News of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek and Osh — latest events today
Local news / Cultural news

On the stage of the Bishkek Drama Theater, the play "Uncle's Dream" will be performed.

From January 23 to 25, the stage of the Bishkek City Drama Theater named after A. Umuraliev will host a production of the play "Uncle's Dream," based on the novella of the same name by F.M. Dostoevsky. According to the theater, the implementation of this production is overseen by director Ulanmyrza Karypbaev, set designer Sadyr Niyazakunov, costume designer Zuhra Mukambetova, as well as choreographer Rezeda Gayanova, who works in St. Petersburg.

20.01.2026, 15:29
Local news / Cultural news

The ensembles of the Osh Regional Philharmonic perform at the "Ramayana" festival in India.

From January 13 to 24, the folklore ensemble "Aalam" and the dance ensemble "Ademi" from the Osh Regional Philharmonic named after R. Abdykadyrov are participating in the XI International Festival "Ramayana," which is taking place in India under the theme "Music and Dance." According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the festival was organized at the initiative of the Indian government, and creative groups from Kyrgyzstan are representing

20.01.2026, 10:46
Local news / Cultural news

The First Deputy Head of the Ministry of Culture Checked the Condition and Technical Base of Cultural Institutions in Bishkek

Soyuzbek Nadyrbekov, holding the position of First Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, conducted an inspection of several cultural institutions in Bishkek that are under the management of the ministry. According to information provided by the press service of the Ministry of Culture, during his working trip, Nadyrbekov visited the following institutions:

20.01.2026, 09:27
Local news / Cultural news

Deputy Minister of Culture Tagaev on Zhapikeev: Chinghiz Aitmatov does not need protection from a person who needs psychological help and hospitalization

At a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh on science, education, innovative development, information technology, culture, sports, and youth affairs, Deputy Gulsharkan Kultaeva urged the Ministry of Culture to evaluate the statements made by Syimyk Japikeev about Chyngyz Aitmatov. Kultaeva noted that Japikeev, who gave an interview to a channel with 200,000 subscribers, allowed himself to speak negatively about the great writer. “Aitmatov is our cultural symbol. Esteemed representatives of the Ministry

19.01.2026, 15:20
Local news / Cultural news

The deputy inquired who will be held responsible for the improper use of millions of soms in film production.

During the session of the Jogorku Kenesh held on January 19, deputy Santalat Amanova (district No. 6) expressed concern about the quality of spending millions of soms on film production. She raised the question of who will be held accountable for the ineffective use of budget funds in this area when discussing the Ministry of Culture's report on national cinematography. “Who will be responsible: the Ministry of Culture or the Department of Cinematography? If there is a mistake in road

19.01.2026, 14:00
Local news / Cultural news

"50 million soms will be allocated for animated cartoons in 2026, - Ministry of Culture"

The Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev, at a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh dedicated to science, education, innovation, information technology, culture, sports, and youth affairs, announced the allocation of 30 million soms for the production of animated films in 2026. He emphasized the need to organize a meeting with professionals in the field of animation to discuss issues related to the production process.

19.01.2026, 13:44
Local news / Cultural news

The Ministry of Culture plans to optimize the film industry

The Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev announced the Ministry of Culture's intentions to optimize the field of cinematography at a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, which was dedicated to science, education, innovation, information technology, culture, sports, and youth affairs. According to Tagaev, several institutions operate within the ministry, including the Department of Cinematography, the film studio "Kyrgyzfilm," the film center "Kyrgyztasmasy," and the state

19.01.2026, 12:59
Local news / Cultural news

Deputy: The film "Kurak" contains elements related to the promotion of prostitution and LGBT, it represented Kyrgyzstan at an international festival

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh on January 19, Deputy Bolot Sagynayev raised the issue of the film "Kurak," pointing out the presence of elements that could be seen as propaganda for prostitution and LGBT. This film was presented by Kyrgyzstan at the international film festival in Busan. Sagynayev inquired whether the film underwent any censorship before its screening at the festival.

19.01.2026, 12:53
Local news / Cultural news

The Ministry of Culture intends to reduce the number of documentary films

The Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev announced the Ministry of Culture's intention to reduce the production of documentary films at a meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh, which deals with science, education, innovation, information technologies, culture, sports, and youth affairs. He noted that such films are often created in honor of anniversaries, such as the 90th or 100th birthdays of famous individuals, and require significant financial investments.

19.01.2026, 12:42
Local news / Cultural news

The Department of Cinematography is ready to lease 10 cinemas under its management.

During the meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh dedicated to science, education, and culture, Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev reported that the Department of Cinematography is ready to lease 10 cinemas. These facilities are under the ministry's balance. According to Tagaev, there were a total of 37 cinemas previously, and since 2024, 20 of them have already been leased.

19.01.2026, 12:27
Local news / Cultural news

In 2025, the budget for national cinema tripled and amounted to 970 million soms.

In 2025, Kyrgyzstan significantly increased funding for its national cinematography, raising the budget to 970 million soms, which is three times more compared to the previous year. This information was announced at a meeting of the Committee on Science, Education, Innovative Development, Information Technologies, Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs. For comparison, in 2024, the budget was only 345 million soms.

19.01.2026, 12:27
Local news / Cultural news

In Kyrgyzstan, they plan to make a film based on the historical novel "Syngan Kylch"

The filming of the movie based on the historical novel "Сынган Кылыч" ("Broken Sword") by Tologon Kasymbekov is scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027. This was announced by Marat Tagaev, Deputy Minister of Culture, during a meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh held on January 19. According to Tagaev, the Ministry of Culture aims to create historical films that play an important role in shaping the ideology of society. The last significant project in this area,

19.01.2026, 11:53
Local news / Cultural news

In Batken, the performance event of Bala Barpy "Yntymak" will take place

On January 26, a concert titled "Yntymak" will be held at the Batken Regional Drama Theater named after Apaz Zhainakov, featuring the renowned akyn Bala Barpy. This information was announced by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. The aim of the event is to promote the creative work of akyn Barpy Alykulov. The project was created and directed by Kurmanbek Niyazbekov.

19.01.2026, 11:31
Local news / Cultural news

An Evening of Remembrance for the 90th Anniversary of the People's Writer of Kyrgyzstan Beksultan Zhakiev Took Place in Bishkek

On January 16, a memorial evening was held in Bishkek dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the outstanding people's writer of Kyrgyzstan, Beksultan Zhakiev, who was also a Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic, a laureate of the Toktogul State Prize, a knight of the Order of Manas III degree, and a recipient of the Dank medal. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the event began with a flower-laying ceremony at the writer's monument at the Ala-Archa cemetery. The main part

19.01.2026, 10:08
Local news / Cultural news

In Bishkek, the 70th anniversary of the scientist Abdyladzhana Akmataliev was celebrated

On January 16, a solemn event was held in Bishkek dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Abdyladjan Akmataliev — an outstanding literary scholar, critic, poet, and Doctor of Philological Sciences, professor, who became a distinguished figure in Kyrgyzstan. Abdyladjan Akmataliev left a significant mark in the field of science and literature. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, high-ranking guests attended the celebration, including State Secretary Arslan Koichiev, Deputy

19.01.2026, 10:00
Local news / Cultural news

A symphonic concert featuring ballet and choir will take place in Bishkek

On January 20 and 21, a concert organized by the State Symphony Orchestra named after A. Jumakmatov will take place at the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic. The program will feature a unique combination of symphonic music, choral singing, and ballet performance. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, during the concert, the audience will be able to enjoy works by 20th-century composers, in which music, vocals, and choreography are harmoniously combined.

18.01.2026, 10:39
Local news / Cultural news

A master class on sewing and embroidery of the beldemchi belt will be held at the IZO Museum.

On January 17, a master class dedicated to the sewing and decoration of beldemchi will be held at the National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev. The event will be led by Turar Turganaly, a member of the Union of Artists and an experienced designer. This information was provided by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Beldemchi is a traditional element of the Kyrgyz women's wardrobe, representing a wrap skirt or cape with a wide belt. This piece of clothing is worn over

17.01.2026, 15:25
Local news / Cultural news

The IZО Museum will hold a lecture "From Canvas to Mosaic: Kyrgyz Art of the 20th-21st Centuries"

On January 17, a lecture titled "From Canvas to Mosaic: Kyrgyz Art of the 20th-21st Centuries" will take place at ROX Centre, previously known as the "Ai-Pery" salon, organized by the National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. The choice of venue for the lecture is not accidental: this building houses the mosaic "Ayalzat," created by the People's Artist of Kyrgyzstan, Theodor

17.01.2026, 04:32
Local news / Cultural news

Cinema as a Tool for Human Rights Protection: An Interview with Swiss Documentarian Stefan Ziegler

At the end of 2025, a ceremony for the "Ak Ilbirs" award took place at the National Opera and Ballet Theater. This event provided AKIpress the opportunity to introduce its readers to international creative individuals, including Swiss documentary filmmaker Stefan Ziegler. Known for his award-winning work, documentary director and university lecturer Stefan Ziegler arrived in Bishkek to showcase his film "The Mandate - Who Cares About International Law" at the "Bir

16.01.2026, 21:16
Local news / Cultural news

The President has established a new publishing house "Kyrgyz Tuusu," which will include the newspaper Slovo Kyrgyzstana and the magazines "Baichchekey" and "Ala-Too."

A new state publishing house called "Kyrgyz Tuusu" has been established in Kyrgyzstan, as a result of a decree signed by President Sadyr Japarov. This decision is aimed at strengthening the state information policy, developing printed resources, ensuring the effective operation of state media, and optimizing budget expenditures.

16.01.2026, 12:41
Local news / Cultural news

In Vienna, the "Turkic Week" took place. Photos

In the Austrian capital Vienna, the international cultural event known as "Turkic Week" took place for the second time. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Among the participants of the event were the Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev, the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev, as well as representatives of international organizations and diplomats from participating countries.

16.01.2026, 09:27
Local news / Cultural news

The Ministry of Culture Discussed the State Program for the Development of Reading Culture

A meeting was held at the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, where an initiative was discussed to create a state program aimed at developing a reading culture and preserving the intellectual heritage of the country. Under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov, representatives of government institutions responsible for the relevant areas gathered.

16.01.2026, 08:47
Local news / Cultural news

At the VI World Nomad Games, both kok-boru and kokpar will be presented, - head of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports

At the VI World Nomad Games, which will take place from August 31 to September 6 in Kyrgyzstan, traditional equestrian sports such as kok-boru and kokpar will be featured. This was announced at a press conference by Kazibek Moldazhiyev, the director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports. He noted that equestrian competitions occupy a central place in the World Nomad Games, attracting a large number of spectators and generating interest among both participants and international

15.01.2026, 23:09
Local news / Cultural news

The Ministry of Culture will start checking the content of TV channels from March.

On January 15, at a meeting chaired by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Marat Tagaev, information was shared about upcoming inspections of the programming content on Kyrgyzstan's television channels, which will begin in March 2026. By the end of the year, necessary measures are planned to ensure that television channels comply with legislative requirements. Present at the meeting were leaders and representatives of television channels, as well as employees of

15.01.2026, 23:07
Local news / Cultural news / Exclusive

4 locations on Issyk-Kul, 43 types of ethnic sports - the head of the State Agency for Physical Culture spoke about the program of the World Nomad Games

At a press conference, the director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports, Kazybek Moldazhiyev, announced the holding of the VI World Nomad Games, which will take place in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6 of this year. A distinctive feature of this event will be the opening ceremony, which will be held in Bishkek at the under-construction "Bishkek Arena" stadium, which can accommodate 51,000 spectators. The opening ceremony is scheduled for August 31, and this

15.01.2026, 16:54
Local news / Cultural news

At the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Hungary, a collection of poems by Alykul Osmonov was presented in Hungarian.

On January 14, a ceremony was held at the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Hungary for the presentation of the first copies of a collection of poems by the famous Kyrgyz poet Alykul Osmonov, translated into Hungarian. The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan clarified that this collection was prepared as part of the events dedicated to the 110th anniversary of Osmonov's birth. It includes key works of the poet that reflect the philosophical ideas, humanitarian values, and

15.01.2026, 16:10
Local news / Cultural news

At the VI World Nomad Games, more than 3,000 participants from over 100 countries will be attracted.

From August 31 to September 6, the VI World Nomad Games will take place in Kyrgyzstan, with the participation of over 3,000 athletes from more than 100 countries expected. This was announced at a press conference by Kazybek Moldazhiyev, the director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports. Moldazhiyev presented statistics from previous games. According to him, in 2014, when the first Nomad Games were held, 19 countries participated. In 2016, this number increased to 62, then in 2018

15.01.2026, 13:52
Local news / Cultural news

The Bashkir Epic "Ural-Batyr" Published for the First Time in Kyrgyz Language

The Bashkir epic "Ural-Batyr" is now available in the Kyrgyz language thanks to the collaboration between the Bashkir publishing house "Kitap" and the Bashkir State Pedagogical University named after M. Akmulla. This information was announced at the "Kitap" publishing house. The translation of the epic was carried out by Ibrahim Abduvaliev, a professor at the Jalal-Abad State University named after B. Osmonov.

15.01.2026, 13:42
Local news / Cultural news

Negotiations between the Head of the Ministry of Culture of Kyrgyzstan and Representatives of Cultural Institutions Took Place in Austria

The Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan, Mirbek Mambetaliev, made a working trip to Austria, during which he familiarized himself with a number of cultural institutions and met with their leaders. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, among the meetings were negotiations with Ulrike Sih, the rector of the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, as well as with Christian Schicklgruber, the deputy director of the World Museum of Austria.

15.01.2026, 12:33
Local news / Cultural news

336 million soms allocated from the budget for the VI World Nomad Games

The Director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports, Kazybek Moldazhiyev, reported that 336 million soms have been allocated from the state budget for the organization of the World Nomad Games. The opening of the events is scheduled for August 31 at the "Bishkek Arena" stadium and will coincide with the anniversary summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

15.01.2026, 12:22
Local news / Cultural news

How is the reconstruction of the "Manas Ordo" complex in Talas progressing? Photos and videos

In the Talas region, the reconstruction of the Kyrgyz National Complex "Manas Ordo" is ongoing, as reported by the Ministry of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services. Currently, the installation of reinforcement frameworks and the laying of a monolithic reinforced concrete slab are taking place. Additionally, work is being done on the installation of formwork and excavation for the foundation pit.

15.01.2026, 12:16
Local news / Cultural news

The Minister of Culture and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Discussed the State of the Media Sphere in Kyrgyzstan

On January 13, a meeting took place in Vienna between the Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev and Jan Bratu, a representative of the OSCE dealing with media freedom issues. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the main topics of discussion concerned the state of the media sphere in Kyrgyzstan and issues related to freedom of expression.

14.01.2026, 10:49
Local news / Cultural news

The Minister of Culture of Kyrgyzstan discussed bilateral cooperation with representatives of the Austrian government

The Minister of Culture of Kyrgyzstan, Mirbek Mambetaliev, held a meeting with Zepp Shellhorn, the Secretary of State of the Federal Ministry of Europe and International Affairs of Austria, as well as with representatives of the Austrian Department of Cultural Policy. At the meeting, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the participants emphasized the importance of cultural and humanitarian ties, despite the active development of economic and technological cooperation.

14.01.2026, 09:56
Local news / Cultural news

At the IZO Museum, an exhibition by artist Ilgiz Edilson titled "Anatomy of Human Emotions" will take place.

On January 16, the National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev will open an exhibition titled "Anatomy of Human Emotions," created by artist Ilgiz Edilson. The press service of the Ministry of Culture shared this information. At the center of the exhibition is an exploration of human emotional experience, carried out through color solutions, forms, and spatial compositions. Four color environments and a multitude of emotional states, ranging from joy and trust to fear,

14.01.2026, 09:11
Local news / Cultural news

At the National Philharmonic, the 85th anniversary of composer and singer Ryspay Abdykadyrov was celebrated

An evening dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the birth of Rysbai Abdykadyrov, an outstanding composer and musician who became a classic of Kyrgyz musical culture and a honored artist of Kyrgyzstan, took place at the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the event gathered state and public figures, musicologists, representatives of the creative intelligentsia, and admirers of the work of this great composer.

13.01.2026, 17:42
Local news / Cultural news

The deputy proposed to preserve the title "People's Poet"

At the meeting of the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on Constitutional Legislation, held on January 13, Deputy Janar Akaev raised important questions regarding the draft law related to the reform of the system of state awards and honorary titles. Answers to his questions were provided by Deputy Minister of Justice Kuban Kazakov.

13.01.2026, 17:38
Local news / Cultural news

The deputy believes that combining the titles of "People's Poet" and "People's Writer" is incorrect.

On January 13, at a meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh dealing with constitutional legislation, deputy Gulnara Akimbaeva initiated a discussion on a draft law concerning state awards and honorary titles. During the discussion, Deputy Minister of Justice Kuban Kazakov noted that the aim of the draft law is to optimize the award system, proposing to reduce the number of state awards and honorary titles from 46 to 20. In the new version of the draft, 5 honorary titles will remain.

13.01.2026, 12:53
Local news / Cultural news

The deputy opposed the removal of the title "Honored" from the state awards system

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh Committee on Constitutional Legislation, held on January 13, Deputy Marlen Mamataliyev expressed his disagreement with several provisions of the draft law concerning the reform of the system of state awards and honorary titles. He categorically opposed the removal of the "Honored" titles from this system, emphasizing that they play a key role in recognizing the contributions of specialists who have worked in their fields for many years and strive

13.01.2026, 12:44
Local news / Cultural news

"Kyrgyzstan will have its own film studio and its own Dolby Atmos studio, - Minister of Culture"

The development of the film industry in Kyrgyzstan is gaining momentum: according to the Minister of Culture Mirbek Mambetaliev, about 70% of all distribution certificates in the country are issued to domestic films. In an interview with AKIpress, he noted that Kyrgyz cinema is popular, and audiences are actively visiting theaters. "Our goal is to provide state support for the further development of this sector," he emphasized. The minister shared plans to create a film studio, noting

09.01.2026, 22:24
Local news / Cultural news

The Minister of Culture spoke about the events held during state visits.

The Minister of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev, stated in an interview with AKIpress that during state visits, Days of Culture and cultural evenings are held. He noted that the cultural component is of great importance at such meetings. As an example, the minister cited the recent state visit of the president to Tajikistan, during which a joint concert with Tajik cultural figures was organized. This concert lasted about an hour and a half and featured many domestic artists and musicians,

09.01.2026, 16:18
Local news / Cultural news

Over 500 million soms will be spent on the organization of the Nomad Games. The Minister of Culture shared details about the preparations for the WIK.

The opening and closing of the VI World Nomad Games will take place from September 1 to 6 in Bishkek, at the new "Bishkek-Arena" stadium. The organization process is under the control of the president, who heads the working group assigned to the presidential chief of staff, Kanibek Tumanbaev. This information was announced in an interview with AKIpress by the Minister of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev. According to Mambetaliev, the working group meets almost every two weeks to discuss

09.01.2026, 14:49
Local news / Cultural news

The premiere of the play "Mommy" will take place at the Russian Drama Theater.

At the Russian Drama Theater named after Chyngyz Aitmatov, on January 30 and 31, audiences will be able to see the premiere of the farce-comedy "Momulya," based on the play by Sergey Belov. According to the theater's information, the production was directed by Vyacheslav Vitti, and the creative team also included artist Angelina Gayer, movement director Maxim Lisovsky, and lighting designer Vladimir Karchin.

09.01.2026, 11:21
Local news / Cultural news

"All major events in the country are equipped by one state enterprise, the equipment must be in one hand, - Minister of Culture"

As of today, most republican events are supported by equipment owned by the state enterprise "Kyrgyz Madaniyat Service." Previously, renting equipment from private individuals was very costly for the budget. This was reported by the head of the Ministry of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev, in an interview with AKIpress. According to Mambetaliev, "Kyrgyz Madaniyat Service" has a powerful technical base.

08.01.2026, 18:43
Local news / Cultural news

International experts have begun preparing a new nomination for the optimization of the buffer zone boundaries of "Sulaiman-Too"

On January 7, the head of the Ministry of Culture of Kyrgyzstan, Mirbek Mambetaliev, along with Deputy Askaraly Madaminov, held a meeting with an international team of experts who arrived in the country to work on the UNESCO project "Sacred Mountain – Sulayman-Too." According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the experts will be in Kyrgyzstan from January 7 to 12. Their goal is to prepare new nominations that will help optimize the boundaries of the buffer zone of the

08.01.2026, 16:06