Natural Regions and Occupations of the Population of Kyrgyzstan
The Population of Kyrgyzstan in the 19th - Early 20th Century
Most of the country's territory belongs to the mountainous regions of the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai, with diversity added by small areas of desert plains in the Chu-Talas foothills and Fergana valleys. The northern part of the Tien Shan is characterized by the dominance of high-altitude landscapes, mountain steppes, and forested areas on the northern slopes of the ridges. In the Issyk-Kul zone, deserts occupy its western part, while mountain steppes and coniferous forests are found in the east. The Internal Tien Shan is distinguished by its highest elevations and glaciation in the northern part. The Pre-Fergana zone includes the Chatkal and Fergana ridges with high-altitude landscapes, coniferous, nut, and fruit forests, as well as subtropical steppes. In the Pamir-Alai region, high-altitude landscapes, juniper forests, mountain meadows, and subtropical steppes prevail.
Finally, the North Pamir region stands out with the mountain-steppe Alai Valley and the high glaciated Zaalai Ridge.
Based on geographical location, natural conditions, population, and the development of economic specialization, in the 1960s, the republic was divided into three main parts: 1) northern, 2) central, 3) southern. Each of these parts also has significant internal differences among the valleys and basins that comprise them.
The northern part includes the Chuy, Talas, and Issyk-Kul valleys and basins, which are favorable for irrigated agriculture and productive animal husbandry. Considering the specific natural and climatic conditions, land fund structure, agricultural development, industrial placement, and labor resources within the framework of the comprehensive development of the republic during Soviet times, the priority sectors in the Talas Valley were agriculture, tobacco cultivation, and animal husbandry. In the Chuy Valley, sugar beet cultivation, animal husbandry, horticulture, agriculture, and viticulture predominated. The Issyk-Kul region became an area for growing grain crops, poppy (until its prohibition), and animal husbandry (Problems of Development... 1969. p. 109, PO).
Here were important administrative, trade, and cultural centers of medieval states. In the 19th - early 20th centuries, the ethnic composition of the settlements was diverse. In addition to Slavic settlers, relatively large groups of Dungans and Uighurs arrived from China, settling compactly in the Issyk-Kul basin, Chuy, and Fergana valleys. The population of this part of the republic had close economic and cultural contacts with neighboring Kazakhs. The local Kyrgyz population was influenced by the settling Slavic population, resulting in many innovations in various spheres of their life (Aitbaev, 1957; Brusina, 2001).
Central Kyrgyzstan (Naryn region) occupies the high-altitude and least populated part of the republic with vast pastures and rich natural resources. It was traversed by part of the routes of the Great Silk Road, which connected the Kyrgyz with China and the Fergana Valley. Numerous historical and cultural monuments can be found in the mountain-steppe areas. In terms of national composition, this is practically a mono-ethnic territory, with about 95% of the population being Kyrgyz. In the Internal Tien Shan, there are a few Dungans, Uighurs who migrated from China, as well as Uzbeks who settled here for trade.
The local Kyrgyz primarily belong to the tribes and clans of the right wing, among which a few representatives of the left wing are dispersed (Abramzon, 1960; Sydykov, 1992. pp. 111-156; Karataev, 2003).
The dominant type of economic activity remained nomadic animal husbandry. Since ancient times to the present day, sheep, horses, cattle, goats, yaks, and camels have been raised. Winter and summer pastures with good grazing lands have always been favored locations. Medium-altitude agriculture also held some significance, where small plots were used for growing grains. The proximity to the branches of the Great Silk Road allowed for economic, trade, and cultural contacts with the population of Kashgar and the Fergana Valley.
The southern part of the republic (Osh, Jalal-Abad, Batken regions) was distinguished during Soviet times by developed agriculture, melon growing, emerging industries, cotton cultivation, tobacco growing, and animal husbandry. Grain crops were mainly cultivated in rain-fed areas. The tradition of horticulture dates back to ancient times. Dried fruits, grains, livestock products, precious metals, and stones have always been in high demand. Here, a rich sedentary-agricultural culture developed in close interaction with nomadic culture. Cities like Osh and Uzgen arose more than a millennium ago and have an ancient history. In ancient times, this area was famous for its renowned "heavenly" horses depicted in the Aravan rock carvings, as well as alfalfa, grapes, etc.
In the 19th - early 20th centuries, in the territory of the Fergana Valley, the Kyrgyz lived alongside Uzbeks, Tajiks, and other relatively small ethnic groups, which inevitably influenced the local characteristics of their material and spiritual culture and way of life. In the scientific literature of the pre-revolutionary (1917) and Soviet periods, information can be found about the composition of clans and tribes, their numbers, and the territories they occupied, including summer and winter pastures, and administrative units (Sitnyakovsky 1900; Sydykov, 1992. pp. 111-156; Vinnikov, 1956; Gubaeva, 2004. pp. 6-32; Abashin, 2004. pp. 44-82; Karataev, 2003). According to the materials of the All-Russian Census of 1897, in the Osh district, out of 126,689 Kyrgyz, 65.8% were sedentary (Osh Region. 1987. p. 41)
