The City of Orlovka

Orlovka — a city in the Kemin District of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The status of a city was granted to the urban-type settlement of Orlovka on September 27, 2012. It is located on the northern slope of the Kyrgyz Range, 9 km from the railway station of Bystrovka (on the line from Bishkek (Frunze) to Balikchy (Rybachye)).

The population is 5,700 (2017). Its highest point is 1,160 meters above sea level. The length of Orlovka from south to north is 3.0 kilometers, and from west to east — 3.3 km. The city stands on the alluvial cone of the Taldy-Bulak River. The average temperature in July is 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, and in January it is -5 to -9 degrees Celsius.

Founded in 1910 by settlers from various parts of Tsarist Russia — Kursk Province, Poltava Province, and the North Caucasus.

In just three years, more than 110 households were built in the vacant area, surrounded by household plots. The founders of the settlement were Vasily Yakovlevich Duginov (1878—1977), Maxim Alekseevich Glushko (1889—1976), and Savely Stepanovich Polyakov (1883—1967).

In 1913, it consisted of 113 households. The way of life of the local residents fundamentally changed in 1917 after the overthrow of the tsarist autocracy.

With the arrival of Soviet power, the village began to live and develop anew. Two collective farms were formed within its boundaries, which later merged into a single complex. Animal husbandry and grain farming developed actively, and the area was improved and expanded. A kindergarten and a school, a medical station, and shops operated. During the Soviet era, the small village transformed into a thriving settlement with a developed economy. In 1930, two collective farms were established: "Zavet Ilyicha" and "Novaya Zhizn." They were later merged into one — "Zavet Ilyicha."

Now, in the modern city, there are a mining and processing plant, a chemical and metallurgical plant, and brick factories, which are the city's backbone enterprises. A production association operates, providing the city with water and heat.

Schools and a hospital, shops, and shopping complexes have been opened.

In the vicinity of the city, there is a ski resort, accessible by a narrow winding road. It is always crowded during the winter season.

The wonderful, picturesque landscapes, tall green fir trees, mild climate, and healing air attract numerous tourists who come here year after year.

Despite the fact that Orlovka received city status in 2012, the way of life of its residents has changed little. Annual city celebrations are held, which have long become traditional. They are especially vibrant in kindergartens, where folklore groups often perform. During the Nowruz holiday, public festivities take place in a bright and colorful manner.

In the "Victory Park," there is a monument "To the Orlovkans who fell in battles for the Motherland."