The Village of Toru-Ayghyr. Video
Toru-Ayghyr with a Rich Past
The village of Toru-Ayghyr, with a population of 2,616, is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, 20 kilometers from the village of Balakchy. During the Soviet era, the village was part of the Semirechye region. Previously, the village was called Sikul, named after the ancient legend of the faithful horse Toru-Ayghyr. The surroundings of Toru-Ayghyr are rich in various historical and natural monuments. These include ancient petroglyphs, rock paintings, medieval tombs, burial mounds made of stone blocks, as well as stone sculptures of the Turks and the partially submerged ancient settlement of Toru-Ayghyr.
There are several beliefs about the origin of the village. One of them states that in the distant past, there was a small settlement by the lake where an orphan named Bakyt lived. He inherited a plot of land from his parents, which later passed to a local wealthy man in exchange for a stallion. The boy named the growing horse Menin Toru-Ayghyr, who always won in races. One day, bandits took the horse, but it escaped from them and, overcoming the lake barrier, returned to Bakyt. However, on the shore, the horse lost its strength and died in the boy's arms. Over time, a village appeared at this place, which was named Toru-Ayghyr.
The first mentions of Toru-Ayghyr date back to the era of the Qing dynasty, as evidenced by historical documents "General Description of Xinjiang," which narrate about the 19 tribes of Kyrgyz that existed at that time.
In the eastern part of the village, you can see a medieval tomb - a dome, which is a large structure with a portal.
The southern part of the ancient settlement is completely submerged under the waters of Issyk-Kul, but locals say that by peering into the water's depth, one can see the outlines of the city, and the lake's waters wash ashore ancient household items and fragments of ceramic products.
A notable site in the northern part of the village Toru-Ayghyr is the remains of a large bathhouse with two stone stoves and local housing structures. On the banks of the river of the same name, flowing in the area of the village Toru-Ayghyr, there are burial mounds and ancient rock writings.
Today, the area of Toru-Ayghyr is considered one of the popular resort centers on the shores of Issyk-Kul, where many health centers for children's recreation have been built.
The health resort "Mayak" is intended for the rehabilitation of children and adults. It has 4 buildings and one-story cottages for accommodation. For various leisure activities, guests are offered boat rides on the lake, catamarans, and kayaks. The health resort features a video hall, bar, billiards, and sports grounds for playing football, volleyball, and tennis. Hiking trips in the mountains and educational excursions along the lake's shore are organized.
The settlement is located in a resort area near the Toru-Ayghyr River. Within its boundaries is a children's health resort located in close proximity to the lake.
The village is famous for its outstanding natives, including Kyrgyz surgeon Isa Akhunbaev, political figure Moldogazy Tokobaev, opera singer Bulat Minzhilkiyev, historian Satar Ilyasov.
Modern Toru-Ayghyr is mainly developing as a resort with the corresponding infrastructure.
Comfortable living conditions, a favorable climate, and picturesque landscapes attract tourists from various regions of the republic.
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