of 1972, at the Small Hall of the Funzen Cinema "Ala-Too" — "Chronicle," the film "Post" was screened, which won the Silver Dove award at the XV International Documentary and Short Film Festival in Leipzig.

20.04.2019, 10:04

Mountain peaks

Nansen Peak

Nansen Peak - one of the most outstanding summits located in the territory of Kyrgyzstan. The height of the peak is 5697 meters above sea level. The mountain is situated in the Central Tien Shan, south of the Enelchek Valley. As early as 1902, the German geographer Godfried Merzbacher called this peak the most prominent of the entire mountain range opposite the Tuyuk-Ashu Pass. The scientist noted that the mountain deserved a name befitting its magnificent appearance. A worthy peak was given a

18.04.2019, 22:14

Fauna of Kyrgyzstan / Birds of Kyrgyzstan

Kobchik – A Falcon Similar to the Red-footed Falcon

Kobchik – a small-sized falcon It resembles a kestrel in its proportions and lifestyle but differs from it with its narrow wings. The body length of the bird ranges from 28 to 33 cm, wing length is 23-35 cm, wingspan is from 65 to 77 cm, and weight is between 130 to 197 g. The beak is short and weak. The male is dark bluish (almost black) with a brick-red underside of the belly, undertail, and "trousers." The female is ochre with a gray back featuring a transverse stripe, wings, and

18.04.2019, 21:56

Flora

Insecticidal and Rodenticidal Plants of Kyrgyzstan

INSECTICIDAL AND RODENTICIDAL PLANTS “This group includes plants that produce toxins for combating insects and other pests of agricultural crops, parasites of animals and humans, and finally, rodents” (Shalit M. S.). In the flora of Kyrgyzstan, there are many insecticidal and rodenticidal plants. However, they are rarely used for combating insect pests, animal parasites, and rodents, with few exceptions.

17.04.2019, 22:00

Fauna of Kyrgyzstan / Birds of Kyrgyzstan

Stone Partridge - Keklik

Keklik (Rock Partridge) Family Phasianidae. In external appearance and body structure, the keklik closely resembles the common gray partridge but is significantly larger. Its plumage is more vibrant. The overall tone is smoky gray with a bluish-pink hue. A black stripe runs from the forehead through the eyes and around the front of the neck. The beak, the eye-ring, and the legs are bright red. They are characterized by a compact body, short neck, large head with a short curved beak,

17.04.2019, 19:31

Customs

Bride Price and Dowry: From the Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part 5

The Last Feast at the Bride's Father's House Talas Cholponkulov kainazar Jekach zhuktir — the sending of the wooden frame of orgyo (house jekach) from the groom to the bride's village. He is accompanied by the groom's mother.

17.04.2019, 18:33

Waterfalls

Juukuchak Waterfall

Juu-Kuchak (2220 m). Issyk-Kul Region, Juu-Kuchak Gorge. Located 3 km from the hot spring. The southern shore of Issyk-Kul remains an unexplored mystery of nature for travelers and tourists. No matter which gorges and canyons you visit, you will be enveloped by the feeling of pristine nature in these lands. One of these untouched places is the Juu-Kuchak gorge, located south of the village of Saruu.

17.04.2019, 00:01

Flora

Tanning Plants of Kyrgyzstan

TANNING PLANTS Despite the current rapid development of chemistry and the creation of many synthetic substances that replace plant-derived materials, the tanning substances of plants still hold immense significance. This is true not only in the tanning-extractive industry but also in medicine and veterinary science. The demand for tannins in the USSR is high. With more detailed studies of tanning plants, their role does not diminish; on the contrary, it increases.

16.04.2019, 20:39

Mountain peaks

Peak Manas

Peak Manas - is the highest point of the Talas Ala-Too (4482 m). This bare peak in the western part of the Talas Ala-Too ridge has very steep slopes where snow and ice do not accumulate. The Talas Ala-Too has a narrow rocky shore and its peaks rise above the 4000-meter mark. In the pre-crested zone, there are significant glaciers, and the slopes are heavily intersected by gorges, with powerful ridges branching off from the southern slope — Chatkal, Chandalash, and Pskem. Due to the steep

16.04.2019, 16:41

Fauna of Kyrgyzstan / Birds of Kyrgyzstan

Kwakwa - a bird of the heron family

Kwakva Resembles a bittern, length up to 60 cm. It has a shorter neck compared to other herons and a short but strong and powerful beak. Its legs are also shorter than those of other herons. The male in breeding plumage has a black cap with a greenish sheen and a back of the same color. The wings are gray. The wing length is 26-30 cm. The belly and sides are white. In spring, 2-4 long narrow white feathers grow on the back of the head. The beak is black, and the legs, with long toes, are

16.04.2019, 14:13

Customs

The First Wedding Night. From the Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part 4

The First Wedding Night Zhanyzak solto By the evening before the departure, all the dowry is packed into the orgё. Soft items, nine pieces of each kind, are stacked, and the bride is awaited by the groom. From the father's yurt, a young woman is brought to the groom on a white felt42. He accepts her, and they sleep on this soft bed.

15.04.2019, 15:08

Flora

Saponin-bearing Plants of Kyrgyzstan

SAPONIN-CONTAINING PLANTS Among the many useful plants of Kyrgyzstan, there are those that contain saponins. Currently, saponins are widely used in various industries, medicine, and veterinary medicine. The demand for saponins in the USSR is increasing year by year — they are necessary for both domestic needs and foreign trade. Therefore, the identification and study of saponin-containing plants is becoming particularly important at this time.

15.04.2019, 04:00

Fauna of Kyrgyzstan / Birds of Kyrgyzstan

Karavaika - Ibis

Karavaika - a bird from the ibis family. It measures 48-66 cm in length, weighs 500-580 g, and has a wingspan of 80-95 cm. Adult birds are dark brown with a bronze and green metallic sheen. The bare part of the head is small, dark in color, and bordered by narrow white stripes. The beak, legs, and iris are dark. In autumn and winter, the plumage is duller, with white speckles appearing on the neck, head, and chest. Young birds are brown without sheen, with white streaking on the head and neck

14.04.2019, 19:05

Customs

Premarital Relationships of Young People. From the Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part 3

Pre-marital meetings of the groom and bride rch. Makmal-Naryn near Toguz-toro Batyrkhan The discussion about the kalym (bride price) only occurs when it is time to marry the betrothed (if the betrothed were underage children. — B.K., S.G.). Until then, the groom's father only sends gifts to his matchmaker. The 14-16-year-old groom begins to visit the bride's aul before the kalym issue is resolved and brings gifts for her father — livestock. He travels with friends. He stops somewhere

14.04.2019, 10:00

Cinema

Kyrgyz Telecinema. Television and Cinematography of Kyrgyzstan in the 70s - Early 80s. Part 6

The World Through Play. Category of Fact Report The report (as the main defining genre characteristic of "Autoparade"), becoming the primary method of organizing facts of reality, emphasized the film's closeness to "live" broadcasts, lending it the credibility of documentary broadcasting. Uncommented Report This is primarily a "broadcast of what is happening" in episodes at the mobile shop, a film screening organized for children in one of the yurts, the

14.04.2019, 04:39

Waterfalls

Kara-Archa Waterfall

Kara-Archa Waterfall - left tributary of Kegety (Chui region) Coordinates: 42.504977, 75.069273 Height of the waterfall: a cascade of waterfalls, about 10-15m

14.04.2019, 03:00

Mountain peaks

Peak Komsomolets

Peak Komsomolets - 4170m above sea level Located on the mountain ridge that separates the Aala-Archa Gorge and the Baychekekey Gorge, approximately 7.5 km from the alpine camp. The snowy peak can be seen from some streets in the city of Bishkek. It is almost always covered with snow at any time of the year. This peak has a climbing difficulty category of 1A. Due to the fact that one of the routes to ascend this peak is simple and does not require the use of safety gear, it has become popular

13.04.2019, 05:48

Cinema

The First Works of "Kyrgyztelefilm". Television and Cinematography of Kyrgyzstan in the 70s - Early 80s. Part 5

At the Intersection of Theater and Cinematography Television, whose audience is practically limitless, has its own peculiarities. It subtly yet persistently changes our perception of the surrounding world and the very fabric of our thinking. Thanks to its daily and nightly documentary and informational programs, we have begun to perceive facts as an independent artistic category... ...As if paying homage to his first profession — before graduating from the Institute of Theater, Music, and

13.04.2019, 04:39

Fauna of Kyrgyzstan / Birds of Kyrgyzstan

Common Buzzard - Common Buzzard

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). A predatory bird the size of a buzzard. Body length is 51—57 cm, wingspan is 110—130 cm. Females are generally larger than males. The weight of males is about 600 g, females up to one kg. The wings are quite short. The tail is striped, short, and rounded. The coloration varies greatly, from pale to dark brown. The flight is relatively slow. It spots prey from the air, soaring for long periods, sometimes stopping and "shaking" its wings in place, similar

13.04.2019, 04:07

Customs

Matchmaking. From the Ritual Life of the Kyrgyz in the Early 20th Century. Part 2

Betrothal river. Tyup Jingish Aji When the time for marriage comes, the groom's father12 goes to negotiate with the bride's father with one horse.

13.04.2019, 03:50