News about Kyrgyzstan, tourism, attractions, Kyrgyz cuisine, history, traditions, and customs
Local news / Cultural news

Marup Uulu Kaldarbek Appointed Artistic Director of the Osh Regional Philharmonic

On December 29, Marup uulu Kaldarbek was appointed as the artistic director of the Osh Regional Philharmonic named after R. Abdykadyrov. The decree on his appointment, which comes into effect with a three-month probation period, was signed by the Ministry of Culture. Marup uulu Kaldarbek was born on August 12, 1997, in the village of Kara-Gur, located in the Kara-Suu district of the Osh region. In 2019, he completed his studies at the Faculty of Arts of Osh State University, majoring in

30.12.2025, 22:12
Local news / Cultural news

A monument to the film director Tölömüş Okeeva has been erected in Bishkek

On December 30, a monument was unveiled in Bishkek to the outstanding film director, People's Artist of the USSR, and public figure Tölömüş Okeev. The information about this event was disseminated by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Important figures present at the ceremony included State Secretary Arslan Koychiev, Presidential Advisor Marat Imankulov, Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh Umbetaly Kydyraliev, Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev,

30.12.2025, 15:23
Local news / Cultural news

A New Year's Tree for Children with Disabilities Took Place at the Puppet Theater

At the State Puppet Theater named after Musa Jangaziev, a New Year's tree event was held for children with disabilities from Bishkek and the Chui region, as well as for those in difficult life situations. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, the event was attended by the Minister of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev, who congratulated the participants and theater staff.

29.12.2025, 13:32
Local news / Cultural news

"The History of the Manaschi": The Story of the Manaschi Mambetaly Ashymbay Uulu (Kökcheke)

On February 18, a presentation of the book "Manaschylar" took place at the National Theater "Manas," which features the biographies and life stories of 150 manaschy over the last five centuries. The author of the book is Nurbek Talantbekov, who holds the position of theater director and is himself a manaschy. In the book, the manaschy are presented in chronological order, and the poems that complement their stories were written by manaschy Rysbay Isakov. Nurbek Talantbekov

29.12.2025, 13:23
Local news / Cultural news

The premiere of the play "Dürpaasha" will take place at the Jalal-Abad Drama Theater named after Barpy.

On December 29, the long-awaited premiere of the play "Dürpaasha" will take place at the Drama Theater named after Brapa, located in the Jalal-Abad region. This project was created by the talented playwright M. Kuryazov and directed by Azimbek Jumaan. According to information from the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the main roles in the play will be performed by Anara Kultaeva as Dürpaasha, Bakyt Jumaliev as the King, and Bektursun Ashirmatov as Alisher. In addition,

29.12.2025, 11:35
Local news / Cultural news

<b>Piano for 25 million, 7 billion soms in the budget, demolition of cultural monuments.</b> An extensive interview with the Minister of Culture Mirbek Mambetaliev.

AKIpress summarizes the results of 2025 in the field of culture in Kyrgyzstan together with the Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mambetaliev. During the conversation, we discussed key achievements and projects implemented in the cultural sphere in 2025. Among them are major renovations of theaters, the launch of new musicals, and a significant increase in funding. The minister also shared information about cultural diplomacy, the holding of Culture Days in other

29.12.2025, 11:31
Local news / Cultural news

In Bishkek, the 124th anniversary of the statesman Jusup Abdrakhmanov was celebrated

In Bishkek, at the Alley of Founders of Kyrgyz Statehood, a commemorative event was held dedicated to the 124th anniversary of the statesman Jusup Abdrakhmanov, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Attending the ceremony were State Secretary Arslan Koichiev, Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev, as well as historians, government representatives, and students.

29.12.2025, 11:30
Local news / Cultural news

The Minister of Culture inspected the construction of the new building of the Kurentkeyev Music College

Mirbek Mambetaliev, holding the position of Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, visited the construction site of the new National Music College named after M. Kureneev, located in Bishkek. According to the information from the ministry's press service, the minister emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to the construction schedule, as well as the importance of maintaining high quality standards. He also provided instructions to the leaders on several important issues.

29.12.2025, 10:14
Local news / Cultural news

The competition "Best Grandfather" and "Best Grandmother" took place in Bishkek.

On December 26, a competition dedicated to the best grandfathers and grandmothers of Kyrgyzstan — "Mykty Chon Ata" and "Mykty Chon Apa" — took place at the capital's House of Culture "Dialog." This event was organized to support and promote family values and Kyrgyz traditions, as reported by the press service of the Bishkek city administration. The event was organized by the Department of Physical Culture and Sports, as well as Tourism and Youth Policy of the

27.12.2025, 17:50
Local news / Cultural news

In Bishkek, the first military historical series in the history of Kyrgyzstan "Ört kechken söyke" will be presented

On December 29, the long-awaited premiere of the first military historical TV series "Өрт кечкен сөйкө" will take place in Bishkek, which has become a significant event for Kyrgyz cinema. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. The project was implemented by the State Creative and Production Association "Kyrgyzserial" with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Defense, and the Department of Cinema.

26.12.2025, 17:02
Local news / Cultural news / Exclusive

The Osh Drama Theater presented the play "Kurmanjan" in the city of Kokand, Uzbekistan. Photo

On December 25, the Osh National Drama Theater named after Sultan Ibraimov held a tour in Kokand, a historic city in Uzbekistan, where it presented its new performance "Kurmanjan." According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the theater troupe, under the direction of artistic director Ulanmyrza Karypbaev, performed on the stage of the Kokand City Musical and Dramatic Theater.

26.12.2025, 16:03
Local news / Cultural news

Zhapаров asked to wait on the construction of cultural houses in the villages

On December 26, at the IV People's Kurultai, President Sadyr Japarov addressed the delegates who expressed the need for the construction of cultural houses in rural areas. He suggested temporarily suspending these projects, pointing out that many existing facilities are not functioning and are simply vacant. Japarov emphasized that maintaining such institutions requires significant resources. As an illustration, he mentioned the cultural house in his native village.

26.12.2025, 13:44
Local news / Cultural news / Exclusive

In honor of the 90th anniversary of the Gapar Aitiev Museum, a musical composition titled Gapar was presented. Video

In honor of the 90th anniversary of the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev, a musical composition titled Gapar was created by composer and pianist Munara Korpotaeva. This event is timed to coincide with the anniversary exhibition "Museale-90." According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, on December 11, during a creative evening at the museum, Munara performed this piece, inspired by various artistic directions, including painting, sculpture,

26.12.2025, 12:18
Local news / Cultural news

Composer Roland Seyitbekov created 4 compositions for the 90th anniversary of the Gapar Aitiev Museum of Fine Arts

The composer and musician Roland Seyitbekov presented four musical pieces dedicated to various forms of art displayed at the National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev, timed to coincide with his 90th anniversary. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, during the work on the project, the author visited the museum multiple times, studying both the permanent exhibitions and temporary displays.

26.12.2025, 11:25
Local news / Cultural news

Kyrgyz ballet artists completed their tour in Spain

The ballet troupe of the Kyrgyz National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after A. Maldybaev has completed its performances in Spain, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. From December 8 to 23, the artists presented their numbers in cities such as Zaragoza, Calpe, Riba-Roja de Ebro, Chativa, Alicante, La Nucia, and Gandia, performing well-known works: "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and "Don Quixote."

26.12.2025, 11:09
Local news / Cultural news

In the city of Chelyabinsk, it was proposed to install a monument to Chyngyz Aitmatov

In Chelyabinsk, Russia, a monument to the famous writer Chyngyz Aitmatov is planned to be installed in a park that already bears his name. This proposal was voiced by Zina Bakirova, the head of the Kyrgyz diaspora, at the People's Kurultai. She emphasized that many citizens of Kyrgyzstan are outside their country for various reasons, and the diasporas are actively promoting the Kyrgyz language and culture. In particular, there is already a park in Chelyabinsk dedicated to Chyngyz Aitmatov.

25.12.2025, 17:32
Local news / Cultural news

"History of the Manaschi": The Story of the Manaschi Kumash Uulu Inash

On February 18, the National Theater "Manas" hosted the presentation of the book "Manaschylar," which compiles information about 150 manaschy, their biographies, and life stories over the last five centuries. This project was developed by Nurbek Talantbekov, who is a manaschy and the director of the theater. In the book, the list of manaschy is organized chronologically, and the additions in the form of poems to the stories of each of them were prepared by manaschy Rysbay

25.12.2025, 14:10
Local news / Cultural news

The premiere of the historical series "Kara-Kyrgyz" took place in Bishkek.

On December 24, a screening of the new historical series "Kara-Kyrgyz" took place in Bishkek, dedicated to the centenary of Kyrgyz statehood. According to information provided by the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the series was created by the state institution "Kyrgyzserial" with financial support from the Ministry. Its script is based on materials from the state archive and various historical sources.

25.12.2025, 13:45
Local news / Cultural news

The Ministry of Culture has appealed to law enforcement regarding the demolition of historical and architectural sites, - Minister

The Minister of Culture, Mirbek Mambetaliev, reported at a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh that the department has sent a request to law enforcement agencies regarding the demolition of historical and architectural objects. During the discussion, a deputy asked what damage had been inflicted on the state as a result of the destruction of numerous monuments, including fountains, mosaics, and memorials.

24.12.2025, 20:12
Local news / Cultural news

The deputy requests the Ministry of Finance to allocate 12 billion soms to the cultural sector in 2026

According to the legislation, 3% of the republican budget should be allocated to culture; however, in recent years, only 1% has been allocated to this sector. This was reported by deputy Santalat Amanova (district No. 6) at a meeting of several committees of the Jogorku Kenesh on December 23. The deputy noted that in the report for 2024, this figure has increased to 1.5%.

23.12.2025, 17:15
Local news / Cultural news

The Puppet Theater has opened the season of New Year's performances

On December 19, the State Puppet Theater named after Musa Zhangaziev began its New Year performances, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. Children from Special School No. 30 in the Sverdlovsk District were the first audience of the theater. They not only watched the show with Father Frost and the Snow Maiden by the New Year tree but also actively participated in interactive games with their favorite fairy tale characters.

23.12.2025, 16:14
Local news / Cultural news / Exclusive

The Chuy Chamber Orchestra held a concert at Osh Airport, where flights have been grounded since night. Video

The Chuy Chamber Orchestra concluded its tour with performances in cities such as Osh, Manas, and the Alaï region. According to information provided by the orchestra, their final concert took place on December 21 in Alaï, after which the musicians planned to fly out; however, adverse weather conditions delayed them at the Osh airport.

22.12.2025, 17:37
Local news / Cultural news

"The History of the Manaschi": The Story of the Manaschi Mambet Chokmor Uulu

On February 18, a presentation of the book titled "Manaschylar" took place at the National Theater "Manas," featuring the biographies and stories of 150 manaschy, covering the last 500 years. The author of the book is manaschy and theater director Nurbek Talantbekov. The biographies of the manaschy in the book are arranged chronologically and are supplemented with verses from manaschy Rysbai Isakov. Nurbek Talantbekov emphasized that manaschy is not just entertainment, but

22.12.2025, 14:21
Local news / Cultural news

The National Academy "Manas" holds a series of meetings in India to promote the epic "Manas"

During a working trip to India, representatives of the National Academy "Manas" held a series of meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and presenting the epic of the Kyrgyz people "Manas" to the Indian audience. According to reports from the Academy, the meetings discussed opportunities for developing scientific and academic collaboration, including conducting joint research, organizing conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events.

22.12.2025, 13:47
Local news / Cultural news

On December 30, the national film award ceremony "Ak Ilbirs" will take place in Bishkek.

In Bishkek, on December 30, at 17:00, the award ceremony of the National Film Award "Ak Ilbirs" will take place at the Opera and Ballet Theater. This prestigious award is one of the most significant in the field of cinema in Kyrgyzstan and annually recognizes outstanding achievements in national cinematography, bringing together leading actors, directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, and technical specialists at one event.

22.12.2025, 12:51
Local news / Cultural news

Kyrgyzstan and Turkey Discussed Cooperation in the Field of Cinematography

As part of the forum dedicated to countering disinformation among the member states of the Organization of Turkic States, Marat Tagaev, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan, held a meeting with Birol Güven, General Director of the Department of Cinematography of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey. During the conversation, the possibilities for cooperation in the field of cinematography were discussed. The participants exchanged ideas about the

22.12.2025, 11:44
Local news / Cultural news

In Astana, a presentation of novels by Kyrgyz authors published in the Kazakh language took place.

In Astana, at the National Academic Library, a presentation of novels by Kyrgyz writers translated into Kazakh was held. According to the press service of the President's Administration, the event featured the books of Arslan Koichiev "Mismildirik" ("The Curse of Authority") and Sultan Raev "Topon," published as part of the series "Literature of the Turkic World."

22.12.2025, 11:05
Local news / Cultural news

The Ministry of Culture awarded D Billions for their contribution to the creative industry of Kyrgyzstan

On December 19, the Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev awarded members of the creative team D Billions for their significant contribution to the development of the creative industry in Kyrgyzstan. This was reported by the ministry's press service. During the award ceremony, the minister interacted with the team members, appreciating their creative achievements and expressing hope for further success in their activities.

22.12.2025, 09:49
Local news / Cultural news

The Minister of Culture and an international group of architects, historians, and researchers discussed bilateral cooperation.

The Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mambetaliev, held a meeting with an international group of architects, historians, and researchers, as reported by the press service of the ministry. During the meeting, Ekaterina Golovatyuk, who heads the international group, presented the concept of a new project aimed at preserving, researching, and updating Soviet architecture and urban planning objects in accordance with current requirements.

22.12.2025, 09:47
Local news / Cultural news

Kyrgyzstan and Turkey Discussed Cooperation in the Field of Media and Communications

At the forum dedicated to combating disinformation among the member states of the Turkic Council in Ankara, the Deputy Minister of Culture of Kyrgyzstan, Marat Tagaev, held a meeting with the head of the Communications Department of the Turkish Presidential Administration, Burhanettin Duran. The press service of the Ministry of Culture reported that during the discussion, the focus was on the prospects for cooperation in areas such as media content creation, development of analytical materials,

22.12.2025, 09:33
Local news / Cultural news

Kyrgyzstan and Japan will continue cooperation in the field of archaeology

On December 18, 2025, a meeting took place in Bishkek between Askarala Madaminov, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, and Kazuya Yamauchi, a professor and archaeologist from Tokyo University, as well as Yoji Sakakibara, an expert from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Kyrgyzstan. During the discussion, the participants met to review the current state of archaeological work being conducted in the vicinity of Ak-Beshim (Suyab) in the Chui region, with

21.12.2025, 11:14
Local news / Cultural news / Exclusive

Hollywood-Asia: An Interview with Asel Sherniyazova, Sean Baker, and Shi-Chin Tsou on Independent Cinema and Inner Freedom. Video

Asel Sherniyazova conducted an interview with Sean Baker and Shi-Chin Tsou. The film "Left-Handed" can be viewed not only as a story about how difficult it is to be different but also as a deep reflection on individuality, self-acceptance, and the right to remain true to oneself in a world that strives for conformism.

19.12.2025, 17:18
Local news / Cultural news

The Ministry of Culture held a symposium on the preservation of the archaeological site of Ak-Beshim

On December 17, the Ministry of Culture held a scientific symposium dedicated to the archaeological site of Ak-Beshim (Suyab), which is located in the Chui region and included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the event was attended by scholars, archaeologists, representatives of government institutions, and experts in the field of tourism.

19.12.2025, 14:13
Local news / Cultural news

A conference was held in Bishkek to mark the 90th anniversary of the people's poet of Kyrgyzstan, Ernist Tursunov.

On December 18, a conference dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the people's poet of Kyrgyzstan, Ernis Tursunov, took place in Bishkek. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. High-ranking guests attended the event, including the First Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, Suzbek Nadyrbekov, the Rector of the Kyrgyz National University, Dogdurbek Chontoev, as well as representatives of the public, cultural figures, writers, teachers, and

19.12.2025, 11:27
Local news / Cultural news

"History of the Manaschi": The Story of the Manaschi Sayakbay Karalaev

The book "Manaschylar," dedicated to the lives and achievements of 150 manaschy over the last 500 years, was presented on February 18 at the National Theater "Manas." This work is the result of the efforts of manaschy and the theater director Nurbek Talantbekov. In the book, the biographies of the manaschy are arranged in chronological order, each accompanied by verses from the manaschy Rysbay Isakov. Nurbek Talantbekov emphasizes that manaschy is not only an art or

18.12.2025, 21:27
Local news / Cultural news

The Minister of Culture spoke at the UN General Assembly meeting on issues of the information society

On December 16, the Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev, together with the Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan to the UN Aida Kasymalieva, participated in a meeting of the UN General Assembly. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, a high-level meeting took place during the event, dedicated to analyzing the results of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), where the minister delivered a report.

18.12.2025, 17:07
Local news / Cultural news

In Bishkek, the "Volunteer Games - 2025" will take place. Program

On December 20, the "Volunteer Games - 2025" will take place at the "Vostok-5" Sports and Recreation Complex in Bishkek. This event is organized by the Public Association "Youth Movement of Kyrgyzstan" with the support of the Ministry of Culture. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, the event will feature team competitions aimed at strengthening ties between volunteer and youth organizations, developing a culture of volunteering, and promoting

18.12.2025, 14:59
Local news / Cultural news

The competition "Exemplary Elder" took place in Bishkek

At the "Aqniet" educational center, which helps children in difficult life situations, a competition called "Ulguluu Aksakal" took place. This event is aimed at fostering respect for traditions and the older generation among the students. The information was provided by the press service of the Bishkek mayor's office. Employees of the center participated in the competition, presenting their autobiographies and sharing their life and professional experiences,

18.12.2025, 14:53
Local news / Cultural news

In Bishkek, an exhibition of paintings by convicts titled "The Pen of Hope" was held.

On December 18, a cultural event titled "The Brush of Hope" took place at the Semen Chuykov Art Gallery, featuring artworks created by inmates in the institutions of the State Penitentiary Service. This information was provided by the press service of the SPS. This event was the first of its kind in the history of the penal system. Representatives of public organizations, bloggers, and residents of Bishkek gathered for it. The exhibition attracted the attention of viewers, becoming a

18.12.2025, 14:25